Pimlico Picks & Analysis for May 23: War Canoe charges on the grass in Race 7

Pimlico Racecourse has solid nine-race card on this Sunday! 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 Sunday, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 8: Nottoway #4, 5/2):

Trainer Lacey Gaudet is a force in Mid-Atlantic circles, and she comes from a family that is well-versed in equine management. Her sister, Gabby, is a TVG and Keeneland analyst. They both know horses. In this particular race, an Ontario bred named Nottaway #4 comes calling and this gelding has some excellent class experience at the AOC-level. As a son of Twirling Candy, that tells me he is versatile, and can get this distance. Last out at Laurel Park, he was game for the win, and posted an impressive speed fig. I like this one’s chances, and he should be a good wager with Johan Rosado in the irons. Win, all the way …

Wager: $100 Win, #4

Favorite I Am Against: (Race 2: Tessa P #5, 3/1):

Here is a 2-yr-old crop of fillies that are looking to take their 1st steps onto a racetrack. Who knows how they will do? Well, you can play sire/dam 1st time starter stats, or look at trainer’s ability to send them out ready. I want to take a shot against Tessa P #5, who might end up being the favorite just because she is from the Breen Barn. Out of Jimmy Creed, those runners can sprint, and that is pretty inviting. Instead, I want to back Cabra Chica #6 because she at least has a Waiver Clm race under her belt. Mike Trombetta now sends her into this race, and she should be able to move forward. Julian Pimentel can guide this daughter of Street Magician home for the victory.

Wager: $2 Exacta Wheel, 2/6  w 5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: You Are Awesome #6, 15/1):

If you are looking for a longer play, then here is your shot. When you see a son or daughter of Temple City, then it usually is an indication that they can handle the grass. You Are Awesome #6 performed nicely last year in Waiver events at Delaware Park. The minor leagues helped, and he soon headed up the ladder in an attempt to land some Laurel Park laurels. Some of it worked to perfection where the gelding either won or hit the board in all of his contests. It was only recently when he shipped up to Aqueduct that he looked overmatched. Now, the Niall Saville runner comes back to Maryland. He is certainly fit enough, and if Feargal Lynch can keep him steady throughout, then this boxcar-priced runner might have what it takes to upset the apple cart. We shall see … juicy!

Wager: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS, #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 1 1/16th, AOC35k, F&M 3+)

Some upper echelon conditioners are rolling into Baltimore in hopes of getting one of their charges into form before a summer run. You have Mike Matz, Graham Motion, and Shug McGaughey all assembling for the turf try on the Pimlico grass course. Matz has La Babia #1 coming into Old Hilltop after a pair of efforts down at Gulfstream Park. One of those was a win off the shelf in an OC25k 1 Mile turf event with Johnny V taking the Bayern filly home after leading for most of the way. The next go was a miss as Matz thought going into upper OC Co. was possible. A 5th place finish was the result. Hard to back her in this spot, what with Jevian Toldeo in the saddle. His turf timing is way off, as far as I am concerned.

The Herringswell entry from Motion’s Barn is the Street Sense filly, Cat’s Pajamas #4. Last season, the Maryland-based trainer claimed this one from Bill Mott’s midst. She set to work climbing the class stairwell, and made it all the way to the Lake Placid (G2) and Lake George (G3) at Saratoga. Although neither resulted in hitting the board, it was still a quality march. Now, Motion has her working well over at his base at Fair Hill. During Preakness Weekend, the trainer brought a number of sleepers and awakened them with some pretty competitive efforts. I am not sure if 9/5 is warranted, especially with Feargal Lynch riding. Lastly, let’s not forget about Shug’s entry. The Stuart Janney homebred In a Hurry #5 was the opposite of that moniker last time at Keeneland. She had trouble getting on track in an ALLW83k. The HOF conditioner is hoping for better this time around. Jockey Forest Boyce is riding well, and the daughter of Blame could have the edge.

The reps of each of these trainers goes without saying, but I actually like another female who should end up on top. I have a special place in my heart for War Canoe #8. This former Chad Brown runner was more than competitive last year. The now 8-yr-old mare is in the care of Steve Klesaris, and she needed a race under her belt last time at Belmont. Cutting back in distance and coming to Pimlico is just the ticket. Carol Cedeno is not the most experienced grass rider, but there is no time like the present to get it together. This mare can school these young ones, enroute to a 10th victory out of 42 starts. That is an amazing accomplishment!

Wager: .10 Superfecta Box, 1/4/5/8

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Enjoy the Pimlico Sunday card! Weather looks splendid, so best of luck!