Turfway Park’s Bruce Battaglia provides daily picks and comments for the Tribune during the live racing meets.
Race 1 MAXINE has been running well with much classier in Florida and moves back to the Polytrack and should score. Tyler Pizarro is in the saddle after a hiatus but has nine Graded stakes victories to his credit. LEELOO’S JOURNEY finished third at Churchill last out and should improve here. RASCOFRADE comes off his career best at Indiana Grand last out.
Race 2 WHATTHECATDRUGIN does his best running at Turfway and is a solid play. MOON GUN comes in off of four strong efforts at Keeneland and Churchill. HURRICANE BAY finished up well at Hawthorne last month.
Race 3 WISH TO OPINE loves the synthetic track and is in good form. PRINCESS DINAH comes in off back to back wins to make it six on the year. DAYIN DEAUVILLE won her last start at Hawthorne impressively and should be considered.
Race 4 HUSH UP has been at the top of his game and is the best bet in this spot. RABANITO is always a threat at this level.
Race 5 EMIRATES WONDER has been racing at the top of his game, drops down and is a good bet with apprentice rider Prentice in the irons. RANSOM’S LOVE may go wire to wire this afternoon with veteran rider Ouzts aboard.
Race 6 SHAREEHA dropped from straight maiden to maiden claiming at Churchill finishing third and will be sharp this afternoon with Ouzts up. SPOOFY DOO ran third in her debut and came back with a bullet work. FIRST ROAR is in a good spot to show her ability.
Race 7 BEN CATTIN’ AROUND has been on the improve and fits well here. HALL O’GLORY ran a strong third at Churchill two races ago and should be considered. CAPE FLATTERY has a chance.
Race 8 TIGER PAW a son of Kitten’s Joy owned by the Ramsey’s and out of the Mike Maker barn. He figures in this spot with Channing Hill riding. DR. PHILAN has been running at Woodbine and is worth a wager this afternoon. FASHIONABLE FREDDY has to be considered.
Race 9 NEGU drops to a much easier class and gets in light with seven pound apprentice Rivera. CONNECT A PEG is also dropping in class and should be considered in the gimmicks.