Caleb @CalebWVU

Race 2 – #5 Scherzer: This $30k NY-bred maiden claiming race features a number of horses who have simply had enough chances that I want to look for a new shooter. Some bettors may gravitate towards Sweet Liberty, Mim, or Bon Adieu on the drop, as they all make some level of sense. However, I’m instead going with #5 Scherzer. This filly had a very eventful debut; she broke slowly, rushed up inside and immediately had to steady, losing momentum. She launched a second rally wide coming out of the turn before checking off of heels a second time. I thought she continued on fairly well given the trip, and she now gets a rider upgrade to Manny Franco. I don’t think there are any monsters in here, so I’m giving a second time starter for Ray Handal the nod in a pretty paltry group of maidens.

Josh @CherryDrank

Race 4 – #3 Sprinklehead: Looks to be inside drawn speed which I always like out of the Wilson chute. Trainer Jose D’Angelo is 25% 1st off the claim, and the horse’s recent form looks like he could use a new change of scenery. Has been working well and if he can run back to his figures from his 2 wins earlier this year he should be competitive. On Optix, he is a Q3 square with no squares in Q1 so should be the best of the speeds.

Mark @Two_Turns

He has given up.