Tuesday July 8 picks

Race 1

#2 HOME SKILLET makes his debut for trainer Hamilton Smith, who wins with 28% of his firsters in maiden claiming races. Home Skillet is bred by a turf-leaning sire and out of mare who has already produced two winners from her first two foals. #1A EXTRABAND makes his debut for another top 2yo trainer. #6 FENCE BUSTER has a long string of works and a solid turf pedigree.

Suggested bet: Daily Double 2 w/ 1,2,5

Race 2

#2 GEAX BAYOU overcame a poor start to get fourth in his turf debut. He showed a new dimension pressing the pace last time that would serve him well in today’s shorter race. #1 FLYBYBOY almost pulled off the upset last time with a furious late rally off a slow pace. He’ll get more pace to run at today. #5 GLORIOUS SUNRISE is a logical favorite.

Suggested bet: Pick 3 – 1,2,5 w/ 2,3 w/ 2,3,7

Race 3

#3 FATHERLESS LASS didn’t fire her best shot off a long layoff but should move up today with a little added distance and fitness. This race sets up nicely for a horse that can close like her. #2 WILD JETTA is a fairly consistent closer who should get a nice setup as well.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 2,3

Race 4

#3 ONTEHDOTTEDLINE is another solid looking firster for Smith with a great turf pedigree. #7 IRON LEGACY ran well to get fourth at Churchill. He could easily improve today as he adds blinkers and tries turf for his first start off the claim. #2 KENTUCKY STORMIN may improve a ton today with Lasix, turf and blinkers off and a sharp recent work.

Suggested bet: Pick 4 – 2,3,7 w/ 1 w/ 1,2,5,6 w/ 7

Race 5

#1 PEACE ROCK ran third in a true key race and should be even better today in his second start off the bench. #7 SAMI’S DANCER ran well in his lone turf try. He should be gunning early today.

Suggested bet: Win – 7

Race 6

#6 TRIPPEDOUTOFADREAM showed a lot in his debut, running fourth despite some trouble in a key race. #2 DISTINCTIVE RIDGE has a sizable speed figure edge that should make him very tough as he drops in class and picks up the leading rider. #1 BODY ROCKET shot out to a big lead in his debut and may get an easy lead today. #5 EIGHT IN A ROW nearly won his lone turf sprint and may move forward as he cuts back off two straight 1 1/8-mile races.

Suggested bet: Exacta box - 6 w/ 1,2,5

Race 7

#7 ROYAL CORREDOR ran a monster race get second by a nose in her lone start, beating future graded stakes winner Sealy Hill by four lengths. She’s been off since that September 2006 race but has been working well for a terrific layoff trainer. #10 BALLET D’AMOUR has been on dirt and is bred to move way up on turf.

Suggested bet: Pick 3 – 7 w/ 2,5,8 w/ 3,6

Race 8

#5 NATURES EXPRESS didn’t handle turf last time but is very tough on dirt and projects to a nice stalking trip today. #2 LILY’S JOY impressed at 3-5 in her maiden breaker last time and looks primed for at least her eighth in the money finish in her 10^th start. #8 FREE TO SAY didn’t handle turf last time and should be much better returning to the main track today.

Suggested bet: Exacta box - 2,5,8

Race 9

#3 LIL MOON MAN gets a huge trainer switch to the preposterously hot Earl Begley, who adds blinkers today. #6 SIR REDFORD was forced four-wide on the first turn, a near death sentence going a mile on turf. A better post position and the return to dirt sprints should help him a ton today.

Suggested bet: Exacta box – 3,6