Timonium picks AND PONDERINGS: AUGUST 27, 2023
John Piassek is here to provide Timonium picks and analysis for every day of live racing at the Maryland State Fair.
Post time: 12:25 p.m.
Carryovers: Late Pick 5: $0
- VIDEO: Maryland racing highlightsMaryland-connected horses had plenty of racing success this past weekend, both at home and on the road. Here are Maryland racing highlights.
RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #5 – Aztec Bay (7-2): One of two in here exiting the 9th race on Aug. 13, the winner of which, Cora’s Choice, finished second on opening day; this one has run her best races within her last two starts and is fast early.
- #6 – Cowgirl Hop (6-1): Ran a huge race at Charles Town last out, closing off a very slow early pace to lose by a length.
- #3 – Super Money (6-1): Chased Cora’s Choice while wide and finished second in the aforementioned Aug. 13 affair; she should at least save more ground this time.
RACE 2: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE
- #3 – Viking Queen (3-5): Her speed figures are vastly superior to those of the others, and she should handle them without drama.
- #5 – Emma and I (8-1): Charles Town shipper has good late speed.
- #6 – Some is Nine (7-2): Has trouble sustaining her rallies going shorter, but the track might carry her if she’s close enough early.
RACE 3: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #5– Minister Quinn (10-1): Take out his last race, where he broke terribly and never had a chance, and he looks like a major player.
- #3 – Backatya (6-5): Led late after a wide trip near the pace last out and got caught; now, he’s the one who will control the pace.
- #2 – Spitball (3-1): Has decent speed and a good post, but he’s just 1-for-22 in the past 24 months.
RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $5,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 4 FURLONGS
- #7 – Runaway Road (9-5): Returns to dirt and gets some class relief after his last few starts.
- #1 – Mashua (4-1): Held well last out despite a wide trip on a contested pace.
- #2 –Mo Eh Hennessy (7-2): Getting better with every start for the tough Anthony Farrior/Arnaldo Bocachica combo.
RACE 5: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE
- #3 – Goodafternoonoscar (4-1): Ran a big race on the lead at Delaware last out and held third; tries older horses for the first time here.
- #4 – Under the Radar (9-5): Has good tactical speed and strong recent workouts for his first start since April 5.
- #6 – The Khozan One (5-2): Fought gamely near the pace and lost a three-horse photo last out; beat older rivals two starts back.
RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #3 – Parish Belle (7-5): Hasn’t had an anxious moment in three starts this year and looks like a future stakes-winning filly.
- #4 – Mama G’s Wish (9-2): Improved sharply to win third off the layoff last out against some solid local runners; should press the pace here.
- #5 – Our Liberty Belle (8-1): She’s quickly climbing the class ladder with three straight wins after an 0-for-6 start to her career.
RACE 7: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 4 FURLONGS
- #5 – Wild Behavior (7-5): Looks fast enough to run them off their feet.
- #6– Pit Stop Man (5-2): Ran some big races earlier this year and looks for a rebound after two subpar efforts.
- #3 – Kitchen Fire (9-2): Lost by a nose after a game performance at Delaware last out.
RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (OPEN), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS
- #1 – Al Love Josie (8-5): Lasted on the lead last out in a bounce-back effort; will try to keep the momentum going here.
- #4 – Dollarization (9-5): Finished second behind Al Loves Josie last out with a strong late rally.
- #6 – Backnthewoods (5-2): Showed a new dimension last out, coming from off the pace to earn a hard-fought victory.
RACE 9: CLAIMING $5,000 (N/W3L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #2 – Sir Smoak (8-1): Has a good workout since a distant defeat last out and should enjoy the cutback from a mile.
- #3 – Bowie Two Step (5-2): Has finished in the top three in each of his last six starts and got caught wide last out.
- #1 – I Once Stood Alone (10-1): Presque Isle shipper has consistently solid speed figures and won from off the pace three starts back.
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