RACE 1: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

7-5-6-1

There’s eight races on a summer-like afternoon of racing, including the first grass race of the 2023 season. #7 Open the Books (7-2) is the only one in the field without a loss against winners. He just held on to break his maiden after stalking the pace and drawing off last out. He’s got the best last-out brisnet figure in the field by ten points, and has run in the 70s three times in his last four starts. If he runs his usual race first off the two-month layoff, he’ll be tough. #5 Speights Your Mind (8-1) made decent ground late despite a wide trip at Charles Town in his most recent. He’s making his debut on this track and should find it more conducive to his closing style. #6 Patriotic Party (3-1) continues his drop down the class ladder after facing much better in his last few. He’s faded on or near the pace in his last few starts and will try to last here.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

1-2-7-5

This is one of the most wide-open races of the season. It’s hard to separate anyone in this seven-horse field. #1 True Dakotan (10-1) is the co-biggest longshot on the morning line, but he has the best last-out figure in the race, with an 82, and closed well up the inside for second at Parx last out. He’s never won at a mile, but has hit the board eight times from ten starts at this distance. #2 Aristocat (2-1) goes first off the claim by Kieron Magee. He battled on the lead last out and dispatched his dueling partner, who ended up well-beaten. However, he could not hold off two rivals who sat great trips off the lead. Nonetheless, it was a game effort, and if he can dispose of a pace challenge here he’ll be dangerous late. #7 Majestic Frontier (5-2) was second ahead of Aristocat last out, and has hit the board twice against these types since returning from a two-month layoff. He’ll look to stay close to the pace and pounce.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

8-2-9-3

This race begins the rainbow pick 6. #8 S S Sinatra (3-1) races for the first time since mid-October for Ned Allard. He hit the board three times in as many starts last year, with figures as high as 80. He’s worked well at Pimlico since early March in preparation for his return and gets lasix for the first time. #2 By Its Absence (9-2) finished second on debut last out behind the gate-to-wire experienced winner, Running River. This one’s looking to move forward second time out. #9 Dialer (7-2) takes a slight drop in class for the Ness/Rodriguez combo and cuts back from seven furlongs. He’s faded late in his last few starts, so the cutback in distance should help.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 1/16 MILES

3-2-7-5

The late pick 5 begins here. My top three picks are the only three runners in here with a win around two turns. #3 Grass Cutter (6-1) has the most recent victory at this distance, going gate-to-wire to break her maiden on March 5. She was rated last time out, her first try against winners, and didn’t do much as a result, but she’ll have every chance to get to the lead if she wants it. #2 Thencomemorning (3-1) won her most recent two-turn start in dominant style, coming from just off the pace to win going away. She matched her career-best 66 last out and gets a rider switch here to Jeiron Barbosa. #7 Prussian Blue (10-1) came up the inside to win her local debut at Charles Town last out. Most of her dull races were against better rivals in Florida; these should be easier to handle.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-BRED/SIRED, 1 MILE

1-3-2-8

#1 Baton (8-5) has run in the 90s three times in his last four starts, with his only bad recent race coming with a wide, rough trip here two starts back. By contrast, if things work out for him this time, he’ll be able to rate off the pace on the rail and get a great setup. #3 Dolice Vita (7-2) broke slowly last out and was thrown completely out of his element. A better break here means he’ll be able to work out his usual front-running trip. He’s in great overall form lately, having won three in a row between the end of last year and the start of this year and narrowly missing at this level two starts back. #2 Berks (9-2) has very in-and-out form. He ran a 94 in victory two starts ago, but showed little at this condition last out.

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

1A-7-2-4

#1A Chateau (7-2) looks like the better half of the David Jacobson-trained entry. He stopped badly in the Tom Fool Handicap last out, but generally holds on better when he faces these types, although he hasn’t won in a while. He’ll be able to easily clear these, and from there will be tough to catch. #7 Noble Gaston (10-1) improved sharply in his most recent to run a career-best 95 behind Al Loves Josie last out. He won’t be able to outrun Chateau early on, but he should rate and outkick the others at a good price. #2 John the Bear (8-1), who had been having problems with drifting out in the stretch, kept a straighter path than usual last time and held second. He has great middle pace figures, and as long as he behaves himself, he should be heard from late.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-BRED/SIRED, 1 MILE

6-7-5-2

#6 Jardani (3-1) has packed powerful closing punches in his last few starts, including a nose victory around two turns last out with a frantic rally. His four best figures, including two marks in the 90s, have come within his last four races. #7 Captain Quint (3-1) is also in career-best form, but lacked a winning punch going a mile last time. He briefly led, but was outkicked by Semper Fi and Bobby G. They’re both solid runners, but if he couldn’t run away from them, I’m not sure if he’ll be able to hold off Jardani. #5 Frightland (5-2) has lost his last three, including his last two at this level, by less than a length. Both times, he’s rated on or near the pace, pulled away, and gotten nailed late. It wouldn’t surprise me if he pulled clear and was once again run down, in this case by Jardani.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

9-5-8-4