Race #1 Picks: 3-5-2-1

This $8,000 claiming race for fillies and mares N2L at 1 mile and 70 yards is a wide open affair. #3 Bellswillberinging (4-1) went very wide on the turn and lost some ground in last. She still managed to close some, and we have her on top today. #5 Dixieland Dancer (3-1) ran well in last with a 52 speed figure, which is the best in this field. #2 Martharita (6-1) just missed at Laurel in last, now taking a small drop for Kieron Magee who has been very hot at Delaware in limited starts. #1 Grand Diana (2-1) won a maiden race in last by almost nine lengths as the speed in front of her collapsed.

Race #2 Picks:  2-1-6-3

In this allowance/optional claiming race for N1X for fillies and mares at 6 furlongs, #2 Dancer’s Melody (7-2) is in with a $15,000 price tag and back to sprinting after trying routes. Drop should help on second back after a layoff.  #1 A Real Jewel (9-5) is another runner moving back to a sprint after trying longer. She has the most early speed and may not get collared if she can get clear. A contender. #6 Middie (5-2) is moving back to dirt after trying the Hawthorne turf. She was very impressive in a MSW race two back when she won by 7 ¼ lengths. #3 Miss Betty (6-1) ran a 66 figure to win her debut race after badly missing the break. In against tougher competition this time.

Race #3 Picks: 5-7-12-1

This $16,000 maiden claiming race for fillies and mares at a mile and 70 yards is wide open with no clear-cut favorites, but pushing the “all” button in multi-race exotics will be expensive with this large field. #5 Lisa Marie (6-1) is taking a class drop and has some decent turf races under her belt. Jeremy Rose up for the first time and maybe the jockey switch will make a difference. #7 Brummagem (4-1) has been out for nine months but did put in a good effort in a turf race here at Delaware and has flashed early speed, which is otherwise lacking in this field. #12 Memories Eternal (10-1) often runs well enough to get in the top three but has not been able to win in 15 tries.

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Race #4 Picks: 5-3-1A-4

In this $16,000 maiden claiming race for two-year-olds at 5 ½ furlongs, #5 Gettin’downonit (12-1) showed good early speed in last when he got in a duel. Got too close to the rail and lost some momentum. He is a contender today. #3 Mean Tweets (10-1) is a firster forChelsey Moysey and has been working well, including a 5F work on July 2 and two subsequent breezes. Could surprise today. #1A The Grayt Pumpkin (12-1) showed some speed in debut race and could improve for Anthony Pecoraro, who wins at a 26% clip in maiden second starts in 19 attempts.

Race #5 Picks: 11-3-4-9

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf for fillies and mares, #11 Looks Don’t Lie (9-2) finally left the maiden ranks two starts back before facing tougher. Now moving to a more realistic level and the 66 figure in last looks impressive against this field. #3 Downtown Katie (4-1) is very inconsistent, but when she runs one of her better races, she has the speed to be competitive with this group. This will be her second race under the training of Michael Gorham and improvement is possible.   #4 Cashing Big Checks (8-1) possibly will only run if this race is taken off the turf, but even if it stays on the turf and she runs, she still has the class to make an impact. #9 Tak E Lady (10-1) is back to being trained by Lynn Ashby. Had a couple decent races at Delaware last year and could be in the mix.

Race #6 Picks: 8-1A-5-3

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at 6 furlongs, #8 Legal Deal (5-2) appears to have a class edge over this group. Trainer Carlos David is making his first appearance at Delaware Park and this gelding has been facing tougher in Florida before running evenly at Monmouth. We have him on top today. Jamie Ness is sending out the Parx speed burner #1A Sevier (7-2) who will be looking to take this field gate to wire. Jaime Rodriguez will be on top for the first time and he is very good at rating a horse when he gets clear. He looks dangerous here. #5 Aspect (9-2) has not quite been able to reach last year’s form so far in 2022, but third back after the layoff could be the charm. He fits very well with this group. #3 John’s Promise (10-1) has had trouble winning but always fights hard and is usually competitive. With a little racing luck, he might get it done.

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Race #7 Picks: 2-13-8-1

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #2 XY Time (6-1) is the lone early speed horse on the turf. Was in a little over his head in the Kent, and this spot seems more realistic. It may be a little early in the year to back a 3YO against older horses, but this one is a February foal, has some talent, and is getting a five-pound weight advantage. #13 American d’ Oro (9-2) is a deep closer and will be charging late. Coming from Maryland and getting his regular jockey is a good sign. #8 Call Court (7-2) had some good races last year in Florida but has not run well lately. Will need to improve.

Race #8 Picks: 1A-8-7-2

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at 6 furlongs, #1A Berks (2-1) is always game and should be able to defeat this group if he performs to his ability. This young improving horse should only get better over time. #8 Yo Nessroundonkern (8-1) has been competitive at this level and is consistently a factor in almost every race. He will be laying just off the pace and looking to make a move late. #7 Boss Man JJ (4-1) ran poorly in last two in races that favored closers but was running well previously and could be dangerous if he gets loose. #2 Branco Maria (3-1) needed his last, which was his first race after a one-year absence. He should improve today and could be a factor.