With lots of chalk and some pretty dubious races on tap, there wasn't enough to sink your teeth into to put out a report. Here are the races we are looking at on Saturday. It only takes one to make your day:
(2:32) BEL 3rd Race – Figure-wise, #5 OFF LIMITS stands out in the Noble Damsel (G3). She is also the best finisher in a field full of early speed types. A decent ride from Joel Rosario is all she needs to get the chrome.
(5:45) BEL 9th Race – Coming off a big win in the Monmouth Cup (G3) #5 SHARP AZTECA has a distinct pace and speed advantage in the Kelso Handicap (G2). His trainer, Jorge Navarro, is currently racing under a black cloud, with suspensions levied against him on almost a daily basis. At this writing, it is sketchy as to whether the son of Freud will be allowed to participate.
(4:14) PRX 9th Race – #1 PETROV and #1A COAL FRONT are a potent entry in the Gallant Bob (G3). The former should get a great trip right behind the latter and their pace and speed figures are among the best in the field. #4 RUNNING MATE has always been highly regarded by his connections. He’s run well in his first two starts after a spring respite and a sharp breeze on Monday at Delaware Park suggests he can move forward again. #5 AMERICAN PASTIME looked sharp winning his last start at Del Mar. California speed is always dangerous when shipped east.
(5:45) PRX 11th Race – Opening at 8/5 on the morning line #4 WEST COAST runs back quickly after his overwhelming Travers (G1) victory and a pair of cross-country trips. There is no doubt that Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert thinks the son of Flatter is up to the task, but the question is how short of a price do you want to take in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1)? We like the way trainer Doug O’Neill kept #5 IRAP on the East Coast and prepped him over the Parx surface. The son of Tiznow has developed into one of America’s best sophomores and he certainly has a big shot at the top prize. #8 IRISH WAR CRY is capable of tremendous races on occasion. He’ll have to assume a stalker’s role to have success in this speed-laden field and quite possibly jockey Feargal Lynch was hired to that end. #7 GAME OVER is improving with racing and could sneak in a trifecta spot to bolster the payoffs. He’s had more trainers than Zsa Zsa Gabor had husbands and now is in the care of the infamous Jorge Navarro.
(9:15) CT 10th Race – There is nobody to go with #8 UNRIDEABLE in the Frank Gall Memorial Stakes. The son of Bullsbay served notice that seven furlongs was well within his scope when he won the R.G. Leavitt Stakes in his last start. A good break is all he needs.
(10:11) CD 9th Race – #1 PINCH HIT had a ton of trouble in the Groupie Doll (G3) and gets reunited with jockey Jon Court in the Dogwood Stakes. If the Brad Cox trainee can overcome her rail draw she could surprise a few people. #13 COVENANT ran second to Salty in her debut, was given a vacation and then returned to break her maiden by nearly seven lengths in the slop. The daughter of Speightstown has a high ceiling and should get a great trip from her outside draw.