Race #1 Picks: 1-5-2-6

 This $38,000 maiden race for two-year-olds at 4 1/2 furlongs consists of all first-time starters. #1 Masakado (2-1) is by First Samurai who stands for $7500. He was purchased at the Ocala Breeders Sale for $77,000. Trainer Cathal Lynch has a 31% winning percentage with 32 first-time starters and has a 33% winning percentage with two-year-olds in 48 starts. #5 Master of Malice (4-1) is by Palace Malice and is trained by Brittany Russell. This colt has a nice workout pattern and could be a contender. #2 Irish Bandit (6-1) also has a good work line and could be in the mix.

Race #2 Picks: 6-2-1-5

In this $50,000 Starter allowance race for fillies and mares at one mile, #6 Vodkatini (7-2) has been struggling in New York in the mud and at longer distances. If he can get a fast track this distance should suit him and he fits well here. #2 Waterworks (9-5) showed some speed in a recent turf outing and should be able to get the lead with this group on the dirt.  There aren’t any monsters in this field and if she gets the lead, she has a chance to hold it to the wire. #1 Magnificent Pearl (5-2) had trouble in last when she got shut off on the rail.  Should be competitive today if she can get a good trip.

Race #3 Picks: 2-8-10-7

In this $38,000 maiden special weight at five furlongs on the turf, #2 Certain (7-2) is returning to this level after just missing in the maiden claiming ranks. This signals that trainer Richard Hendriks has confidence in his horse’s ability, and he could run a big one today. This gelding shows the best speed figures on the turf of any of today’s runners. #8 Exaggerateddefence (8-1) is coming back from a five- month layoff, but Cathal Lynch’s horses run well off of layoffs, winning 18% in 38 tries. This gelding ran well in turf sprints at Monmouth last year. #10 Silver Style (8-1) is an also-eligible and if he draws in, he has the speed to make an impact if he can make the transition from dirt to turf.

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Race #4 Picks: 5-6-1-3

In this $8000 starter allowance at six furlongs, #5 Struger (2-1) has been very competitive at this level at Parx. Horses who are competitive at Parx generally do well at Delaware when competing at the same class level. We expect a big race out of this gelding today. #6 Curlin’s Thrill (10-1) is another gelding who has been running well at Parx. Trainer Michael Simone has won at a 29% rate in 28 starts on first try after a claim and he should be competitive here. #1 Lord Berrier (3-1) will be making his start away from Tampa.  If he can repeat his last two, he will be tough here.

Race #6 Picks: 3-4-8-7

In this $8000 claiming race at six furlongs, there isn’t much talent, but at least #3 Call Me Maestro (3-1) ran second in a similar race at Pimlico in last. A repeat of that effort might be enough to beat this group.  #4 First Rule (4-1) does have three wins in eighteen lifetime tries, and he is getting a class drop. He could be in the mix. #8 Bachelor Pad (8-1) was running well at Woodbine last year but has been dull at Mohoing Valley. Maybe the class drop and switch to Delaware will improve his performance.

Race #7 Picks: 7-5-6-3

In this allowance/optional claiming race for fillies and mare at five furlongs on the turf, #7 Above the Limit (3-1) has three wins and two second place finishes in five turf sprints. Trainer Cathal Lynch has started off the Delaware meet a little slowly, but he might have a winner with this mare.  #5 Twirling Savi (2-1) closed from far off the pace in a turf sprint to finish third at Keeneland in October. We don’t like all the breaks between races, but she could be dangerous if she is ready. #6 Rambert (4-1) has lots of early speed and has never run worse than second in her six lifetime races. Should be involved today.

Race #8 Picks: 7-4-2-6

In this $12,500 claiming race at 5 1/2 furlongs, #7 Hidden Warrior (3-1) moved through the conditional claiming ranks by winning last two. This will be a step up in class, but he is one of the few horses in the race with good current form and we have him on top. #4 Addy’s Laddy T N T (8-1) is another horse in good form with good races at Charles Town and Pimlico. He should be competitive here. #2 Golden Candy (2-1) is coming back from a six-month layoff and taking a large class drop after being gelded. Will be dangerous if he can regain his earlier form.