Delaware Park picks and analysis: June 3, 2023
Joe Parisi- June 3, 2023
Live racing at Delaware Park kicks off May 24 and runs through late October.
Once again this year, we will have Delaware Park picks and analysis for every day of live racing at the venerable track.
Today’s card features eight races.
Race #1 Picks: 2-4-6-1
In this $6,250 maiden claiming race for fillies and mares at one mile, #2 Lookin At Kisses (3-2) is making her first start for Robert Werneth who has some wins at 29% in 14 tries in the first race after he takes over training duties. This filly did show some speed in her most recent race, and we have her on top today, #4 Gladiatora (5-2) did flash some speed on the synthetic surface in Florida last year. May improve in second start this year. #6 Heartsanddiamonds (6-1) struggled at Laurel last year, and perhaps she will like the Delaware Park oval better.
Race #2 Picks: 7-4-6-5
In this $5000 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #7 Illustrious (8-1) showed some speed last time out and was running very well here at Delaware last year. The “Horse-for-the-course” angle is particularly strong at Delaware Park. #4 Lord Darnley (2-1) was running well in Tampa and is now stepping down in class in his second try at Delaware. If he can match his recent Florida races he will be very tough today. #6 Shimmering Light (3-1) struggled in last race but may get back to good form with new connections.
Race #3 Picks: 3-2-6-5
The first two-year-old race of the meet is a $38,000 maiden special weight for fillies at 4 ½ furlongs. #3 Troubled Dreams (2-1) rallied in her debut race at Parx, and that experience should help her improve today. Trainer Brittany Russel has won at a 22% clip with two-year-olds in 116 starts. #2 First Joke (3-1) is by Practical Joke whose 2YO first time starters have won at a 17% rate in 124 starts. This filly has a nice work line and is a threat. #6 Princess Peanut (4-1) has a few nice workouts and should be considered.
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Race #4 Picks: 4-2-5-7
In the $16,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf, #4 Slime Queen (10-1) not only has a great name, but she is also trained by Juan Arriagada who is very capable. This mare is very consistent and has a place and a show in two tries on the Delaware turf. Although she is taking a class jump, we think she will handle this field. #2 Beckon (7-2) will be running her second race of the year after being idle since October. If she can return to last years’s form, she will be a top contender today. #5 Una Luna (8-5) has been running well on the turf at a higher-class level at Gulfstream. Jennifer Hayford, who has a 5% winning percentage in 334 starts, is taking over the training duties.
Race #5 Picks: 5-2-6-3
In this $25,000 claiming race at 5 ½ furlongs, #5 Mr. Cash (9-5) is coming from Tampa and making his first start since November. This will be his first try in the claiming ranks. He has been working very well and will try to take them gate to wire. #2 Six Whips (8-1) left the maiden ranks at Charles Town after struggling at Oaklawn Park. She isn’t facing any toughies in here and should be able to compete again. #6 Liberty Star (5-2) raced okay at Delaware Park last year and fits well in this spot. Coming back from an eight-month layoff.
Joe’s Notes
- Three winners Friday for jockey Jeremy Rose, two for trainer Brittany Russell, one of those aboard allowance winner S. Muffin, who’s won two straight.
- Interesting third race Friday: a maiden claimer going 1 1/2 miles on the turf. King Tsunami got the money with Forest Boyce up for trainer Todd Wyatt.
Race #6 Picks: 10-4-2-9
In this $38,000 maiden special race for fillies and mares at five furlongs on the turf, we are going with a first-time starter. #10 Delta Charm (12-1) is sired by Khozan, whose first-time starters win at 14% in 201 tries. We like the fast work on May 27and the five-furlong work in March. Would love to see her in the paddock to see her body language. #4 Audaciousness (9-5) was running against better at Fair Grounds and seemed to improve in her March race. The drop in class and track change may wake her up. A contender. #2 Compass Fire (3-1) has a five- furlong turf race under her belt and three lifetime races and that experience should help her today. She should be in the mix.
Race #7 Picks: 7-2-5-1
In this $25,000 optional claiming race at six furlongs, #7 Where Paradise Lay (3-1) has been facing tough competition at Laurel and in Florida and ran very well at Delaware last year. There is no reason he won’t return to that form, and he is a top contender today. #2 Much Better (6-1) has been working very well for Jamie Ness since the claim and the switch from Oaklawn to Delaware should give him a boost. #5 A Dangerous Guy (4-1) has been sharp in his last two races at Parx. His early speed should give him an advantage today and he will be dangerous if he can get free.
Race #8 Picks: 5-3-1-6
In this $5000 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #5 Cosmic Treasure (3-1) got caught in a speed duel and had a little trouble in his last but hung on gamely. He has looked very good since dropping to this class level and fits very well here. #3 Visual Artist (2-1) is taking a large class drop after being competitive at a higher class level. He looks tough here, but the large class drop looks suspicious and makes us wary. #1 Ghostinyou (4-1) had some decent races in Florida and is getting some class relief. Has a chance to be a factor today.
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