Plays in four races at four tracks, from New Jersey to Ontario to Upstate New York to Southern California, comprise our plays on this fine summer Sunday. We expect fast dirt and firm turf in all four, so let’s go.
Monmouth Park, Race 9, 4:15 pm ET
$200,000 Sorority Stakes, 1 mile, Dirt, 2-Year-Old Fillies
Eight go in the Sorority. We’re all in on 6-Devious Dame, who has run twice and won twice, both times in dominating fashion. Those races were sprints, and this is a two-turn mile, but both her pedigree and running style suggest that she will handle the longer distance with aplomb. We think she runs better today than she ran in either of of her first two starts, which means the rest of this field is running for second money. We will bet Devious Dame to win at 2-1. The bet: Monmouth Park, Race 9, $50 to win on 6-Devious Dame.
Woodbine, Race 8, 4:23 pm ET
Grade 2 King Edward Stakes, 1 mile, Turf, 3 & Up
The King Edward drew a field of seven. The pick is 3-Shirl’s Speight, who sprung a fairly big upset back in April, when he won the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile at 9-1 odds. He has run three times since, and while he did not find the winner’s circle in any of them, he ran pretty well, and did so against competition tougher than what he will face today. We think Shirl’s Speight has found a group he can handle, largely because there appears to be enough early speed to set up his closing running style. We will bet Shirl’s Speight to win at 5/2. The bet: Woodbine, Race 8, $40 to win on 3-Shirl’s Speight.
Saratoga Race Course, Race 9, 5:35 pm ET
$150,000 Bolton Landing Stakes, 5 ½ furlongs, Turf, 2-Year-Olds
Ten juvenile colts line up for the Bolton Landing. With speed having played well on the turf at Saratoga at late, we were tempted to play a colt with early zip, but there is too much of that in the field, and it is too evenly matched, so as a result, we think the winner is going to be coming from slightly off the pace.
That makes the pick 7-Redifined. He won his career debut by sitting just off a quick early pace and closing strongly, and we see a similar setup, and a similar result, today. We will bet him to win at 8-1. The bet: Saratoga, Race 9, $40 to win on 7-Redifined.
Del Mar, Race 8, 8;37 pm ET
$125,000 Solana Beach Stakes, 1 mile, Turf, California-breds 3 & Up
A nice group of ten lines up for the Solana Beach. The pick is 8-Eddie’s New Dream, who has been running in open company, including a couple of nine runs in graded stakes, and who should consequently find these state-bred animals a pretty soft spot. Look for him to be forwardly placed throughout, and to draw away late with a strong stretch run. We will bet Eddie’s New Dream to win at 5/2, and will do so enthusiastically. The bet: Del Mar, Race 8, $50 to win on 8-Eddie’s New Dream.
That’s all for today. Until the next time, enjoy the racing, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.