Race #1 Picks: 4-6-3-2

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at six furlongs, #4 Mr. Cash (6-1) was running well last year and has experience over the Delaware oval. He has been working well, and if he is in racing shape, he may have improved during the eight-month break. He will likely go off at a price and we see value here. #6 Parkerness (3-2) has been running routes at Parx but has not been able to get it done. He does have speed figures in the 80s, and trainer Jamie Ness is shipping him to Delaware and has found a race with soft competition. He is a top contender. #3 Cold Feed (8-1) drew off to win his debut here last year before faltering at Parx in May. Now coming back to Delaware and that race here last year indicates he likes running at Delaware Park.

Race #2 Picks: 4-3-1-6

In this $6250 claiming race at 5 ½ furlongs, #4 Another Lulu (4-1) will be making his second start for Antonio Machado. He has been working well and he looked game in his last race. He should improve in his second start under this trainer. #3 Top of the Mint (3-2) is the class of the race on paper, but we find this large class drop suspicious.  If he is the same horse that was running in New York last year, he should win this easily, but the drop all the way to $6250 makes us cautious. #1 Notion to Tapit (5-1) will have Angel Arroyo on board who was riding in his most recent win. He is a slow starter and will need a good break to win.

Race #3 Picks: 5-11-7-2

In this $32,000 maiden claiming race at about one mile and 70 yards on the turf, #5 Pavoni (8-1) has not run since February and was gelded in the interim. He has been working since mid-July and we are looking for improvement. Trainer Graham Motion wins at 25% and a $3.08 ROI when bringing back horses that have been away for 180+ days. #11 Blind Eye (5-2) has some good races but has not been able to cross the finish line first in 11 tries. He has good speed figures and stands to be in the mix again today. This will be jockey Jose Batista’s first time riding him. #7 Mintenon (7-2) is a closer who had some decent races on the turf earlier this year. Will be a contender if he can repeat those efforts.

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Race #4 Picks: 4-2-1-6

In this $6250 N2L claiming race for fillies and mares at one mile, #4 My Cajun Lady (3-2) is taking a large class drop after experimenting on the turf. She ran evenly at higher class levels this summer, and this looks like a drop-to-win situation. She has never run this far on the dirt, so that adds an element of uncertainty. We are cautiously putting her in the top spot. #2 Coco Puff (4-1) is a speedster who gets out of the gate fast but often tires late.  Carol Cedeno is aboard for the first time and she can usually get the most out of fading horses. #1 Suzy Q the Queen (6-1) is usually in the mix but has not had enough speed to prevail. We expect a similar result today. She has only run one route, and that was in the slop, so it is unknown if she wants the extra distance.

Race #6 Picks: 4-6-7-2

In this $12,500 claiming race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, #4 Aferdita (4-1) has some good races this year and is usually game. This filly has finished in the top three in thirteen of seventeen lifetime races, and we have her on top today. #6 Boss Like Beth (6-1) has a good recent race at Monmouth and seems to be improving. She is not facing a strong field today, and we think she will be in the mix. #7 Reiterate (3-1) has been running well and has two wins and two second-place finishes in four starts at Delaware Park.

Race #7 Picks: 1-8-5-10

In this optional claiming/second level allowance race at about 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #1 Greatheart (8-1) won a first-level allowance at Monmouth three back in an impressive fashion. We are looking for big improvement in his return to the grass. #8 Q F Seventy Five (5-2) has been facing tough competition on the grass at Belmont.  He tends to fade late, but the slight cutback in distance should help. His speed figures look very strong and he looks like a top competitor. #5 Swan Lake (7-2) was running well in stakes races at Gulfstream before running an ok fourth in the Jersey Derby. He looks very well placed here and should be considered,

Race #8 Picks: 1-7-10-2

In this $5000 claiming race at six furlongs, #1 He’s a Shooter (6-1) almost won last time out while being claimed. He does not have much touch competition today, and if he can repeat that race he should take the top spot. Trainer Elliot Sullivan has won at 21% in 62 tries on first race after a claim. #7 Strike Me Down (7-2) will face bottom level claimers for the first time, and the 8-year-old will be in position to be a factor. #10 Taco Bean (9-2) just missed in his last two and figures to finish near the front again with this group.

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