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SPOT PLAYS

For Friday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (5th) Fire Cloud, 6-1
(7th) Alina's Sweetest, 9-2
Belmont Park (6th) White Chiffon, 3-1
(9th) Ambassador Bridge, 6-1
Calder Race Course (4th) Star Value, 4-1
(10th) Aroma de Mujer, 5-1
Canterbury Park (4th) Carnera, 3-1
(6th) Desert Dearest, 5-1
Charles Town (4th) Super Sweet Tea, 7-2
(6th) Sue's Diamond, 3-1
Churchill Downs (3rd) Sky Fuse, 7-2
(11th) Empire Shoes, 8-1
Emerald Downs (3rd) Mr.na, 6-1
(6th) Puckappeal, 7-2
Monmouth Park (7th) Brightest Rainbow, 7-2
(8th) Unicorn Girl, 8-1
Mountaineer (5th) Goldenaire, 7-2
(7th) Rainbow Sweets, 3-1
Northlands (4th) Bradys Friends, 10-1
(6th) Bodgits Baby, 7-2
Penn National (2nd) St. Sylvans, 7-2
(3rd) Master of Illusion, 5-1
Philadelphia Park (2nd) Epic Empire, 4-1
(7th) Black Magic Mama, 6-1
Pleasanton (5th) Million Town, 4-1
(6th) Sky Thrill, 8-1
Prairie Meadows (7th) Heister Cat, 4-1
(8th) Roaring Home, 8-1
Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Euro Ghost, 4-1
(8th) Dragon Horn, 8-1
River Downs (1st) Sittin'onagoldmine, 3-1
(5th) Grace of Gold, 3-1
Thistledown (10th) Schoolmistress, 6-1
(14th) Skitzi, 7-2
Woodbine (4th) Golden Hall, 7-2
(8th) Swingwiththering, 7-2

Courtesy of Mike Dempsey

Here is the opening race from Monmouth Park to get our day off to a good start:

MTH Race 1 Md $12,500 (12:50 ET)

#6 Unkissed 9/2
#1 Gillinslittleangel 30/1
#10 Generalcounselnona 7/2
#3 Myprincessabigail 4/1

Analysis: #6 Unkissed gets the slight nod in her debut facing a bunch of untalented runners sent out by mostly frigid barns. The filly is by Grindstone (10% winners with debut runners) out of the stakes placed Count the Kisses ($83K) who has dropped six foals to race, four winners, top earner Stone Kiss ($127K). The filly had a decent gate drill on June 15 for the Volk barn that is 3 for 10 with first time starters going back five years.

#1 Gillinslittleangel was a good second in her debut last summer and last out was sent off at 6/1, tracking the early pace and fading to finish fifth. She makes her third start off the bench and the 30/1 ML looks generous. Perhaps the ML maker is not a fan of the winless 10 pound bug that gets the call.

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 7/2 or better.
EX: 1,6 / 1,3,6,10
TRI: 1,6 / 1,3,6,10 / 1,3,6,10,12,14

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 OClm $50,000N$Y (4:45 ET)

#6 Into My Soul
#1 Armstrong Mill / #1a Grassy
#7 Pocket Cowboys
#8 Thabazimbi

Analysis: #6 Into My Soul regressed last out in his second start off the bench, checking in seventh against Alw-2 foes. Two back off the layoff the Dutrow runner was a game second. The colt broke his maiden over the turf here and he looks likely to bounce back for the sharp barn in his third go off the bench. Decent value if we catch most of the 8/1 ML.

The Clement duo looks imposing, with #1 Armstrong Mill a two time winner at today's 1 1/4 mile distance and entrymate #1a Grassy looking to rebound off a poor showing in graded stakes company last out.

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 9/2 or better.
EX: 1,6 / 1,6,7,8
TRI: 1,6 / 1,6,7,8 / 1,2,6,7,8

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Monmouth Park:

MTH Race 9 Clm $12,500B (4:52 ET)

#7 Super Nova Desert 10/1
#6 Bud's Little Edge 3/1
#1 Truly Kristin 6/1
#5 Chiefette 6/1

Analysis: #7 Super Nova Desert dueled for the early lead while down along a deep rail and a racing strip that was playing to outside stalkers and closers, weakening to finish fourth. Two back this gal beat $12.5K starter allowance company at Philly in a game effort. Blinkers are added to the mix along with Lopez, which should put this gal right on the lead early.

#6 Bud's Little Edge makes her first start since December for the Asmussen barn that is 17% winners with horses coming back off a +180 day layoff. She mixed it up in a few restricted stakes in Texas last year and won a non conditioned allowance race at Remington last summer. She looks like a good fit here dropping in for a $12.5K tag.

