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

8-9-4-11

We’ll start the Saturday card with some claimers on the grass. Rob Atras shipped #8 Peja Du (7-2) down from New York to break his maiden here last out, and it was so successful, he’s decided to try it again. He’s the only one in the field who hasn’t lost against winners and has shown sharp early and late speed in his four-race career. If he runs to his peak form, he wins this without much issue. #9 Crazy Odds (6-1) chased a slow pace last out and was no factor, but was a sharp-closing second in his first start off a ten-month layoff two races ago. He hasn’t shown the early speed he displayed last year so far this year, but if he does, he’ll prove tough to catch. His stablemate, #4 Mentalist (6-1), has improved his brisnet figure in his last four starts, peaking at a 78 when second at Colonial Downs after getting outkicked. He’ll rate in midpack and try to time his move just right.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

3-1-2-5

All the odd-numbered horses in here having racing experience, and all the even-numbered ones don’t. #3 Family Gal (5-2) was well-beaten in her first two career starts, but stepped up to run a sharp-closing third last out at Monmouth Park. She’s racing beyond five furlongs for the first time, and might appreciate the extra distance. #1 Bootsy’s Merlot (9-5) has already run in the 60s three times in her five-race career. She doesn’t have any early speed, but has run on well late in her last few starts, so she also might enjoy the added ground. #2 Go Sherry Go (4-1) is a half-sibling to four winners from as many starters for her dam, Go Get’m Irish, and has worked well at Pimlico in preparation for this spot.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

1-10-6-7

While #1 Matty Bo (9-2) has never raced on grass before, it’s not like she needs to love the surface to win against this ragtag group. She fought gamely for second at Parx last out, and now will show speed from the rail while adding lasix for the first time. As long as she’s as good on dirt as she is on grass, she’ll be a serious contender. #10 Mashua (7-5) battled on the early pace last out (her dueling partner lost by 18 lengths) and pulled clear in the stretch, only to falter and get reeled in late. Matty Bo might make things tough for her from the inside, but this one should nonetheless turn in a good account of herself on the lead. #6 Bizzy Bizzy (6-1) continues her descent down the class latter and improved to a 61 second off the layoff last out.

RACE 4: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

5-4-6-7

If you bet #5 Charge to Victory (7-2), you’re certainly going to get a late thrill, if nothing else. He’s won three races in a row with desperate, last-minute rallies, including two consecutive victories at this condition. #4 Hanalei’s Houdini (8-1), a familiar name to long-time players of this circuit, made his first start in six months last out at Monmouth. He didn’t show any signs of rust, finishing second to Mundo Mix, who came back to win against horses like these next out. He also ran a 92, his best figure in more than a year. This will be his first start in Maryland since a narrow defeat to Cordmaker in last year’s Jennings Stakes, and he should have enough left to contend against these types. If Charge to Victory or Hanalei’s Houdini get a fast pace to close into, it’ll likely be the doing of #6 Pit Stop Man (2-1), who is likely to set the early tempo barring a disastrous break. He blew the doors off a first-level allowance field three starts back and has run in the mid/upper-80s in his two races since then.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

7-3-4-1

#7 Certain (2-1) has been pounding on the door against these types at tracks up and down the mid-Atlantic. He’s run in the 70s in each of his last four starts, and has the best last-out figure in the race by nine points. This is an absolute “now or never” spot for him, as if he runs to his recent form, he’ll beat these with ease. #3 Battle of Bastogne (5-1) has chased the pace and faded in his last two starts, but at least switches back to grass here, a surface on which he’s shown a little more aptitude. He ran a 61 on debut on grass and is out of a stakes-winning mare on this surface. #4 Call Me a Dreamer (12-1) cuts back around one turn after back-to-back route races where he’s shown speed, lasted a long way, then faded. We’ll see if his speed is better showcased in a sprint.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

9-3-1-4

#9 Spencerian (3-1) may have won her last start if she didn’t miss the break. As it were, she closed well and lost a photo to a ground-saving rival. Her three best figures have come in her last three starts. #3 Thunder Boss (12-1) finally broke through at 14th asking two starts ago with a runaway victory against shabby maidens, then led most of the way last out before tiring in the last sixteenth. She might succumb to pace pressure once again here, but should at least hold on for a share. #1 Genieinabridle (7-2) closed gamely for second first off the claim by Jamie Ness. Her form is a bit in-and-out but she should at least get a solid pace for a hot barn.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W/1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-BRED/SIRED, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

9-11-3-2

#9 Money’s Worth (8-5) raced wide most of the way in the Jameela Stakes last out, but held onto third behind ground-saving Coconut Cake and the ever-classy Spun Glass. She’s now dropping into a field where her figures are superior to those of the others, and she should handle them without much trouble. #11 Summer Odds (7-2) was third behind Money’s Worth a few starts ago, running a solid 84 in her lone recent grass appearance. She’s shown solid tactical speed in her recent starts and was a game second to the promising Royal Whisper last out. #3 Bella Bettina (15-1) closed well in two starts on grass against similar, but often leaves herself with too much to do late. She looks like a better candidate for an exotics slot.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (OPEN), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-4-6-5

After a flat race in the Mr. Prospector Stakes two starts ago, #2 Stage Left (8-5) rebounded nicely to crush a starter optional claiming field at Delaware Park. He got right back to his usual upper-90s form, and in fact has run at least a 95 four times in his last five starts.He wouldn’t have been out of place in last Saturday’s DeFrancis Dash, but he should nonetheless handle these. #6 Hopeful Treasure (6-1) made a strong move to the lead and kicked clear against third-level foes at Parx last out. He should sit a great trip near the pace on the outside. On one hand, #4 Chief Ron (6-1) just missed two starts ago at Delaware and ran a career-best 100. On the other hand, he lost to Threes Over Deuces, which is something no one should really do. Most recently, he couldn’t take advantage of a pace battle and was third to Lightening Larry in the Alapocas Run Stakes. He should sit near the pace and grind on for a slice once again.