• John Piassek
• May 14, 2022

In which we pick the races from Pimlico each day…

Post time: 12:40 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $3,178 Super High 5 — $0 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-10-4-7 (DIRT: 4-3-10-9)

The last time Mike McCarthy was here, he won the Preakness with Rombauer. This race isn’t quite as glamorous as that, but he’s got a big chance to pick up a win with #2 Sweet Devil (2/1). She showed promise on grass last year in southern California, narrowly missing after a tough trip in her last grass start at Santa Anita Park last October. She was flat in a spot that wasn’t a good fit for her at Mahoning Valley last out, but getting back to a grass sprint should be beneficial. #10 Gravitron (4/1) goes first off the claim for Jamie Ness, who won a grass race yesterday when teaming up with Jaime Rodriguez. She’s going to be a presence on the front end. #4 Summer Beauty (9/2) ran two solid races over the winter on the Tapeta at Gulfstream Park, in her first races off a long layoff. Gets Jevian Toledo in the saddle for her local debut.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-3-4-6

#2 Run Awesome Tiz (2/1) was dominant over the winter at Mahoning Valley, with five wins in her last six starts. She was claimed out of her last start by Kevin Patterson, who puts the red-hot Jeiron Barbosa in the saddle. She’ll be very tough to beat if her form transfers over at all. #3 Joyful Noise (4/1) churned on to finish third against slightly better in her last start, and should rally for a piece once again. #4 Marvella Nasty (7/5) ran some huge races last fall, including two figures in the 90s, but struggled badly in her last two starts. Anthony Farrior gave her some time off since her last start, and puts Arnaldo Bocachica in the saddle. Whenever he picks up a mount here, it’s a good sign.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

5-4-2-6

#5 Serifos (5/2) was no match for a loose leader last out, but he held off all the others and finished a clear-cut second with a career-best brisnet figure of 83. The only one in here who’s a serious speed threat is #4 Succeed (5/1), who dealt with pace pressure last out at Charles Town and faded late. He got nabbed late after setting the pace in two recent local starts. Serifos is the closest thing to a challenger on the early lead here; if he can shake free of him he’s got a big chance. #2 Carvellian Quest (4/1) flew late to get third on debut going short. That’s not necessarily an indication he’ll like more distance, but it was nonetheless a promising race and he merits respect in this spot.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $8,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

4-2-7-1

#4 Itsknownasthebern (10/1) is coming off a lifetime-best figure of 80 and should be able to work out a front-end trip. He’s got a shot to wire this field at a good number. #2 Ghost Stalker (3/1) goes first off the claim for Richard Sillaman and consistently runs in the mid/upper-70s. He’ll do his best running towards the end. #7 Excalibur (7/2) sat the trip and drew off to victory against similar last out, in his first start for the Kevin Dove barn. He might need a pace to run into, but he’ll be tough if he gets it.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 FURLONGS (GRASS)

9-6-1-10 (DIRT: 1-2-6-5)

#9 Fast Lani (2/1) has blazing early speed and came close to wiring similar fields last year both here and at Delaware Park, getting nabbed in the last few jumps. She showed little in two races on dirt earlier this year, but at least they prepped her for this spot, and she’s better suited for this surface anyway. #6 Miss is Zippy (4/1) sat the trip and got up to win her last grass race last summer at Ellis Park, with an impressive figure of 83. She’s also had a few screw-tighteners on dirt this year and will be ready for a prime performance. #1 Hello Gracie (6/1) makes her second start off the layoff and has good late speed.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

4-1-6-5

#4 Icy Reply (3/1) drops to this level in a sprint for the first time after two near-misses against better. She should be able to make her way to the lead and the rail. #1 Kisses for Hannah (9/2) makes her first start for Kieron Magee and races with lasix for the first time. She had a tough trip on debut at Timonium last year and has been working well for her return. #6 She’s a Tripp (6/1) stepped up big-time to run a 68 in her last start and will be tough if she can maintain that form.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-1-5-6

#2 Date Night Kisses (8/5) broke her maiden impressively last out and was claimed out of that race by Jamie Ness. She ran far and away a lifetime-best figure of 85 that day. Even if she declines a few points, the rest are going to have a hard time beating her. #1 Hot Lookin Royal (5/2) also broke her maiden in impressive style last out, going gate-to-wire to win by eleven lengths. However, she ran a 77, several points below the mark of Date Night Kisses. Nonetheless, she has speed and the rail and might be able to sneak away up top again. #5 Fancy Princess (6/1) has rounded into her best form, with back-to-back marks in the upper 70s in her last two starts. Should close for a piece at a price.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-6-3-5 (DIRT: 8-9-4-5)

#2 Adelaide Miss (3/1) started her Fair Grounds season with an impressive gate-to-wire win in allowance company. However, that was the highlight of her season as she faded going 1 1/16 miles in her next two starts against stakes horses. Five furlongs might be a bit too short for her, but it should serve as a nice bounce-back spot. Brittany Russell and Jevian Toledo have already teamed up for two grass winners. #6 Dendrobia (6/1) was no factor against much better in the King Leatherbury Stakes last out, but she did run a sharp 85 that day and should improve second off the bench. She has no early speed but a strong closing kick. #3 Spun Glass (2/1) makes her first start since late September for Mike Trombetta, and was a solid third at this level in her last start of 2021. She’ll get a good trip rating off the pace.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

5-2-3-6

#5 Mo Fire (3/1) closed for second in her first start at this condition, with a much-improved figure of 68. Should be right at home against these. #2 No More Mask (7/5) has won her last two starts for this claiming price and has good tactical speed. She’s run at least a 66 in four of her last five races. #3 Market of Stocks (4/1) broke her maiden impressively two starts back and looks for a rebound off a dull performance last out.