The GQ Approach – Timonium August 31

Photo by The Racing Biz.

The GQ Approach features full-card selections from Timonium for the Maryland State Fair racing meet, Post Time 1:05pm EDT including a daily Best Bet, Longshot Play, and multi-race wagers — including the 20 cent Rainbow Pick-6, 50 cent Early and Late Pick-5s, as well as Pick-4s and rolling Doubles, Pick-3s and the Super High-5.

 Analysis

• Weather: Mostly Sunny; highs in the 80s
• Scheduled turf races: No turf at The Big T
• Projected track conditions: Main – FAST

First Race Post Time 1:05pm EDT

Race 1 

1. #1 – Bro Your Killingme (9-2): Found trouble in last two, both on turf; looks to regain form from last winter via class drop
2. #5 – Once More Eh (2-1): Chased gate-to-wire winner here last weekend; will try to be the target foes are chasing
3. #7 – El Rojo (5-2): Game maiden score in the mud here on Opening Day; likes a fast track just as well (6:0-1-4)

Race 2 

1. #6 – Paid Holiday (6-5): Runner-up in last two efforts when betting choice; speedster should enjoy cut back to 4 furlongs; makes first start for trainer D. Haughton after $5k claim
2. #3 – Shadow Boxer (3-1): Led for 4 furlongs at Lrl when 69-1; if he can outbreak the top pick, he could earn first win of career
3. #4 – Baravelli (5-2): Faced a weaker group than these in latest as prohibitive favorite, but still couldn’t earn diploma (2nd) 

Race 3

1. #3 – It’s a Trend (5-1): Only mount on card for A. Wolfsont who guided this one to last victory; likes The Big T (6:2-3-0)  
2. #4 – Joyful Noise (4-1): Away since mid-July and just one work 7 days ago but a good one (3f in 35 flat); likes this distance (3:1-1-1) and was third here exactly one year ago
3. #5 – Letmeslidebyyou (15-1): Showed early speed going longer in first race after 3-month layoff; cut back in distance makes her a threat to hit the board at a juicy price

1. #5 – Southern Barbecue (3-1): 3^rd start after layoff; Third in latest effort as runner-up come back to win here last Saturday
2. #6 – Lord of Misrule (10-1): Exits turf try v. much better; will need pace help as he does best running in late stages of race
3. #4 – Generalist (7-2): Returns after short layoff following three turf sprints preceded by gate-to-wire win at Delaware Park

Race 5 

1. #3 – Debutant Girl (7-5): Shippers from Finger Lakes have done well at Tim as this one won here in ’16 at 14-1; fits this race condition like a glove and gets best gate rider for the trip
2. #2 – Polarization (6-1): It’s all about speed and looking back at this gals past performances, she should be able to give top pick company heading towards Ferris Wheel
3. #6 – Unique Humor (8-5): Need to forgive her for not showing up in latest start (last weekend) as she faced tougher open claimers and jock likely saved her for today after slow start

Race 6 

1. #8 – Trafficplan (12-1): $ LONGSHOT $ Field is filled with early speed, so I desperately sought one who might be able to come from off-the-pace; it’s a stretch but this gal could
2. #1 – Di (3-1): Tough post to get early position first time under the wire; bridesmaid to next out winner; like Chart Caller comments “finished well” and “gamely” indicates good form
3. #10 – Shipmans Magic (10-1): Needs a smart trip from jock as outside post is no picnic; multi-class drop gives her a shot

1. #2 – Anna’s Bandit (6-5): Desperately tried to find a gal who could beat her, but couldn’t; has won her last two stakes starts on dirt when facing MD-bred/MD-sired foes
2. #3 – Belial (12-1): Got first career win on this oval last year; has developed into a nice middle-distance runner who could get first stakes but needs fast early pace, which looks unlikely
3. #6 – Sarah’s Treasure (20-1): Toss her turf try and she has been in-the-money since trainer R. Graham claimed her in Nov.; if she gets early w/o being pressured, she could steal it

Race 8 

1. #6 – Awesome Fu (3-1): * BEST BET * Speed figures have been climbing; beaten favorite at same level in last outing when settled for runner-up spot; adds blinkers
2. #3 – Gold Man (5-2): The old man (10 -year-old) may getting long in the tooth, failing as favorite in last 3; drops a level
3. #2 – My Eminence (3-1): Impressive string of being part of Exacta in 7 of last 8 efforts since trainer H. McMahon claim

 Race 9 

1. #1 – Above It All (5-1): Runner-up 7 days ago after running off pre-race; an amazing feat though it’s a quick turn around; lone speed from the rail makes him a maiden no more
2. #5 – Sing a Verse (9-2): Seems to fit style of Closing Sprinter as he performs at his best at this distance but can he win?
3. #7 – Big Rinne (5-2): Gets best chance to earn diploma after a pair of seconds and a third in last 3 tries v. a notch better