Timonium picks AND PONDERINGS: AUGUST 26, 2023

John Piassek is here to provide Timonium picks and analysis for every day of live racing at the Maryland State Fair.

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: Late Pick 5: $2,028

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

  1. #2 – Langlee Avenue (9-5): Broke his maiden two starts back on the lead; don’t think anyone can run with him early here.
  2. #4 – Admit Nothing (2-1): Closed well off a slow pace again much better last out; the one time he was within two lengths of the leader after the first quarter-mile, he won.
  3. #5 – Alottacents (7-2): Returns to dirt and should close for a slice.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #4 – Christopher’sheart (5-2): Finished fourth in very strong maiden race on debut, then improved to get third last out after chasing the pace.
  2. #1A – Derbyness (4-1): Jamie Ness homebred has been working a bit better than her entrymate, with three strong four-furlong drills at Parx under her belt.
  3. #6 – Connectamundo (9-2): He’s a half-brother to seven winners, including one who won at first asking.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #3 – Princess Peanut (6-1): Was eased last out but showed promise when third two starts back; has a good workout since that last race.
  2. #6 – Rent Free (3-1): Has a long worktab getting ready for her debut; will watch the board with her and see if she’s getting bet.
  3. #1 – Yes to Love (8-1): Closed some ground behind a runaway winner last out after a bad start.                      

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 4 FURLONGS

  1. #2 – And Whistle (5-1): Faded on the lead last out but four furlongs looks tailor-made for her.     
  2. #1 – Poggibonsi (5-2): Shook off pace challenges last out but was reeled in by the closers; should be better off here.
  3. #5 – Winked (3-1): Got knocked around at the start last out but recovered to finish third behind two next-out winners, including a stakes winner.                     

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #4 – Foxy Curl (9-5): Made a nice move on the turn in her debut last out but tired; the winner, Remember Me, finished a close third in stakes company next out.   
  2. #7 – Divine Magic (8-1): Took a big step forward to finish third last out and is fast enough early to get to the rail before the first turn. 
  3. #5 – Buckin’ Lucky (8-5): She’s finished third in each of her four starts and should hang around for a share here.  

RACE 6: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

  1. #1 – Goodluckchuck (5-1): He’s a perfect 2-for-2 on this track and should show speed on the rail once again.
  2. #3 – Gran Andrews (4-1): Has a high ceiling but runs the risk of getting caught wide off the pace.
  3. #4 – Albertano (9-2): Showed little after a slow start last out but has worked well since; a return to prior form contends here.         

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #8 – Willful Desire (9-5): Fought hard on the lead to beat a solid field last out.  
  2. #5 – Smoochinwithcindy (15-1): Stalked the pace and kicked away to break her maiden impressively on debut at Charles Town; looks for a repeat of that effort.         
  3. #6 – Tam Char (3-1): Has had some time off since a flat effort last out; won three times on the lead earlier this year.  

RACE 8: TIMONIUM DISTAFF, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

  1. #5 – Princess Kokachin (5-2): This speedy mare almost beat a strong field on Preakness day but tired late; went gate-to-wire next out and is a good bet to lead all the way here.
  2. #6 – Self Isolation (2-1): She’s won three of her last four starts with big speed figures each time; even if she can’t clear Princess Kokachin early, she can stalk and pounce.
  3. #4 – Response Time (9-2): This one is rounding back into top form and was a strong second behind the classy Beguine last out.   

RACE 9: CLAIMING $5,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #1 – Baby Quinn (7-2): Speed on the rail and first off the claim by Farrior should be a winning combo.
  2. #5 – Here and Nofurther (3-1): Has finished in the top three in each of his last six starts and got caught wide last out.
  3. #4 – Don’tinvademyspace (6-1): Presque Isle shipper should get a good trip near the leaders.

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