Pimlico Picks & Analysis for May 20: Pretty Edgy goes alt in Race 7
Pimlico Racecourse has solid eight-race card on this Thursday! What a week it was in Thoroughbred racing, as we are back in Baltimore. As usual, our turf-man has you covered with selections for the whole card and additional analysis of his strongest opinions throughout the day.
If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country on Thursday, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 1: Booyakasha #5, 5/2):
In this little cheap lead-off claimer, we are after a victory that can get us on the board. Sometimes when you are starting off the week, it the best means by which to begin. For my money, I think the Florida bred, Booyakasha #5, looks strong. The Geralis Barn got this one home last time in a similar, and the connections are looking to string together a pair. This gelding clearly likes the course, and with Forest Boyce in the saddle, another win looks promising. Back ‘em …
Wager: $100 Win, #5
Favorite I Am Against: (Race 2: Baffle ‘Em #5, 6/5):
Ollie Figgins has a good crop of runners emanating from the barn, but I am against Baffle ‘Em #5 because I am not much of a fan of one who could not win at the MSW level last out with his new digs. The former Brendan Walsh runner has spirit for the grass, but will see how this one goes. Who wants a 6/5 odds horse dropping down, when you could have one at a much tastier price? Even though this is an MC event, going 1 1/8th on the turf is truly difficult. I want an entry that is fit as a fiddle, and to my eye that could be Polish Cookie #8. I have backed this one before over at Laurel Park, and she could be a great double-digit price come post time. Her dam, Chrusciki out of Polish Numbers, was not too shabby a racer, and who doesn’t like a homebred? Nancy Lee Farms could have a good one on their hands, even though trainer Ferris Allen has never asked this one to run on turf. Let’s have a go!
Wager: $2 Exacta Cold, 8 w 5
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Keepyourguardup #8, 15/1):
Jockey Angel Cruz is looking agreeable in the saddle, but based on his turf riding numbers … he could always use some improvement. His issue on the turf is patience, much like it is for jockeys that are coming from colder climates. They do not have the opportunity to work on their GPS (Grass Positioning System), so by May it becomes a steep learning curve. The Pecoraro Stable is entrusting Cruz once again, with this 3-yr-old gelding named Keepyourguardup #8. Out of Lea, he has never run on the lawn, but last time he won in an MC10k contest that had 9 going 5½F. Now, it is time to see if he can stretch out to this distance. With so many others in this race that are either in the same boat, or coming off-the-bench, there is a good chance we could be on the right long shot. Tally Ho, grass guardians!
Wager: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS, #8 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6F, ALLW42k, F&M 3+)
Mark Grier owns Sosua #1 and most will back this filly because she is trained by Arnaud Delacour and towards the end of March she won on debut. That is no small feat, breaking your maiden first time out. That Tampa race (MSW26k) was not overly difficult, but the distance of 12-lengths was what was so impressive. There might be an opportunity to back another speedster, taking advantage of the betting public’s desire to get this short-priced winner home. For a value play, I would instead consider Pretty Edgy #5 from the Sillaman Barn. She is also a 4-yr-old filly that already has some excellent back class. Her overall record is 11/3-2-2, and I think she could be very capable of silencing this lot. The way to cash a ticket here is to go with a straight “Win” bet. With so many underlays, she looks primed for her first score since last year at this time. Jevian Toledo is a more than capable jockey, and the fact that he climbs back aboard once again, looks very inviting.
Wager: $100-W, #5
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Enjoy the Pimlico Thursday card! The weather looks splendid, so best of luck!