RACE 1: CLAIMING $10,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

11-7-12-6

Another wet forecast greets us for today’s 9-race card, but at least we’ve got plenty of big fields. #11 Saloon (5-2) has been slow to go against better in his last two starts against better, but hopes to wake up on the drop in class. He’s run a brisnet figure in the 80s four times in his last five starts; most of these struggle to hit that mark even once. #7 Disputed Notion (10-1) rallied strongly to clear his non-winners of two condition two races back, and made decent ground after a wide trip in his first try at this level last out. He’s got the best late pace figures on the field, and should enjoy stretching out from 5 1/2 furlongs. #12 Island d’Lite (3-1) has been in improving form since getting claimed by Kieron Magee in September, and won at this level last out, lasting through early pressure and holding off the flying John Hall. His only deterrent is his tough outside draw.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-4-7-9

#3 Rudy Rod (8-1) got caught in traffic in the midst of a rally last out at Parx, but managed to get up for second and run in the 80s for the third straight race. His least visually impressive recent race, which came two starts back going seven furlongs, was his best recent mark, an 85. He’ll be tough to hold off with clear sailing. #4 Wild Behavior (2-1), on the other side of the coin, has the most early speed in the field, and though he hasn’t won in a while, he’s also facing the easiest field he’s seen in quite a bit. #7 Crownedcountcristo (10-1) came from just off the pace to beat conditioned foes in an upset last out. He’s generally at his best going six furlongs or shorter, and this race fits the bill.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

1-8-5-2

It’s hard to imagine either #1 Full Irish (3-1), #5 Castle Island (7-5), or #8 Nasty Habit (9-5) losing this race. All three are either coming off long layoffs or making their second start off a layoff. Full Irish, making his first start in 8 1/2 months last out, lasted almost the whole way last out and held on for second. It was a notable change of pace from his debut, where he came from off the pace and got second. He gets my nod, and may end up the best price of the three. Nasty Habit ran a similar race, dueling on the lead and holding on for a runner-up spot, but he won’t be able to protect rail position unless Jevian Toledo, who rode five winners yesterday, really guns him out of the gate. #5 Castle Island (7-5), a former Bob Baffert stormtrooper, joined the Brittany Russell barn in November, and has had three local workouts. He ran well going two turns in his last race, which came in mid-March, but is sure to be overbet.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

1-8-6-4

#1 Sumo (10-1) flattened out against better last out, but won back-to-back races against more similar rivals to these, running an 89 both times. #8 Foolish Ghost (5-2) made a strong four-wide swoop and won going away at this condition last out. He joined the Jose Corrales barn after a dull race at Aqueduct in late September, and has run well in both starts since. #6 Capt. Candy (6-1) ran big races two and three starts back, but broke slowly and didn’t do much last out. If he breaks cleanly, he has a chance to outrun the main speed, By Its Absence, on his direct outside, and from there could prove tough to catch.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $40,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

2-9-7-8

#2 Chublin (4-1) was no match for the very impressive gate-to-wire winner Carmelina in the Shamrock Rose Stakes, but she battled with eventual fourth-place finisher Paula’s Surprise for second, and outfinished her by more than three lengths. She’s the only one in here to beat winners, having done so impressively at Delaware Park in October. #9 Velvet Vixen (12-1) broke her maiden on the lead at Parx in July, but struggled in her next two starts. She’s had some time on the sidelines since mid-September, and will try to rebound here against an easier field. #7 Feelin So Lucky (15-1) checked out of contention going a mile last out, but ran in the 70s in her two prior starts, figures that fit in with those of the other contenders.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

4-8-5-2

#4 Mavilus (8-1) closed well for second behind loose leader #8 Continentalcongres (5-2) in her last start, over a track that was playing towards horses on the rail. While Continentalcongres is a serious speed threat even over a fair track, Mavilus ran a sneaky good race that day, always shows a good closing kick, and can’t be discounted at what should be a decent price. #5 I Can Run (3-1) has been knocking on the door at this level, hitting the board three times in her last four starts, and has good tactical speed. Even if she can’t hold off Mavilus or outkick Continentalcongres, she should be able to outrun the rest.

RACE 7: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

10-2-6-3

#10 Enzo (7-2), whose full brother, Witty, won yesterday as much the best, broke awkwardly in his dirt debut last out and fell far behind, but flew late and lost by 1 1/2 lengths. If he takes even a little step forward here, he’ll be dangerous. #2 Prado Road (5-2) held second after getting caught in a wide duel in the Maryland Million Nursery last out, and should get a lot better ground-saving trip on the pace. #6 Three Captains (12-1) finished second last out after chasing loose leader Mister Agent, running a very strong 76.

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

4-7-5-1