Sunday July 27 picks

Race 1

#1A CICISBEO is a true horse for course – 6 for 9 at Colonial and 1 for 34 outside of New Kent. Why bet against him here? #1 SIDE BUSTER is a legitimate contender in his own right. #2 SUPER STRUGGLER has been racing competitively against much tougher and is the value of the race at 4-1. #3 PEACE ROCK steps up off a good win for dangerous connections.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 1 w/ 2,3,4

Race 2

#5 KEY UNION just missed at this level last time. He shouldn’t be a maiden much longer. #3 THE ONE TO CHASE is aptly named as the likely favorite. He takes a huge class drop today and obviously good enough to win. #1 THE BOY FROM BRAY failed as the favorite last time but drops back to his best distance today.

Suggested bet: Pick-3 – 3,5 w/ 2,5,8 w/ 4,11

Race 3

#5 VICARIOUS FLIGHT has run two quality races at Colonial against tougher than average competition for the price. He’s very dangerous first off the claim, 39% move for Feliciano. #8 UNADULTERATED deserves another chance on turf after stumbling at the start in his only previous grass race. #2B MALA MALA CAT should move forward today in his second start off a layoff.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 2,5,8

Race 4

#11 DYNAMITE KING plunges in class after tiring badly in his debut. He’s extremely dangerous shortening up in his second lifetime start, especially coming from a barn that rarely wins first time out. #4 DISTINCTIVE RIDGE has a substantial speed figure and class edge but 4-5 is a little short for an 0 for 20 horse.

Suggested bet: Pick-4 –11 w/ 1,2,3 w/ 3,10 w/ 1,3,4,5

Race 5

#2 GATORNATION won easily when last seen at this level then was a good fourth when jumped all the way to allowance company last time. #3 TUCKLINO just missed on dirt last time and is probably a touch better on turf. #1 DR. STICK should have the lead all to himself. He’ll be tough to reel in if he handles the lawn in his turf debut.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 1,2,3

Race 6

#3 SCRUB ISLAND was just a half-length behind Final Report in her turf debut. The lightly-raced 3yo filly has enough upside to make up that cap, especially with a better post position than that rival. #10 FINAL REPORT is due for a win after two straight solid seconds at this level. #11 I AM THE QUEEN has been second on third in half her 18 lifetime starts. Today should be no different.

Suggested bet: Trifecta – 3,10 w/ 3,10,11 w/ 3,7,10,11

Race 7

#1 LEAR HEIGHTS was beaten just 1½ lengths by an atypically strong field last time. He fits nicely here and should save all the ground from the rail. #4 IN MEMORYOFAFRIEND ran well last time and returns to his favorite distance today. #5 POLISH DYNAMITE disappointed as the favorite last time but was a very good fourth against tougher two back. #3 HENRY R. should be closing late.

Suggested bet: Pick-3 – 1,3,4,5 w/ 4,5 w/ 6,9

Race 8

#5 ROCKABY BABY has been first or second in five straight races, including a strong score over a next-out winner on July 5 here. #4 PLEASANT STRIKE was flying late to just miss in a Virginia-bred stake but the form of that race took a hit when the winner came back to lose as a very heavy favorite. Pleasant Strike obviously got more than enough talent to win this nonetheless.

Suggested bet: Exacta box - 4,5

Race 9

#9 GIMME THE GOLD overcame a wide-trip from post 12 to be a decent third in her 2008 debut. She should be stronger today and has enough turf pedigree to suggest the surface switch may play in her favor. #6 UNCANNY NIKOL should appreciate the cutback to her first turf sprint.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 6,9