Wagering

WIN: #7 to win at 9/2 or better.
EX: 6,7 / 1,5,6,7
TRI: 6,7 / 1,5,6,7 / 1,5,6,7,8

Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park

R2: #3 Police Chatter 10/1
R4: #6 Fortitude 10/1
R7: #4 east Coaster 10/1
R8: #6 Into My Soul 8/1


Good luck today!

BEL 5th (3:08)

6 Furlongs (Inner turf) | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Claiming ($16,000) | Purse: $23,000

Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 4 Cat Grace Lopez A Lotruglio Edward 113 7 $16,000 L 20-1
1A 8 Ed's Princess Malasquez W Lotruglio Edward 120 $16,000 L 20-1
2 1 Royal Valentine Samyn J L Aquilino Joseph 120 $16,000 L 20-1
3 2 Straight A Student Rodriguez J Persaud Randi 109 7 $16,000 L 6-1
4 3 Eleni's Hope Dominguez R A Imperio Joseph 120 $16,000 L 8-1
5 5 Lorraine in Spain Velasquez C Hough Stanley M 120 $16,000 L 3-1
6 6 Vortices Studart M Toscano John T Jr 120 $16,000 L 30-1
7 7 Come From Away Garcia Alan Lerman Roy S 120 $16,000 L 5-2
8 9 Hello Gold Maragh R D'Amelio Michael V 120 $16,000 L 4-1
9 10 Flaming Punch Cohen D Jacobson David 121 $16,000 L 6-1

A-Coupled: Cat Grace and Ed's Princess

Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3 Races (5-7), Grand Slam Races (5-8) Daily Double Wagers

Brian Blessing's Pick's 5-8-3

Lorraine In Spain has a consistent stalking style that fits this race quite nicely. Turing back in distance could turn the tables today.

MTH 10th (5:23)

5 Furlongs (Turf) | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Allowance | Purse: $80,000

Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Easy Ashley Trujillo E Ward Wesley A 120 L 5-2
2 2 Smarty Bull Lopez P Servis Jason 120 L 6-1
3 3 Easley Amused Maysonett F Vuyosevich Jeanne 120 L 30-1
4 4 Requested Vow Fragoso P Einhorn Skip 120 L 10-1
5 5 She'sa Tough Tiger Coa E M Hills Timothy A 120 L 3-1
6 6 Purrfect Bluff Marquez C H Jr Farro Patricia 120 L 7-2
7 7 Wardelle Serpa A Carroll Henry L 115 5 L 5-1
8 8 Spiteful Gypsy Valdivia J Jr Fawkes David 115 L 6-1
9 AE Naseeb Rose J Capuano Dale 115 L 4-1
10 AE Embroidery Bravo J Clement Christophe 115 L 2-1
11 AE Ghoul Bravo J Beattie Dennis M 120 L 12-1
12 AE Buzzbee Rose J Wilson Gregory L 124 L 6-1
13 AE Bling Bling Girl Castro E Broome Edwin T 120 L 12-1

Win, Place and Show Exacta, Trifecta and 10-Cent Superfecta Daily Double (Races 10-11)/Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12)

Battagliaspicks 1-6-7

#1 Easy Ashley- has been running well against much better at GP, CD and Hollywood. She is today's best bet

Churchill courtesy of George Fahey

Tonight is the last “Downs After Dark” until this fall. Being that it’s the begining of the Independence Day weekend we’re expecting a record crowd for night racing of over 33,000 fans. The fashionably late arriving crowd will be dining, dancing and wagering until after midnight. They’ll probably miss “Happy Hour(s)” begining when the gates open at 4:00 PM and special prices on drinks and hot dogs will last til sevenish. The theme thjs evening is “Boots, Brew and Bar-B-Que” The party will include barbecue and beer at the concession areas. The Boot-Scoot’n will take place between and after the last race with Bluegrass music live in the paddock. Any manure laying around will definitly be kicked.

The first post is at 6:00 PM. The featured 10th race is an Overnight Stakes for a purse of $66,500 at seven furlongs for fillies and mares three years and older. There are eight entered, Tiger’s Song is high weighted with Corey Nakatani in the irons for Wayne Catalano.

Try to get out for the festivities, the people watching is as good as the horse watching. I look for these highly successful night programs to be expanded in the future to include Saturdays. It’s became the “in” thing to do in the Derby City.

Yesterday we had two exactas, one winner, two seconds and a scratch for a net profit of $231.00. Let’s get to the handicapping and pick some winners.

Race 3 - Rob o’Connor has been teaming up with Calvin Borel all meet and this might be the last time for awhile. We don’t want to miss the chance to strike the fire while the irons hot. This condition, nonwinners of three other than fits her perfect. My pick!

4 - 3 - KY, Sky Fuse, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 1/4/6 $50

Race 6 - Pat Byrne has the successful team back together again with Calvin Borel ROC and the horse, who is actually named after the Brooklyn Dodger player, Chicago Cub Manager and New York Yankee famed Dougout coach. He’s been here twice this meet to see his namesake critter run but couldn’t get here tonight. The barn is betting this one and they say he has improved since his last win. Sounds good enough for me. Going for third win in a row at this meet. My pick!

