Pimlico Picks & Analysis for May 7: Artillery long shot can fire late in Race 5
When it came to betting on Saturday's Kentucky Derby, wagering was king. Now, the scene shifts from Churchill Downs on this Friday to Pimlico Racecourse outside of Baltimore. They have a solid nine-race card, and in less than a week and a half until the track once again hosts the Preakness.
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 Friday, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 1: Day the Music Died #5, 7/5):
Maclean’s Music only ran once during his brief career. Even though he never had the opportunity to eclipse the competition on the track, his legacy lives on as a popular sire. This offspring already has a ride under his belt at Pimlico, and he is looking to improve on that 3rd place finish. His speed figs look promising, and he should have no trouble vanquishing these opponents for Mario Serey. Jockey Grant Whitacre has a steady hand.
Wager: $100 Win, #5
Favorite I Am Against: (Race 2: Moonzano #3, 9/5):
I am against this gelding not because he is trained by Susan Cooney, but this one looks to be a little long in the tooth. You want a Maiden Claimer who is lightly raced, and this one has too many to its name in 2021. Instead, why not move a notch down the M/L tote and back a runner like Scottsdale #4? This gelding gets bug boy, Carlos Marquez, and that means some weight relief. Super Saver’s offspring have solid ability, and this one qualifies as one that is fit, but no overwrought. Last year, he ran for John Salzman in MSW company, and at times, he flashed some speed. Now appears to be the time to back him cold. Young Marquez is earning his stripes!
Wager: $2 Exacta Cold, 4 w 3
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Artillery #4, 15/1):
It is long shot time, and that means looking for a bet at double-digit odds that most will miss. I like this one, a Cal bred, from the barn of Jose Corrales because here is a colt with good bloodlines, and a rider that is hot right now. J.D. Acosta has all the skills to marshal a win in this spot. Bred by Andrew Stronach, and owned by the Corrales Family, you are looking at a nice boxcar pick. Do not sleep on this one . . . One of these days, he is going to make a nice leap into a higher class. I want to be there when it happens.
Wager: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS, #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 1/16th, ALLW35k, F&M 3+):
These Maryland breds are ready to enter the fray and route around the Pimlico Turf Course. Normally, I am against throwing my weight behind a grass runner who is making its 1st start of the year, but since this one comes from Herringswell, it is time to make an exception. Graham Motion has proven himself time, and time again. He brings this filly, Sweet Talking Girl #1, who is a daughter to Candy Ride (ARG), into this ALLW contest. This might be the last time for awhile that you get a price like this one. Michael Trombetta, Gary Capuano, and Claudio Gonzalez each have an entry that looks like they will take money. Let’s use that to our advantage, and hope that jockey Feargal Lynch can get this 4-yr-old home in the end.
Wager: $25-W, $50-P, #1
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Enjoy the Pimlico Friday card! Best of Luck!