Timonium picks AND PONDERINGS: SEPTEMBER 3, 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: $1,522
- CT Notes: Zip Start upends Casey MemorialZip Start turned the tables on three rivals who bested her last out to win the James and Eleanor Casey Memorial, plus Direct the Cat romps.
RACE 1: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 4 FURLONGS
- #6 – Stevethevandriver (4-1): Broke awkwardly last Sunday and was no factor; drops in class here and could rate off a hot pace.
- #5 – Hindenburg (6-1): Won two in a row at Presque Isle earlier this year in gate-to-wire fashion.
- #4 – Loaded Sniper (3-1): Just might be the fastest early among all speed threats.
RACE 2: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #6 – Shackinthebox (3-1): Ran a bit of a sub-par race first off the layoff last out but should improve with a race under his belt.
- #4 – Big Rowdy Dan (6-1): He’s improved sharply in his last two races, including a nice win at Delaware last out.
- #7– 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: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 4 FURLONGS
- #2– Now I’m Here (2-1): Showed speed on debut and faded; now adds blinkers and will almost assuredly be hard-sent early.
- #5 – El Dorado Queen (3-1): Half-sister to ten winners, six of whom won as a 2-year-old.
- #6 – Stolen Laughter (5-2): Xavier Perez was named on both Gina Robb trainees and opted for this one; the board will tell the story.
RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $5,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 4 FURLONGS
- #3 – Providing (7-2): Ran well first off an eleven-month break at Delaware last out.
- #1 – Mashua (4-1): Ran a solid third against similar on Sunday and should once again race near the pace.
- #5 – Devin On Earth (3-1): She’ll try to take them as far as she can, as fast as she can.
RACE 5: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE
- #2 – Unequivocal (9-5): Put together two good speed figures for the first time in a while recently.
- #6 – Wicked Mad (8-5): Could find himself on the lead early in a race devoid of pace.
- #1 – Blameitonthefun (5-2): Finds a soft landing spot for his first start since Feb. 26; his best wins this but he has very in-and-out form.
RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES
- #4 – It’s Sizzling Time (5-2): Closed well for third behind good local runners Borracho and Going to the Lead in his most recent; more than held his own at this distance a few starts back.
- #1 – Dat’s Mr. Mo (9-2): Got up to win in a mad dash to the wire last out for his second straight victory; now goes beyond a mile for the first time.
- #2 – Maximum Impact (8-1):Won impressively at Churchill two starts back and could be heard from late.
RACE 7: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 4 FURLONGS
- #2 – Flight of Bourbon (4-1): Looks ready to finally put it all together.
- #1– Landon Jack (9-5): Knows no other way but to go fast early; four furlongs is an ideal distance for him.
- #4– Bill of Rights (9-2): Has good tactical speed and takes a slight dip in class.
RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #3 – My Last Mission (7-2): Has a good workout since a dull last effort; a repeat of his two races before that wins this.
- #6 – Shady Munni (5-2): He’s a winner of three in a row and four of his last six while slowly climbing the class ladder; we’ll see how he adjusts to 6 ½ furlongs after racing at a mile or longer for a while.
- #2 – Heads Or Tails (5-2): Hasn’t run a bad race in three dirt tries this year.
RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 4 FURLONGS
- #9 – Chublin (8-1): Got bet on debut at Delaware and outfinished her dueling partner for second.
- #7 – Lotsa Lucky (10-1): After a mostly middling worktab, turned in a nice drill at Laurel on Wednesday, going three furlongs from the gate in 36 3/5 seconds.
- #5 – Forty Miner (9-2): She’s been working for a while and now finally debuts for Anthony Farrior.
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