2 - 6 - KY, Zimmer, $50 Win $10 Exacta Wheel 2 with all, $5 Pick 3 - 2,5,8/2,8/1,7,8 $210

Race 7 - Short odds will make this pick look like one to pass on but a win is a win and to increase your wagering odds you must bet more. Robby Albarado pilots this heavy favorite for Dale Romans who has just recorded his 500th victory here, This maiden female graduates today with a picture to boot.

8 - 7 - KY, Why Us, $40 Win, $10 Exacta Part Wheel 8 with 4,6 $60

Race 8 - Mike Maker has cooled off since Keeneland but the conditions are coming around to his barn’s runners. He’s got his main guy, Julian Leparoux, back from an injury layoff sustained back Preakness weekend and Maker’s got him on board here. Too many pluses to pass up. My pick!

7 - 8 - KY, Grand Stage, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 1/7/8 $50

CDX 9th (10:18)

1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Allowance | Purse: $53,600

Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Sparky's Dream Albarado R J McPeek Kenneth G 118 Blk-Off LA 5-2
2 2 Hot Kitten Lanerie C J Catalano Wayne M 118 LA 6-1
3 3 Zapparition Mena M Romans Dale 118 LA 5-1
4 4 Strong Willed Lady Hernandez B J Jr Margolis Steve 118 LA 6-1
5 5 Ice Mist Lenclud F Flint Bernard S 113 5 L 4-1
6 6 Toy Indian Torres F C McPeek Kenneth G 118 LA 8-1
7 7 Flirty Girty Nakatani C S Nicks Ralph E 118 L 4-1
8 8 Jettin Black Borel C H Dunn Stephen D 118 LA 20-1
9 MTO Silver La Belle Bridgmohan S X Stewart Dallas 120 L 5-2

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 9-10-11)

Battagliaspicks 5-2-1

#5 Ice Mist- Todays best bet, was switched to the turf and won last out by 5 at 11-1 while never seriously being challenged. We love the move up to allowance comapany and will double up on this one.

Belmont courtesy of Safestwager

Doubles, Pick 3's, Pick 4:
Race 6) 4/5/7 (If a scratch in ANY leg, add #6)
Race 7) 1a/4 (If a scratch, add #8)
Race 8) 1/3/7/8 (If a scratch, add #4)
Race 9) 1/2/9/10 (If a scratch, add #6)


Race 6) 6.5 Furlongs Alw 52,000N1X

#7 Nonna Mia*
Valazquez had 2 viable options and made this his choice.
Her last was disappoining after being bet down to 4-5.
That was her first start of the year and unhappy owners then made
a trainer switch to Pletcher.
As a 2 year old, she was always competitive after her first start.
She came in 3rd in the Grade 1 Frizette, and wasn't that far behind
"Devil May Care" who was the only filly in this year's Derby, and
won The G1 Mother Goose last weekend.
Don't think we'll be lucky enough to get morning line odds
of 4-1, but this is a very nice field.

Safer Bet:
a) #7 to Win, Place or Show

Exotics:
b) Trifecta: 7 with 4/5/6 with 4/5/6

Belmont 3rd courtesy of John Pricci

Yesterday we saw an example of how it’s possible to find value in a small field but while yesterday required trying to beat the early line favorites, today’s puzzle is trying to determine which of four horses ultimately will be the public’s choice. Indeed, this one’s an open scramble.

Accordingly, one could go any number of ways. Buddy’s Humor (3-1) goes well fresh, as does trainer Bruce Levine. Tactical speed and the rail are never usually bad things on Belmont’s inner turf going 1-1/16th miles.

There’s Cherokee Artist (5-2) who’s been toughened in graded stakes and reuniting with Ramon Dominguez, who rode him to two consecutive victories last year for regular client Graham Motion. And there’s Wesley (3-1), another who’s been cutting his teeth and high class graded rivals.

But it’s Gangbuster (4-1) who appears to have the most upside. In his first start for Tim Ice two races back, his first as a five year old and at Belmont Park, he showed an instant liking for the course, drawing off rapidly in deep stretch, albeit beating lesser than he will meet here.

But his effort, both visually and against the clock, was good enough to beat a group like today’s. Subsequently, he was overmatched on dirt in the Grade 2 Brooklyn, a race that should have taken little out of him, as Kent Desormeaux protected him, easing him across the finish line. Since the Brooklyn, he’s had two brisk drills, indicating a repeat of his Belmont debut is very probable. The class rise should help insure bettable odds.

Taking Gangbuster to win at 3-1 or greater and keying him first and second in exactas with Wesley and Buddy’s Humor.