Delaware Park picks and analysis: June 2, 2023
Joe Parisi- June 2, 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: 1-5-6-4
Speed has been holding well in the meet so far, and in this $10,000 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #1 Only Child (3-1) should be able to get the lead. He had some trouble winning at Laurel, but that track favors closers a bit more than Delaware, and he had some success here last year. We think he will get to the front, and he has an advantage today. #5 Branco Maria (8-5) has beaten Only Child recently but had trouble winning at Delaware last year. He should be in the mix but will have to overcome a possible speed bias to get up today. #6 Castagno (2-1) seemed to like the switch to dirt in his last race at Gulfstream. If he can repeat that race he will be in the mix.
Race #2 Picks: 2-6-3-5
In this $10,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at one mile and 70 yards, #2 Heleonortiz (8-1) has shown early speed which should be to her advantage today. If she gets a clear lead with this group, she may not get caught. #6 Mo Fire (7-2) seldom wins but is often in the top three finishers. She has enough speed to be in the mix again today. #3 Red Wine Time (5-2) is a deep closer who will be gaining late, but may run out of ground before she can pass the leaders.
Race #3 Picks: 8-1-4-12
In this $32,0000 Maiden claiming race at 1 ½ miles on the turf, #8 Mintenon (6-1) has been closing in turf routes and may like the 12 furlongs. We will throw out his last race on the dirt and put him on top. #1 Johnson (4-1) is moving from Maiden Special Weight to Maiden Claiming, but it is unclear whether he will want the distance in this turf marathon. He is handled by a very capable trainer who may have him ready. #4 Elfuegomasbrilante (6-1) ran well in his last two turf races in Maryland and has a chance if he can handle the distance.
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Race #4 Picks: 5-7-2-4
In this $28,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs, #5 Creative Cadence (12-1) had some good races last year and one conditioning race on the turf this year. Now coming back with second try off the layoff and has a steady workout line. We think she will run a big one today. #7 Blowthruyelowlites (2-1) has three wins in nine lifetime races and very solid speed figures. Trainer Brittany Russell has been very hot with three wins, three seconds, and three thirds in ten tries so far this meet. #2 Bossyness (5-1) is often the bridesmaid but seldom the bride with second place finishes in her last four starts. She does fit well with group and should be in the mix.
Race #5 Picks: 3-1-2-5
In this $38,000 first level allowance at 5 furlongs on the turf, #3 King of Song (8-1) flashed speed against much better at Churchill Downs. Now back to a more realistic level and he looks tough in this spot. #1 Speed Warning (8-1) had a couple solid races on the synthetic surface at Turfway Park earlier this year. Synthetic translates well to turf and if he can repeat those efforts he’ll be in the mix. #2 S. Muffin (3-1) won a maiden race impressively at Pimlico two weeks ago and could be very tough if he repeats that effort.
Joe’s Notes
- All but one of Thursday’s dirt winners were on or near the pace throughout.
- The lone exception: Notion to Tapit, who came from out of it to win a six-furlong claiming race in which the speed fell apart.
- Ms. Bucchero won the featured allowance contest by eight lengths in a time — 1:12.48 for 6f — that has to be considered sharp over the slow-playing dirt strip.
Race #6 Picks: 4-3-1-5
In this $50,000 optional claiming/starter allowance race at six furlongs, #4 St Andrews (3-1) was claimed last out by Greg Compton, who wins at 21% on first after a claim with a $3.30 ROI. This colt has a good workout line and we have him on top today. #3 Ardanwood (9-2) was impressive in winning a claiming race at Keeneland in last, but 6 furlongs may be a little short for him. He will need a quick start to win today. #1 Bestsugardaddyever (6-1) was running in restricted stakes races last year. Making his 2023 debut today with a good workout line and getting Lasix for the first time. He should be in the mix.
Race #7 Picks: 6-9-11-3
In this $28,000 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards on the turf, #6 Sharp Red Eagle (10-1) almost won a turf sprint in last. Last year he showed he can also perform well in turf routes. He has respectable speed figures on the turf and we have him on top today. #9 Bunker Hill (5-1) is always competitive and seldom runs a bad race. He left the maiden ranks in last and will be looking to win two in a row. #11 Between the Covers (7-2) had trouble in his last race at Gulfstream and still managed a decent performance. He has since been gelded and could be a factor today.
Race #8 Picks: 3-6-2-4
In this $5000 claiming race for filles and mares at one mile and 70 yards, #3 All American Jewel (2-1) has been running well at Hawthorne and fits well with these. She has some early speed and will try to get the lead. #6 Shez a Doubletake (6-1) is coming to Delaware from Parx where she has been competitive recently. If she can match her last few races she will be in the mix. #2 Blind Sight (7-2) has been running well lately and came within a neck of winning here at Delaware last November.
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