Bruce Battaglia of Turfway Park in Florence provides daily picks and comments for the Trib during the live racing meets.
Race 2 HEAT IT UP RICH comes off of good runs with classier fields. PADDYRYAN improves his chances with a big rider change. ROTTAKEN appears to be the class of the field and should be hard to beat if he draws in off the also eligibles.
Race 3 VENTRY BAY is an expensive colt who has finished up close in all three starts including a stake at Santa Anita and then a good effort at odds on at Churchill despite a troubled trip. MAKEAMERICAGREAT has the speed to make the lead. J.M.’S PARADE showed a good effort last out at Churchill.
Race 4 GRANDDAUGHTER is a fast filly who is capable of making the lead and may never look back. SLYAWE just missed last out and has been working well. DONA MARITZA comes off a romping maiden win at Mahoning Valley.
Race 5 THREE SHEETS loves this track winning four times here. THREE D PRINTER has shown big improvement since being claimed by William R. Connelly. COTTON CLUB CUTIE keeps getting better and can pay off.
Race 6 WAR POINT has never run in an easier spot and is the best bet if he draws in. THELASTTHUNDER has produced two wins in his last three races. MY HARLEQUIN MAN has the speed to be in front.
Race 7 GAUITIER was nipped in the final strides in his second start of a layoff last out. HARD TO STOP wore blinkers for the first time last out and will do better here. TOM’S MY FRIEND finished a solid fourth in his debut at Woodbine
Race 8 ORBITAL FLAG was claimed from an easy win them moved up to allowance ranks at Churchill and looks worthy of the money. CREEKER’S CAT showed improvement at Keeneland and Churchill in her last two starts and is ready to score. SUMMER VISION just missed in her only race here.
Race 9 BUENA VIDA is dropping to this bottom level by the leading Kentucky trainer Mike Maker seeking the maiden win. DIRECTIONER can wire this field if she draws in. CACTUS LADY closed well last time out and will love the added distance.