Delaware Park picks and analysis: June 16, 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 nine races, and first post is 12:30 EDT.
Race #1 Picks: 4-5-1-6
In this $16,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs, #4 Fabs (8-5) is making her second start after a break. She ran well here at Delaware last year with a win and a second-place finish in four starts. She has a class edge over her competitors today and looks to be the best here. #5 Need a Marker (6-1) was running well at Laurel earlier this year. She has early speed which is always helpful in Delaware sprints, and she should be considered. #1 Chem Major (2-1) won while being claimed in last. Has enough speed and is in good enough form to be in the mix today.
Race #2 Picks: 1-3-8-5
In this $12.500 maiden claiming race at one mile, #1 Curteis (4-1) has found the right level. He was a little unsteady heading to the finish line last time or he could have won the race. He was over eight lengths better than the third-place finisher. We think he will prevail today. #3 Stellwagen Banker (8-1) is taking a class drop. He showed he has ability with a strong second place finish in February. This looks like a good spot. #8 Unexpected Tiger (10-1) has been sluggish at Tampa but the switch to Delaware and class drop may wake him up.
Race #3 Picks: 6-2-4-1
This $8000 Starter Allowance race at one mile and 70 yards looks like the perfect spot for #6 Exit Right (2-1). This gelding is having a very good year and fits well here. We do wonder why Jamie Ness has Rodriguez aboard when regular jockey Ruben Silvera is on the grounds. #2 Yes Sir Robert (6-1) has shown he can do well with similar competition. He will be setting the pace early and trying to hold on late. #4 Flat Out Flying (8-5) has good speed figures and is always competitive. Could take the top spot if the speed horses fade late.
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Race #4 Picks: 7-8-10-11
This $16,000 maiden claiming race at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf has lots of plodders and lacks horses with early speed. We think #7 Praline’s Cat (4-1) will finally get over the hump and win. He has a series of second-place finishes, and this might be the weakest field he will ever face. We think he will win by default. #8 Stellar Lute (6-1) seems to be rounding into form and had trouble in last. Will be a factor with a good trip. #10 Double O Otto (6-1) lost momentum in the backstretch and went wide in last. Still showed a small late kick. Will improve with a better ride.
Race #5 Picks: 6-2-1-4
In this second-level allowance/optional claiming race for fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs, #6 Wild Army Brat (4-1) needed last after an eight-month break. We look for a big improvement today and have her on top. #2 Chickineess (3-1) ran evenly in her first try of the season at Delaware. Now Jamie Ness has placed her in a good spot, and if she runs close to her previous form she will compete for the top spot. If she is ahead at the quarter pole the race is likely over. #1 Greatitude (2-1) will be making her first start for Brittany Russell. She only has one race this year, but her back class warrants her to be considered. Will be a factor.
Joe’s Notes
- Delaware missed two days last week because of air quality issues…
- Jockey Daniel Centeno won with five of six mounts during the abbreviated racing week. No other rider won more than once…
- Trainers enjoying success with fewer starters include longtime local stalwart Lynn Ashby (2-for-9, 6 ITM to date), Michael Stidham (3-for-7), and Antonio Machado (3-for-6)…
Race #6 Picks: 8-6-7-2
In this $16,000 maiden claiming Race for fillies and mares at 7 ½ furlongs on turf, #8 Hopeful Cure (6-1) almost won last time despite being rank and going very wide early. That race should have taught her something, and if she is under control today we think she will top this field. #6 Rebel Consort (6-1) had a good turf race in Tampa. He fits well with his group and should be in the mix. #7 Sullivan Street (4-1) was nosed out by Hopeful Cure in last but has consistently been competitive under these conditions. Will need to show a little more to beat this group.
Race #7 Picks: 5-3-2-4
In the allowance/optional claiming race for three-year-olds at one mile and 70 yards, #5 Luigi’s Spirit (3-2) just missed with better in Maryland. If he runs back any of his recent races, he should be able to best this group. #3 Kerness (3-1) is back to a reasonable class level after trying a restricted stakes race in New York. Jaime Rodriguez will likely take him to the front early and try to wire this field. #2 Caughtandcollected (4-1) won a first level allowance race at Tampa in April has speed figures that will make him competitive if he fires today.
Race #8 Picks: 6-3-9-8
In this optional claiming/starter allowance race for fillies and mare at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf, #6 Lola Flo (8-1) has been facing stiff competition and is getting some class relief today. She clearly has the most early speed and that should help her today. We have this filly on top. #3 Tiki Bar (9-2) was running well on the Turfway Park Synthetic at this level and it should be a smooth transition to the Delaware Park grass. Has shown she can run sprints and routes and this distance should be no problem. #9 Now Yus Cant Leave (7-2) has been closing well on the turf, but 7 ½ furlongs may be a little short for her and she will need to get a better start.
Race #9 Picks: 2-4-6-5
In this $6250 claiming race for N2L at six furlongs, #2 Minister Quinn (9-2) had a nice run on his first try at Delaware Park while leaving the maiden ranks in last. It’s possible he can repeat against this weak group if he has an affinity for the Delaware surface. #4 The Colora Kid (6-5) just missed at this level in last try and seems to be improving. He has a shot today. #6 I Am It (6-1) showed some closing ability recently and may make an impact if he can get a better start.
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