RACE 1: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

12-11-5-4

10 races on the card to begin Independence Day weekend. #12 Switzer (2-1) goes first off the claim for Anthony Farrior, who puts the hot-riding Jaime Rodriguez in the saddle. He faced better rivals on grass last year in Kentucky, and finished third after an awkward break on dirt at Churchill Downs last out. He ran brisnet figures in the 80s consistently last year, and if he rounds back into that form third time out this year, he’ll be tough. #11 Beyond the Pale (5-1) was no match against a solid Maryland-bred allowance field first time out this year, but ran a much-improved 82 in his season debut. This is a more realistic spot and he should benefit from the prep. #5 Sorolla (9-2) improved sharply second off the layoff, closing gamely for second with a powerful late kick. He has no early speed to speak of, which could be an impediment, but he should at least rally for a share.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $8,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

7-2-1-5

#7 Forty Comets (8-5) struggled in his first two starts off the claim by Miguel Rodriguez, but returned to form last out with a sharp come-from-behind win at Parx off a fast pace. Usually, he’s the pacesetter, but he showed an important new dimension in that spot. With plenty of speed to his inside, he’d take full advantage of another hot tempo. #2 Seanow (3-1) goes third off the layoff for Kieron Magee and raced near the pace in his first two starts of the season at Delaware Park. He’s shown tactical speed in the past as well, and may be better off doing so in this spot. #1 Dialing Dixie (3-1) led most of the way before getting caught last out and might be able to control the pace from the rail. The horse who caught him, Charge to Victory, returned to win a starter allowance race last Saturday.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-13-9-10

#2 Nineteenamendment (5-1) was the 5-2 favorite on debut last out, taking a lot of money in a race where she was one of only two first-time starters. She shook off a challenge on the turn and held clear late before getting run down in the final few yards. Still, it was a great performance for her first-ever start. I expect to see her on the pace once again. #13 All I Want Is You (5-2) hung on well for fourth after rating off the pace in her debut at Keeneland, running an impressive 85. The first, third, and sixth-place finishers out of that race have all returned to break their maidens since. #9 Up For It (2-1) lost a photo for second on Black-Eyed Susan day last out. She’s hit the board in all three of her starts and has improved considerably with each race. Her closing style may play well with the long stretch run.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

2-3-6-1

#2 Pay Zone (7-5), stabled at Belmont Park, ships down here once again for George Weaver, once again taking advantage of those Maryland-bred bonuses. He ran an improved race second time out, leading most of the way through a strong second quarter before fading. If he can clear to the front, he won’t have much of a problem late. #3 Catching Stars (12-1) gets a much-needed cutback from 1 1/16 miles. He’s shown some improved form in his last two starts, but flattened out in a lane last out and ended up second. #6 Margie’s Fun Son (6-1) checked at the break last out but made mild ground late behind the promising Freeze the Fire and next-out winner Dillinger.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

9-3-7-12

#9 Tijuana Brass (5-1) closed up the inside to get third last out against similar, in his first race in ten months. He’s had trouble staying on the track, but at his best, he fits right in with these. #3 Uncle Andrew (12-1) races third off the layoff and makes his first Maryland appearance in almost a year. He faded after stalking the pace last out, but went gate-to-wire in the race prior. He could prove interesting if he’s allowed to do his own thing on the front end. #7 Noble Conquest (8-1) also made his first start off the layoff in the same race as Tijuana Brass, and closed for a respectable sixth. He won twice towards the end of last year at Monmouth Park with similar strong rallies both times.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

3-1-2-9

Phil Capuano has saddled four first-time starters to victory this year, and he’ll try to do it again with #3 Wingin and Singin (6-1). This one has had improving workouts since getting back on the worktab in early May, including a bullet drill on June 18 where he was the fastest of 43 times. While I’m usually wary of horse debuting for a lower tag, he’s found a pretty easy spot to debut in, as this one is full of horses who have not shown much interest in winning. #1 Delegated (4-1), a Repole homebred, looks like the best of the ones with experience. He’s run int he 70s in his first two starts and made mild ground against the bulk of the pack last out. He’s dropping from the $45,000 level and may have found a spot where he belongs. #2 Sweet Syntax (6-1), a half-brother to Maryland-bred Horse of the Year Fille d’Esprit, also has some solid works in prepation for his debut. Jerry Robb has hit at 17.5% with first-timers since the start of 2022.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

7-8-1-10

#7 Proper Storm (5-1) closed from far off a moderate pace to get second last out, closing behind a stablemate who got a near-five length jump start on her. This one should improve second off a three-month layoff. #8 Nancy My Love (20-1) broke her maiden in her season debut at Monmouth last out in a blanket finish. She goes second off the layoff here and gets Jevian Toledo in the saddle, who started the meet in a slump but did ride two winners over the past weekend. #1 Singalong (9-2) ran an impressive 83 when breaking her maiden on this track last October and drops from the $25,000 level.

RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

8-5-3-2

#8 Sevier (2-1) does his best work at Parx, but has enjoyed some success here, with back-to-back wins on this track in December and January. He went gate-to-wire at the Bensalem oval last out with an impressive 90, and it doesn’t look like there’s anyone fast enough to run with him early in this one. #5 Majestic Frontier (5-1) has been in very consistent form all year long, running between a 78 and an 83 in every race. He ran his usual figure last out, but flattened out after making a move on the far turn. He may not be able to get by Sevier late, but he should rate near him and hold on for a share. #3 Shoot Themessenger (8-1) has improved in each of his last three starts and seeks to work out a more ground-saving trip.