RACE 1: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-8-7-1

Nine races on the card as we kick off the first full week of racing in the new year. Hopefully I remember to write “4-year-olds and up” at the top of each race. #5 Pudge Boy Palace (9-5) dueled through a destructive pace last out. Although he backed up to fifth, he still outfinished everyone else who was near the pace. He’s run brisnet figures in the 70s four times in his last five starts and finds himself in a race without as much early speed. #8 Runyonesque (8-1) looked like the best horse on paper last out and ran like it, overcoming a wide trip to break his maiden in a come-from-behind performance. He has another tough draw here, but he’s proven he can overcome it. #7 Wonder Water (4-1) was well-beaten in his last two starts against better but has figures that are competitive with these.

RACE 2: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

8-4-2-5

#8 Camp Pendleton (4-1) does his best running at a mile. He’s won at this distance twice in his last four starts, and held on to win last out despite a premature move. He should enjoy a great trip rating near the pace on the outside. #4 Miracle Silver (8-1) fought hard to win against these types at Charles Town last out and usually runs late pace figures that are among the best in this field. He’s gotten away with being on slower paces in his last few starts, however, and might not get that luxury here. #2 Free Square (9-2) goes first off the claim by Lacey Gaudet and comes off a much-improved performance in victory last out. He’s going to be one of the main speed threats in here, but has done most of his running at shorter distances. We’ll see how he does stretching back out.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

2-8-5-1

Tim Keefe trains both of my top two picks in this one. Keefe isn’t great with first-time starters, so any time one runs well at first asking, it’s a positive sign. #2 Collect Redemption (3-1) had no early speed in his first outing, but closed frantically and lost by less than a less at 39-1. He’ll be tough if he improves second time out. His stablemate, #8 Captain Creed (9-5) made his first start off a long layoff last out, and ran a game race. He set the early pace, dueled around the run and into the stretch, and although he won the battle with his sparring partner, he lost the war behind a rival to sat a great trip. Still, he held second, and should run another big race second off the layoff. #5 General Nooz (3-1) battled on the lead and held third last out in an improved performance. The second-place finisher that day, Circling the Drain, won next out and is entered in the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct tomorrow.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES

1-2-7-3

#1 Ekati’s Verve (2-1) has struggled in his last two starts but ran in the 80s steadily earlier this year. He’s looking for a rebound here second time at the condition. #2 Triple Jeopardy (9-5) was well-beaten in his local debut at Parx but beat a similar field at Gulfstream Park a few races back. #7 Unidentified Man (10-1) has some early foot in a race largely devoid of pace. He faded after setting fast fractions last out, but without anyone to run with him early, he could slow things down and leave the rest of them in futile chase.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

11-1-10-8

#11 My Boss Lady (5-2) gets some much-needed class relief after a pair off off-the-board finishes in starter optional claiming company. She’s run in the 70s all year, which isn’t good enough for that level but fits right in with these. Stablemate #1 Dulce Kiara (4-1) was recently claimed by Magee for $8,000 and also gets some relief here. She shows decent closing speed on occasion, and her best race likely wins this one. #10 Notion Interruptus (10-1) doesn’t have much early speed but consistently runs late pace figures in the 80s. She looks to shake up the exotics at a good number.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

5-11-9-10

#5 Gallant Gold (5-1) hasn’t run worse than an 87 in his last three starts. He lost to impressive winner One Ten in back-to-back races, then was a respectable fourth last out after racing near a hot pace. It doesn’t look like there’s anyone of One Ten’s caliber in here, which should make Gallant Gold’s job easier. #11 Frightland (6-1) improved sharply second off the layoff for Brittany Russell, running an 88 while closing for third in a similar field. He’s shown some promise in his brief career so far and will be especially interesting if he slides through the cracks in the betting. #9 Nostalgic Run (5-2) has set the pace and gotten caught in each of his last three starts, all of which came at 1 1/16 miles. We’ll see if the one-turn mile is better for his early speed.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

4-1-2-5

#4 Honor the Fleet (7-2) showed speed and won back-to-back starts at Charles Town, but flattened out last out on this track when he was unable to settle early on. He’s cutting back in distance here, which should help him out if he’s able to relax on the lead. #1 Paradise Pride (2-1), half of the Jamie Ness entry, was pressed on the lead and backed up in his last start. He’s run better when he rates off the pace, and that may prove the best strategy in this spot. #2 Closer Look (7-2) ships from Penn National and has won two of his last three on the track while racing on the lead each time. Look for him to challenge Honor the Fleet for the lead, although his early pace figures aren’t quite as fast.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

2-3-1-7

#2 Supreme Law (2-1) broke his maiden impressively at first asking in late November, then improved 12 points to a 93 last out. He had the misfortune to run into a tough field that day, but he’s shown lots of upside and should be tough in here. He’s coming out of the same race as Frightland, who competes earlier today. #3 Gerrys Gem (5-2) has won five of his last six, mostly against softer rivals, and now gets his class test here. His only serious test for the lead will come from Supreme Law. If he can outrun that rival, he’s in good shape. #1 Rock the Boat (4-1) was a strong-closing second in the Maryland Million Turf Sprint two races ago, then was fourth after a wide trip in the same race as Supreme Law. He’s got a better draw here and will take advantage if the top two burn each other out on the lead.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 7 FURLONGS

8-9-1-4

#8 Golden Neve (7-2) drew off after encountering pressure to break her maiden at Delaware Park in August, and now makes her return to the races. She’s had some decent workouts since then, and Jerry Robb is a solid 18% first off the long layoff. #9 Dropkick Queen (4-1) improved quite a bit second off the layoff last out, running a 74 while making some late ground at Gulfstream Park. #1 Never Done (8-1),is one of the first starters in the career of Phil Capuano. She ran a big race last out, battling on the lead throughout and finishing second to a rival who was disqualified due to a positive test. This’ll be her first start since that October 21 outing, and she should prove tough on the lead.