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

1-2-9-11

There’s not a lot of speed in this race, so it could be a case of whoever gets the lead on the rail controls the race. #1 Joya Del Sur (4-1) is the most likely one to set the tempo, having won gate-to-wire in two of her last three starts and holding second behind Peyton Elizabeth in her last outing. Arnaldo Bocachica is sure to send her straight to the lead, and she looks to have more natural early speed than #2 Lady Hamilton (3-1), drawn to her direct outside. That rival went gate-to-wire twice at Turfway Park over the winter, and held third while racing on an honest pace at Presque Isle Downs last out. However, he early pace figures are not as good as Joya Del Sur’s, so she might find herself just off the leader, and at least in a position to take first crack. #9 Diva Ready (2-1) makes her first start off a four-month layoff for Bob Klesaris. She capped her Maryland grass season with a big come-from-behind win off a slow pace, and ran brisnet figures in the 80s in her two prior races.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

10-12-2-3

Three of these come in here off a maiden-breaking win, and #10 Faith and Liberty (10-1) is the lightest-raced of that bunch, having gone gate-to-wire in a much-improved effort at second asking. Anything close to that last race makes her a serious contender. #12 Mo Traffic (5-1) was no factor in the mud last out, and didn’t do much against first-level foes two starts ago. Fortunately for her, she’ll catch both a fast track and easier rivals today. She started her career with four consecutive figures in the 70s, including a respectable 73 first off an eight-month break three starts back. #2 At First Sight (9-2) battled on the pace and faded last out. She generally runs much better when she gets a stalk-and-pounce trip, and should be able to work one out.

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

2-4-7-3

#2 Cooter’s Revenge (5-1) was well-bet on debut last out, going off as the slight favorite in a field where roughly half of them were first-time starters. However, she broke awkwardly and was no match from there. She’s worked well since then, including a gate drill, and should run much better here with a clear start. #4 The Amazing Mizzen (3-1) ran in the same race as Cooter’s Revenge two starts back, and finished a respectable third after rating off the pace. She returns to the lawn after a flat off-the-grass try last out. #7 Landofhopeanddreams (7-2) showed some promise on the lawn at Colonial Downs last year, and adds lasix for her 3-year-old debut for Kate Demasi.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-4-2-9

#3 Paperback Edition (4-1) has taken steps forward with each start, and ran a career-best 65 last out after showing speed and holding second, outfinishing some of her rivals today in the process. She gets her fourth rider in four races today; in this case, Jeiron Barbosa. #4 Skip Thru Da Fire (6-1) finished fourth behind Paperback Edition in her last start, and has some of the best late pace figures in the field while being one of two to run in the 60s in each of her last two races. She should show some decent late kick and grab a slice. #2 Never More Valor (15-1) showed speed at first asking and faded after getting involved in a contentious duel. She was claimed out of that race by Jerry Robb, a strategy that worked well when he claimed her older half-sister, Fille d’Esprit, four years ago.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

9-2-7-6

#9 Tidewater (7-5) surged and just missed against a better first-level field last out, his second start off a five-month layoff. He tends to surge late and just miss, but should be able to time it right against these. #2 Smitten Enough (8-1) led most of the way and held fourth behind Tidewater his last start, improving 10 points off his first grass race of the year. He should make the lead on the rail without much trouble. From there, it’s a matter of how long he lasts. #7 Mr. Antonelli (3-1) faded after a wide trip on his grass debut last August, and has since run some big figures on dirt. He has plenty of grass pedigree, and gets Jaime Rodriguez aboard for the first time.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

1-7-2-6

#1 Rock Bullet (7-2) gobbled up ground in each of his two starts since getting claimed by Anthony Farrior in early March. He rallied from 17 lengths out of it and lost by less than two last out, and will try to weave his way through traffic on the class drop from the $30,000 level. #7 Longworth (15-1) ran in the 80s twice towards the end of grass season last year, and looks for a rebound after showing little against better following a rough break last out. #2 Bel Ami (9-5) makes his first start for Nolan Ramsey, who won with his first starter here last Friday. This one held his own against better maiden in New York and Florida last year, but has raced just once in his past 12 months. The back-class is there, but it’s a tall ask at a low price.

RACE 7: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES

6-1-2-7

#6 Southern District (3-1) has been uber-consistent as of late, running either an 84 or an 85 in each of his last six races. No one in here has run at least an 84 in each of their last three. He made his first start off a two-month break last out, and came from well off the pace to win going away. #1 Walk Away Joe (5-2) ran a season’s best 89 when a chasing second at Delaware last out. Victorious Doin’ittherightway came back to beat first-level rivals last Saturday. #2 Uncaptured Storm (8-5) saw his three-race win streak snapped last out when he checked early on and lost forward position. If he can avoid traffic, he’ll get a nice trip near the leaders and have every chance to grind his way to victory.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

3-9-5-1

#3 Eldest Son (3-1) races first off the claim by Brittany Russell. He closed well at this level last out and missed after a wide trip. #9 Riccio (10-1), an uncle of recent stakes winner Studlydoright, improved sharply with a gate-to-wire win second off the bench last out. He’s always looked like the type on the verge of a breakthrough, and looks primed to run a big race in his biggest class test yet on grass. #5 Hardspun Reason (7-2) makes his first start since October 16. He showed a ton of late punch to win going away off a slow pace last out, and has worked consistently since mid-April for Graham Motion. He has lots of upside, but might need a race off the bench.