Friday July 18 picks

Race 1

#7 SHE LOVES ME NOW is a remarkably consistent closer who gets a great setup today with a lot of speed horses signed on. #8 SAFELY’S ENVOY should also benefit from the expected fast pace after rallying for third behind an average pace last time. #3 GOLD MARIE dominated on dirt last time but tries turf for the first time today.

Suggested bet: Exacta box 7 w/ 3,8

Race 2

This race has all the makings of a blowup with the two best horses marooned on the far outside. #2 DJ’S TOP TEN finds an infinitely easier spot after chasing in three live MSW races. #1 TU BAKU should be closing late for a piece. #13 MORNIN’ EDDIE and #12 BLONDESHAVEMORERUN have the best form but awful posts. #7 TUTTY’S JET has been working well for his debut.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 2 w/ 1,7,12,13

Race 3

#6 YANKEESSWEPTINFOUR dueled inside through fast fractions before succumbing late last time to finish second. Today’ middle post position offers more options and the class drop makes life even easier for the favorite. #1 EIGHT IN A ROW is an improving 3yo coming off a confidence building maiden score. #3 OZZIE’S BOYS was only two lengths behind the favorite last time.

Suggested bet: Trifecta 1,6 w/ 1,3,6 w/ 1,3,6,7

Race 4

#10 FUNNY BEACH attracts a top rider for his debut, has been working steadily and has a good turf pedigree. #9 GEAUX BAYOU just missed last in a sharp effort. #4 LIGHTNIGHT HOOVES earned a big figure against tougher. #3 JEFFERSONTON could break through after three straight seconds. #11 SUNDAY PROSPECTOR looked like a promising 2yo but has been away a long time.

Suggested bet: Pick-4 – 3,4,9,10,11 w/ 5 w/ 5,8 w/ 6,8

Race 5

#5 HEAVENLY MOON has been running well enough against tough competition to be a deserving 9-5 favorite here. #4 SKI SKY scored a big maiden win last time and may move forward in her second start off a four-month break. #7 CRAWFORD COUNTY ran huge on the 4^th of July but failed in both of her turf tries.

Suggested bet: Win – 5

Race 6

#5 HOOH WHY is a full sister to a stakes winner. She’s been training very well for a good first-out trainer. #8 DELECTABLE CAT ran very well in her debut. She won’t be a maiden for long.#4 MISS COSMOPOLITAN has an exquisite pedigree and has been working well for her debut. #2 PROSECCA is another blueblood - her dam won her debut on turf and a G3 as a 2yo.

Suggested bet: Exacta box 5 w/ 2,4,8

Race 7

#8 IRISH CHESTNUT broke her maiden impressively last time and looks well-spotted to win right back in her first race against winners. #6 ROSELAND couldn’t close into a slow pace last time but has run well enough to win this in the past and gets an appropriate drop in class. #10 HARD ROCKIN closed nicely going 5f last time and may improve on the stretchout today.

Suggested bet: Pick 3 – 6,8 w/ 1,2,4 w/ 1,4

Race 8

#2 TUCKLINO should sit a perfect trip stalking the speed and may appreciate stretching back out to his best distance. #4 COME TO TERMS was a good second on turf last time and is probably better on dirt. #1 FAMED AFFAIR should be on the lead. He’s good enough to win but his chances probably hinge on whether any of the stretching out sprinters push him early.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 2 w/ 1,4

Race 9

# 4 DANCIN BUDDHA should love the cutback to 6½ today after a failed route race against tough 1x foes. He’s probably the most talented horse and projects to an excellent trip. #1 MONTFORT is rather inconsistent on dirt but is certainly good enough to win if he shows up today.

Suggested bet: Exacta box - 1,4