Race 2 – 18:24 – El Pillo
Maiden claimer over six furlongs on the dirt. Most of these runners are exposed at this stage of their careers and a chance is taken with EL PILLO on his comeback run. The selection had previously shown decent form before flopping over an inadequate trip last time out.
That was 217 days ago and the selection is now in the care of veteran trainer Steve Klesaris, who has a great record with these types of horses. Irad Ortiz is booked for El Pillo’s stable debut run here and expect a bold show.
Race 8 – 21:25 – Sneer
A maiden special weight for the three-year-olds over seven furlongs on the dirt. Some nicely bred newcomers making their debuts, but SNEER is the one who has the best form in the book. Sneer had a couple of decent efforts in her first two races on the turf but put up a career best effort on her latest run here when switched to the dirt.
The selection was unlucky on that occasion to run into the smart Pleasant Orb. Trainer Christophe Clement has given Sneer a nice 35-day break and with the drop back in trip sure to suit, Sneer and is taken to break her maiden tag at the fourth time of asking under the red hot Luis Saez.
Race 9 – 21:55 – Could Be (Each-way)
On the turf now for this one mile and ½ furlong claimer. This is one of our extra place races on the card and we are paying first four home here. Todd Pletcher’s decision to drop Bourbon In May into this company means he is the one to beat. But with these generous place terms on offer, a chance is taken with COULD BE.
Carlos David’s six-year-old has eight career victories to his name and historically runs well fresh. His canny trainer has given him a 116 day rest and with jockey Christian Torres operating with a strike rate over 26% lately, Could Be is very capable of reaching the frame here.
Race 10 – 22:25 – Double Crown
Six furlongs on the dirt here for the feature race of the night. It promises to be a very keenly contested event with plenty of good form in the field. Hop Kat will probably go off favourite following on from his debut victory at Churchill Downs, that was almost a year ago however.
Slight preference is given here for DOUBLE CROWN, who also won on debut and is also coming off a long lay off. There was a lot to like about the selection’s victory at Laurel Park, he travelled beautifully that day and beat Ournationonparade, who is also in this field. He was due to run in some fancy races after that debut victory but had an injury setback. Double Crown has reportedly been working well in preparation for this and look for him to be dropped in here and use his finishing kick to score
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