Delaware Park picks and analysis: May 31, 2023
Joe Parisi- May 31, 2023
Live racing at Delaware Park kicks off May 24 and runs through late October.
Once again this year, we will have Delaware Park picks and analysis for every day of live racing at the venerable track.
Today’s card features eight races.
Race #1 Picks: 6-4-2-1
In this $25,000 maiden claiming race for filles and mares at six furlongs, #6 Yooou Know (8-5) put in a strong effort at Pimlico after facing better competition on the synthetic at Gulfstream. Got caught in a speed duel in last at Pimlico and was passed by the closers. May have the speed to get loose on the lead today and looks dangerous here. #4 Blame Catalaya (8-1) needed last and should improve. She fits well here and is a contender. #2 Shemademeblush (6-5) was facing much better on the synthetic surface at Turfway Park but needs to show she will like running on dirt. If she likes the surface, she will be dangerous here.
Race #2 Picks: 6-5-7-4
In this $6250 N2L claiming race for filles and mares at six furlongs, #6 Three Sport Coats (9-5) won impressively when she left the maiden ranks in last. This try against $6250 claimers seems like a spot where she can repeat if she matches her last effort, and we think she will best this group. #5 Victorian Riviera (3-1) is a speed ball who got caught in a seven-furlong race last. Now dropping back to six furlongs and facing weaker, her speed may hold. #7 Animal Princess (8-1) is coming up from Tampa and should improve in second back from a layoff.
Race #3 Picks: 8-2-3-4
In this $16,000 maiden claiming race at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #8 Gettin’downonit (8-1) is getting lots of class relief and getting Lasix for the first time. Should improve in second try off the layoff. #2 Praline’s Cat (5-1) has come close to winning at this level for a long time but has not succeeded. Should be somewhere in the mix again today. #3 Mr. Laoban (9-2) is taking a class drop and trying turf for the first time. If he likes the grass, he could be a factor.
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Race #4 Picks: 5-6-2-1
In this $12,500 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #5 Alvy (6-5) is in good current form and appears to be the class of this race. He is facing a weak field today and if he can run back his last two races, he should beat this field. #6 Hop and Scotch (7-2) was holding his own in Tampa last year. A series of slow works is not encouraging, but he does not have much to beat today. #2 Espresso Lungo (6-1) finally got a win at Laurel after 20 tries and may get a minor piece of the pie today.
Race #5 Picks: 1-6-2-5
In this $16,000 claiming race at 5 furlongs on the turf, ten-year-old #1 Tiger Blood (8-5) is back on the turf after two subpar efforts on the Gulfstream synthetic. The move to grass combined with the second race back after a layoff should help this veteran improve, and we have him on top. #6 Redeem Eddie (7-2) ran an even race in his first try at Laurel in last. He has shown early speed in the past and will need it in the five-furlong turf sprint. #2 Shanghai Superfly (3-1) is making his first turf start in four years. He beat Redeem Eddy on the dirt in February and could be a factor if he likes the grass.
Joe’s Late Pick 5
- Race #4: 5
- Race #5: 1,6,2,5
- Race #6 1
- Race #7 11,4,12,13
- Race #8 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 (All)
Total wager: $56.00 (50-cent base)
Race #6 Picks: 1-6-4-7
In this $30,000 starter allowance at one mile and 70 yards, #1 Conspiracy Fact (7-5) was very competitive when facing tougher at Oaklawn. This looks like the best bet of the day as the others will have to greatly improve to beat him. #6 What Say You (4-1) Was running well in the claiming ranks at Penn National before struggling in an allowance event at Pimlico. His speed figures are respectable, and he should factor in the exotics today. #4 Brother Brad (9-2) had one good race last year but has struggled otherwise. Now he will be making his first start of the year and has a decent work line. One to consider in the exotics.
Race #7 Picks: 11-4-12-13
In this $38,500 first-level allowance at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #11 Nantasket Beach (6-1) ran very well on the Delaware turf last year and is back on his preferred surface after struggling on synthetic at Gulfstream. We think his current form and the surface switch will give him an advantage today. #4 Ocean City (5-1) is an improving three-year-old who left the maiden ranks at Keeneland in April. Brittany Russell has taken over training duties from Steve Asmussen, and she wins at a 32% clip when taking over training duties. We think this colt is capable of a big effort today. #12 Bassanio (GB) (6-1) has recently left the maiden ranks and may be able to make the jump into allowance company successfully. He is usually very game and will be in the mix today.
Race #8 Picks: 6-5-4-2
In this $12,500 claiming race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, #6 Aferdita (5-2) was running well at Thistledown last year and has continued the good form this year. She will be laying just off the pace and looking to close late. #5 Our Fantasy (7-5) has some decent races at Tampa and is one of the top contenders today. #4 Rosy Apple (6-1) has three wins in five tries at Delaware Park and likes to run here.
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