RACE 1: CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

3-5-4-6

Today’s 9-race card starts with a layup. #3 No More Mask (3/5) handily won at this level three races back, and got up to beat a $16,000 field two races back. She struggled last out, but now takes a big drop in class and should save more ground. She hasn’t run worse than a 66 in any of her last three races; no one else has run better than a 63 in any of their last three starts. #5 Heidi T (7/2) made her first start against winners last out, and closed strongly for third after falling well behind the early pace. Has plenty of upside. #4 Rubi de Leon (4/1) has raced evenly in her two starts against winners and should have enough late to close for a piece.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

4-5-1-7

#4 Biscotto d’Oro (9/5) showed some promise earlier in the meet, but has not been the same in his last few starts. Still, he has the best last-out figure in the race, a 68, by nine points. He’s cutting back from 1 1/16 miles and goes first off the claim for Jose Corrales. #5 Playing Gold (5/2) has not hit the board in eleven career starts, but most of those races were against better and on grass. He’ll try to wake up with a change of scenery. #1 Dolce Vita (5/2) drops to this level for the first time and ran on well going 5 1/2 furlongs in his debut two starts back.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $8,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

8-7-2-1

#8 Ghost Stalker (6/1) ran a big race in his return to these parts, battling gamely on the lead throughout. He’s run no worse than a 76 in any of his last five races. He kind of took the lead buy default in that race, so we’ll see which strategy is employed here. #7 Krachenwagen (5/1) got up to win his first start off a brief layoff, but struggled in his next start. Gets some class relief here. #2 Hayne’s Fever (7/2) drops from the starter allowance level and looks for a rebound after a wide trip last out. He ran back-to-back figures of 85 prior to his most recent outing.

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

1A-3-7-6

Both halves of the Jamie Ness entry look very strong. I’ll give the edge to #1A Flatexcel (6/5), who has lots of early speed and gets to face a pretty easy field. He should be able to run them off their feet. #3 Cooke Brothers (3/1) consistently runs in the 70s and low 80s and has great late pace figures. Look for him to try and mow them down late. #7 Tappin for Glory (8/1) also had great late pace figures and ran a big second when closing off a very slow pace two races back.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3, 4 AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

7-2-3-9

#7 Flat Cat (8/5) just missed against better in his first start off a very long layoff two back, then struggled after a tough trip last out. Drops from the $25,000 level and has room to improve. #2 Dune Dune (7/2) ran a game race on the lead last out and looks fast enough to finish the job on the front end this time. #3 Callyourightback (10/1) got caught up in very fast fractions going a mile last out and faded, but ran some decent figures in prior starts and could get a piece at big odds.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

3-1-4-6

#3 Milton the Monster (8/5) ran a giant figure of 107 in a dominant victory two starts back at Parx. He stepped up to the Stymie Stakes at Aqueduct next out, and finished third after pressing the pace. We’ll see which version of him shows up here. #1 Arthur’s Hope (6/1) has improved his figure in his last four starts, peaking at a 100 last out at Aqueduct. Usually he stalks the pace, makes a big middle move, and flattens out. We’ll see if he can time things a bit better here. #4 Hunter Joe (9/2) has run big races on the lead in his last two starts and will be a serious presence on the early lead.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

4-3-7-5

#4 Summer Odds (5/1) has hit the board in her last two starts at this level, putting in good rallies in the stretch both times. She’s the only one in the field with back-to-back figures in the 80s in her last two starts. #3 Toss a Coin (5/1) broke her maiden at six furlongs two starts back and now returns to this distance after a try at two turns last out. If she improves off the 78 she earned in her maiden win, she’ll be a contender. #7 Lucky Us (2/1) goes first off the claim at Turfway Park by Anthony Farrior and has the most early speed of anyone in the field. His recent midwestern claims went 1-for-2 yesterday.

RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

5-3-6-4

#5 Escape Fund (6/5) has won three consecutive races, two of which came at this level. She should get her usual stalking trip and run away from them in the end. #3 Song of Honor (4/1) also has a decent closing punch but has inconsistent form. If she runs to her race two back, when she rated off the pace and drew off against a n/w1x field, she has a chance to pull off the upset. #6 R Averie Lynn (4/1) has managed to finish second four times in a row, which is not easy to do. Look for her to set the pace and get caught in the last eighth or so.

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $40,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

1-5-7-6

This race starts the Stronach 5. #1 Isabella’s Glory (9/2) has run no worse than a 67 in any of her last five starts, and has closed well in her last few against similar. In contrast, #5 All Worked Up (7/2) has lots of early speed, but has trouble holding it together on the front end. She’ll be able to get to the lead and the rail; maybe the shorter distance will help her out. #7 Cush Effect (8/1) got bet on debut and just missed third with a decent stretch rally. Should improve second time out.