Pimlico picks and ponderings August 1, 2021

Horses round the first turn at Pimlico. Photo: Dottie Miller

In which we pick the races from Pimlico each day…

Post time: 12:40 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 -$8,409 Super High 5 — $0 Late Pick 5 — $0

ANALYSIS

RACE 1: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

• 2-7-4-1
• #2 Sweet Talking Sam (2/1) stretched out for the first time last out, in a race where the top two finishers were on the front end the whole way. She chased them and ended up third, a length clear of the others. She’ll try to keep moving forward second time at this condition. #7 Dancing Til Dusk (7/5) broke her maiden here three races back, then faced better at Penn National and Colonial Downs. She earned a brisnet figure of 81 in her maiden win, but declined to a 76 two back and a 70 last out. If she bounces back by even a few points, she’ll be tough. #4 Wolverette (8/1) is another one dropping in class, having faced Virginia-bred stakes company last out. Trainer Susan Cooney is 1-for-34 with horses third off the layoff. 
• RACE 2: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES
• 3-1-6-2

• #3 Supporting Actor (8/5) keeps moving forward and ran a big race last out, earning a 73 while losing by a nose after a game effort. Hugh McMahon claimed him out of that race. Interestingly, he’s crossed the wire second in all three of his races, but was put up to first in his debut. #1 Sir Lenny (1/1) drops from the $16,000 level and has run three consecutive figures in the mid-70s. Gets a jockey switch to Claudio Gonzalez’s top-call rider, Angel Cruz. #6 Rockin Ron (9/2) has finished third five times in a row, and six times within his last seven races. He’s run some good figures in his recent lines, but hasn’t really shown the closing punch needed to earn a better figure. 

RACE 3: CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 FURLONGS (GRASS)

• 3-1-4-5
• #3 What’s Inside (8/5) was well-backed against better at Delaware last out, and was a respectable third. He’s taken a few steps back from last year, but he should still be good enough to win against these. #1 Jammer (12/1) has no early speed at all, which is usually not a good thing for a grass sprinter. However, he really flies late, with some of the best late pace figures in the race. Could round out the exacta at a good price. #4 I Got a Rock (9/5) was blazing fast last year at Penn National, with two gate-to-wire wins on their grass surface. He’s making his first start of the year here, but should still be tough if he can get to the front. 

ANALYSIS

RACE 4: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

• 6-4-3-2
• #6 Threethehardway (5/2) was claimed out of his last start by Bob Klesaris, back on January 18. He stays at this level for the first start of his return, and gets a big jockey upgrade to Charlie Marquez. He earned figures in the mid-70s pretty steadily over the winter. #4 Lectric Choke (5/2) made good ground last out and just missed behind the classy veteran Monkey’s Medal. His only bad race came when he was a bit too aggressive early on and tried to get close to the pace. Sheldon Russell rode him last fall, so he should have some familiarity as he reclaims the mount. #3 My Sacred Place (2/1) had an ambitious trip last time and stopped. The task should be simple here: just get to the lead and the rail. 
• RACE 5: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)
• 5-7-6-4
• #5 I Love You (3/1) handily beat a Maryland-bred allowance field last out, and was second to the very sharp Judi Blue Eyes two grass races back. Carol Cedeno is here just for this mount, which is pretty encouraging. #7 Traffic Song (4/1) broke her maiden at third asking last out in a game front-running performance. She got away with slow fractions in that race, but it’s certainly possible she gets away with them again. #6 Kitten With a Whip (5/2) was second against similar despite a wide trip last out. She held her own at Belmont Park two back, with a big figure of 82.
• RACE 6: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

• 5-6-1-3
• #5 Smart Step (5/2) had raced only evenly in most of his prior races, but closed sharply last out to get second, behind only the freewheeling Rock and Fellers. Should put in another big rally here. #6 Amen Corner (5/2) returned off a brief layoff last out, and stormed wide to win against slightly weaker going away. His figure of 79 was the best he’s earned all year. #1 Mystic Times (4/1) tends to make what look like big moves, but flatten out in the stretch. He always earns checks, though, and should get one here while rounding out trifectas and superfectas at a decent price.

ANALYSIS

RACE 7 – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

• 4-3-6-7
• #4 Dream About Me (3/1) rallied well for fifth in her grass debut back in April at Gulfstream Park, which was also her most recent start. She’s lightly raced and adds sharp grass jockey Forest Boyce. #3 Unshakable U (2/1) makes her first start for Anthony Farrior, and has the most early speed in the field. She also spent the winter and spring in Florida, and makes her first start since May 7 here. #6 Factor In (5/1) ran well in her first start off a long break last out at Delaware despite some traffic trouble.

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