RACE 1
WIN – Relatively cheap card where favorites could be difficult to beat, starting with opener as PANTHERA TIGRE stays at the same claiming level after winning her latest by a comfortable 2 ½ lengths, drawing away from the favorite in the process.
PLACE – CLASSIC LOVE dueled with eventual winner Myakka from an outside post in her only other try on grass. Was very competitive versus similar on dirt at Belmont, and will be the one to catch through the stretch.
SHOW – You know what you are going to get with ROYAL SPAULDING, who has hit the board in 11 of 18 career starts. Last out, it proved to be best by a nose. If run on Main Track: 1. Whisper Alley; 2. I’llthinkofsumthin; 3. Classic Love.

RACE 2
WIN – Valente/Levine combo especially dangerous with California imports, and such is the case with CASINO KAY. Was facing much better on the west coast.
PLACE – UNICORN GIRL has gotten progressively better in all three races, and with a bullet work at Aqueduct leading to this, must respect decision to try her out of condition against winners.
SHOW – AND A CHERRY TREE has run her best races on dirt, so after having run her last pair on turf, this should be a welcomed return. Would absolutely love it wet.

RACE 3
WIN – Field of eight with a combined record of 0-for-62. Even-money AFLEET AYA has only accounted for one of those losses, chasing the winner throughout while finishing well clear of third. Keeps Prado for new barn.
PLACE – JUDICIARY was dropped in for a tag for the first time in her last, and managed to rally for third. A similar effort will likewise earn a check.
SHOW – OCALA JORGE has been trounced by 45 lengths in her last three, but shows a sharp work in advance of this off a 7-week break.

RACE 4
WIN – AMERICAN CRUISER just missed here last summer, and then finally broke through the maiden ranks in his last. Expect improvement in second start of the year. Mate FROZEN PROSPECT has had numerous stops and starts in his career, but has run well when fresh.
PLACE – BEYOND THE TREES won sprinting two back, and now shortens back up after holding the place going one mile last out. Would find himself alone on the front end if not for Ballston.
SHOW – PRIME OBSESSION doesn’t have the prettiest resume, but could surprisingly arrive on the scene late for a minor share. If run on Main Track: 1. Rice entry; 2. Beyond the Trees; 3. Prime Obsession.

RACE 5
WIN – RIDGE ROYALE has been well backed in all three prior tries. Now makes his second start since Maker claimed him, and should prove tough if able to replicate current form.
PLACE – REPENTHOUSE has three second-place finishes from as many starts at this level. Why break the streak?
SHOW – Zito has won with 1 of the last 11 runners he has debuted for a tag, so tread lightly with TONSINA. Work tab implies some ability, and outside post should keep him in the clear.

RACE 6
WIN – JIBBOOM has been away since October when she took the Grade 2 Raven Run over the poly at Keeneland. Training very nicely for Frankel, although wouldn’t be running to the windows if this price drops much below the morning line of 5/2.
PLACE – QUEEN JOANNE won going one mile over the turf here last summer, but like the top pick, is coming back off a lengthy break. Main danger on prior accomplishments.
SHOW – STATELY didn’t run poorly when finishing two lengths behind some decent turf sprinters in Jersey. Should move forward in her second start in this country, but must overcome tough outside post. If run on Main Track: 1. Highest Class; 2. Jibboom; 3. Final Refrain.

RACE 7
WIN – Was afraid CLEMENS would get hooked in a pace battle last Friday, but he rated kindly just in behind, and won off nicely under mild encouragement. Wheels right back, and has run well previously when returning on short rest.
PLACE – Regular readers will know that the frequency of D. Wayne Lukas runners appearing in this space is somewhere between rarely and never (and closer to never). Nonetheless, HOLLA BEND looks too tough for even to me to totally leave out of the mix.
SHOW – SONNY’S THE ONE has been right there in his last pair, and the cut back to six panels should strengthen his late kick.

RACE 8
WIN – PRUSSIAN was a thoroughly dominant debut winner here last summer, and a runner-up placing to eventual Gio Ponti most recently earns no shame. Will need to relax early as there is plenty of speed signed on.
PLACE – Expect RUSSIAN SAGE to be taken back off the pace today by Prado, and should be plenty fit after having dueled through all seven furlongs of his last.
SHOW – HALO NAJIB has tackled graded stakes in 9 of 11 career races, and the other two accounts for his only wins. Class drop was needed, but his current form just isn’t very promising. If run on Main Track: 1. Golden Weekend; 2. Fujita; 3. Halo Najib.

RACE 9
WIN – Despite the presence of four graded stakes winners, recent allowance winner ZADA BELLE gets the call in the Ballerina after romping in her last at Monmouth. Willing to toss her Madison effort as the polytrack at Keeneland handcuffed her speed.
PLACE – GRAEME SIX returns from a freshening and draws nicely outside for high-percentage connections. Is better this year than last when she was no factor behind La Traviata in the Victory Ride.
SHOW – MISS MACY SUE had everything go wrong when she tried this spot last year. This time, regular jock Razo comes, too. Needs an alert break from the rail to maintain position.

RACE 10
WIN — SWEET SLAM has run her two best races since getting on grass, closing strongly through the lane to just miss in her last. Added ground should be within her scope.
PLACE – HERE COMES RITA overcame a troubled break to finish nicely in her career debut, then had her latest start washed to the main track. Repeat of first-out effort makes her a player.
SHOW – FAIR GAME faced maiden claimers last out, checking in second, although it is encouraging to see the price tag removed. THE AG couldn’t break through in five tries for Pletcher, and now runs for Albertrani. If run on Main Track: 1. Here Comes Rita; 2. Token Special; 3. Vladimira.

BEST BET
Panthera Tigre (Race 1)

PICK 4 PLAYS
Early: 2,3,4 with 3 with 1,8 with 5,9,11
Late: 4,8 with 4,7 with 1,3,6 with 3