OUR EXPERTS PICKS THE MATCH SERIES STAKES
The Biz- July 31, 2021
Saturday’s racing slate in the Mid-Atlantic includes three stakes that are part of the MATCH Series: the Alma North, Deputed Testamony, and Challedon, all at Pimlico Race Course.
After scratches the three races include a total of 16 horses. But among that group are such popular local stalwarts as Laki, Harpers First Ride, and Hello Beautiful.
We asked a couple of our experts for their picks:
- HISA seeks to limit provisional suspensionsThe Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is seeking to limit the use of provisional suspensions in its medication control program.
ALMA NORTH STAKES: 6 FURLONGS, $100,000, FILLIES AND MARES 3YO AND UP
The region’s two best sprinting fillies, Hello and Beautiful and Chub Wagon, squared off in a thriller in the Shine Again in June. But Chub Wagon went to Delaware July 10 for her most recent start, while Hello Beautiful stays in Maryland, where she’ll be the overwhelming favorite in this spot.
| John Piassek | Frank Vespe | Derby Bill Watson | |
| First | #2 Hello Beautiful (3-5) | #2 Hello Beautiful (3-5) | #2 Hello Beautiful (3-5) |
| Second | #6 Precious (5-1) | #4 Paisley Singing (12-1) | #4 Paisley Singing (12-1) |
| Third | #4 Paisley Singing (12-1) | #6 Precious (5-1) | #6 Precious (5-1) |
DEPUTED TESTAMONY STAKES: 1 1/8 MILES, $100,000, 3YO AND UP
This season hasn’t been quite as kind to Harpers First Ride as was 2020 — when he won four stakes, including the G3 Pimlico Special in the second half of the year. But he won last out and might be getting back on track for trainer Claudio Gonzalez. Hard-hitting veteran Cordmaker hasn’t raced since May but owns two wins at the trip and won the nine-furlong Harrison Johnson earlier this year.
| John Piassek | Frank Vespe | Derby Bill Watson | |
| First | #4 Cordmaker (4-1) | #4 Cordmaker (4-1) | #1 Magic Michael (3-1) |
| Second | #1 Magic Michael (3-1) | #1 Magic Michael (3-1) | #5 Mischief Afoot (9-2) |
| Third | #6 Harpers First Ride (9-5) | #5 Mischief Afoot (9-2) | #6 Harpers First Ride (9-5) |
CHALLEDON STAKES: 6 FURLONGS, $100,000, 3YO AND UP
Whereshetoldmetogo got back on track with a dominant win in the Alapocas Run at Delaware Park July 3 in his first start since April. He’ll meet an old rival here in Laki, who has won at least one stake in each of the last five years.
| John Piassek | Frank Vespe | Derby Bill Watson | |
| First | #5 Whereshetoldmetogo (8-5) | #1 Lebda (9-2) | #4 Laki (2-1) |
| Second | #4 Laki (2-1) | #5 Whereshetoldmetogo (8-5) | #5 Whereshetoldmetogo (8-5) |
| Third | #2 Mucho (3-1) | #4 Laki (2-1) | #1 Lebda (9-2) |
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