Race #1 Picks: 7-1-6-3

Race #2 Picks: 1A-6-3-4

Race #3 Picks: 12-6-2-8

Race #4 Picks: 7-8-5-1

Race #5 Picks: 9-6-3-12

Race #6 Picks: 6-7-5-2

In the $100,000 First State Dash for Delaware-bred or certified two-year-olds at 6 furlongs, #6 Bandit’s Heart (5-2) won the Dover Stakes earlier this month when he took an early lead and could not be caught. He will try the same strategy today, and the result will likely be the same. John Robb’s other entry is #7 Riccio (9-5). He ran a closing second to Bandit’s Heart as the favorite in the Dover. He now has an extra half-furlong to work with. He will be grinding down other horses late and could nip them at the wire. #5 Howgreatisnate (6-1) was impressive in his debut, running an 80 speed figure. If he can repeat that performance, he will be in the mix. #2 Midnight Trouble (5-1) won his last two starts and looks like he’s improving. He won gate to wire at a mile in last and looks dangerous here.

Race #7 Picks: 8-1-4-3

In this third-level allowance/optional claiming race at about 5 furlongs on the turf, #8 Classicstateofmind (3-1) is back with trainer Jose D’ Angelo, with whom he ran well at Gulfstream earlier this year. It’s hard to understand why this colt has had so many trainers, but he does seem to be the class of the race and we have him on top. #1 Chess Master (2-1) is coming from Canterbury Park, and this will be trainer Kerri Raven’s first runner at Delaware this meet. Chess Master has lots of back class, including a stakes win in February. #4 Defend (8-1) is trying the grass for the first time. His breeding doesn’t indicate he will like the turf, but he has some fast dirt races and we’ll defer to Cathal Lynch and take a shot with him. #3 Runningwscissors (4-1) is very inconsistent but is capable of a big race, which he had against New York-breds in late June at Belmont.

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