• John Piassek
• September 17, 2023

In which we pick the races from Pimlico each day…

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $3,848 Super High 5 — $3,842 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $25,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-7-3

#1 Happy Clouds (9-5) has been extraordinarily consistent this year, having not missed the exacta in her ten starts. She shipped to Charles Town last out, where her trainer, Anthony Farrior, is king, and got up to win after a stretch battle. Two starts back, she battled and finished second behind Liquidator, who came back to finish a game second in the Miss Disco Stakes next out. The only one who could give her a serious run for her money is #5 Joya del Sur (8-5). She crushed a n/w2L field at Colonial Downs last out, and was claimed out of that race by Brittany Russell. She ran a brisnet figure of 90 that day, which would squash these, but it’s also a serious outlier from the rest of her figures. #7 Super Renee (7-2) ran some strong dirt figures earlier in the year in the Midwest, and should press the pace on the outside.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE (GRASS)

1-3-10-12 (DIRT: 15-2-6-1)

#1 Lady Mosler (7-2) has run in the mid-70s three times in her last four starts. She faded after rating off the pace against slightly better last out, and could find herself much closer to the pace, if not on it, today. #3 Believe in Freedom (10-1) couldn’t wear down longshot leader Qia at Delaware Park last out and ended up second, but nonetheless ran an improved figure of 75. She may beneift from staying closer to the pace than usual, like she did that day. #10 Divine Wine (9-5) ran some solid figures in New York earlier this year despite getting caught behind very slow paces, and should benefit from the class relief.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

6-3-1-7

Rick Dutrow Jr, whose dad was one of the major trainers down here for many years, ships one from New York in #6 Fast Stride (7-5). He should a bit of speed while wide on debut at Saratoga and faded last out, but now daces much easier and switches from grass. Any sort of improvement should beat these. #3 Standingthefire (7-2) was hard-sent for the front in a four-furlong dash on debut at Timonium, and ended up a well-beaten second. Look for him to go straight to the lead once again and try to go as long as he can. One of Delaware’s top riders, Kevin Gomez, is named to ride. #1 Paco the Taco Man (2-1) was well-backed in his debut at Delaware, and showed speed before fading. He’ll also try to take a step forward at second asking.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

1-14-8-12 (DIRT: 8-13-12-6)

#1 Summer Anthem (5-1) is one of two in here to run in the 70s in each of his last three starts. He sat the trip and got nabbed late last out at Colonial, but should be able to convert the stalking trip today. #14 Drum and Drummer (12-1) cleared his n/w2L condition two races ago, but was disqualified for drifting in the midst of his rally. He stretches back out around two turns here and will be near the pace on the outside. #8 Jones Falls (9-2) hung around late after showing speed in his last race, one of the few front-runners in here who can say so.

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

7-5-6-4

#7 Cartwheel (2-1) couldn’t catch up to impressive odds-on winner Valuable Breigh last out, but made a nice last-to-second rally. She looks like she’s rounding back into her best form after sagging earlier this summer; she rattled off three straight figures in the 80s earlier this year. #5 Cocktail Dreaming (5-2) did nothing last out at Timonium, but I’m willing to give her another chance on the return to the big track. She ran seven straight figures in the 70s prior to her last race. #6 Ninja Abarrio (9-2) was bumped around early in her last start on grass and faded. Her prior two races were her first starts off a long break and her first races outside of Florida. Her best figures, which were run in Florida last year, probably wins this.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 FURLONGS (GRASS)

3-1-10-11 (DIRT: 9-3-8-16)

In a field where it looks like no one really wants to win, #3 Love Notion (8-1) gets the nod in my book. She ran a solid 65 on debut last fall, then showed speed and backed up second time out. There may have been a problem with her coming out of that race, as she hasn’t competed since that New Year’s Eve tilt. While it’s not known if she can take to grass, if she runs similar to her debut, especially with the addition of lasix, she has a shot. #1 Irish Mirage (5-1) hung around after stalking the pace and lost by less than two lengths last out, matching her career-best figure with a 65. In fact, three of her last four figures have been in the 60s, a mark the rest of this field struggles to get to ever. #10 Mashua (7-2) returns to grass after two dull dirt tries at Timonium and looks like the main speed threat.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

5-4-7-6

#5 Freestanding (9-5) has by far the best early pace figures in the field and should take the field gate-to-wire without much trouble. #4 One America (9-2) stopped badly when he tried to duel last out. Considering his previous figures when he rated off the pace, it might not be a bad idea for him to not engage Freestanding too much. #7 Labarde (2-1) makes his first start since June 24 and has been facing better n/w2L types in New York. He could benefit from the class drop.

RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE (GRASS)

3-8-13-7 (DIRT: 14-12-2-6)