Timonium picks AND PONDERINGS: AUGUST 24, 2024
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
- Executive Order looks to bounce back in Maryland JuvenileExecutive Order, a debut winner at Saratoga, leads a nine-horse field into Saturday’s Maryland Juvenile Stakes at Laurel Park.
RACE 1: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 4 FURLONGS
- #3 – Imtakinittothebank (12-1): He faded on the pace last out in PA but had run well prior to that; should get a nice trip off the leaders with speed drawn to his inside.
- #4 – El de Chirel (12-1): Take out his last race, where he broke terribly, and his form looks a lot better; Orlando Bocachica rode him to victory two starts back and now gets back in the saddle.
- #1 – Bandit’s Heart (5-1): Wore down the speedy Landon Jack to win on this track last year; might he try to work out a
similar trip this time?
RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 4 FURLONGS
- #3 – Little Bit Risky (9-5): Improved a bit second time out last out, and looks well-prepped for a spot like this.
- #7 – Sir Mick (7-2): Finished second to future stakes winner Studlydoright on debut, but has been flat in his last two; a bit of time off might have done him some good.
- #4 – Bad Boy Blaze (7-2): Gina Robb-trained firsters cannot be overlooked on this track; this one is a half-brother to two 2-year-old winners.
RACE 3: CLAIMING $5,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #7 – Coronation Time (7-2): Improved sharply to break his maiden going away last out.
- #2 – Simon’s Choice (9-2): He’s run faster with each recent dirt start, and should enjoy some class relief.
- #1 – Seeker (20-1): A cutback in distance from a mile and 70 yards is just what this speedy gelding needs.
RACE 4: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #4 – G’s Fireball (7-2): Kicked away impressively against similar at Charles Town last out; she’s inconsistent, but her best wins this.
- #6 – Sheza Nasty Girl (9-2): Her three-race winning streak was snapped last out, but she’s in great form and should fight hard late.
- #7– Tina Tina Tina (9-2): Has great late speed and should at least rally for a share.
RACE 5: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #6 – Forgotten Girl (5-2): Looks fast enough to clear to the rail and the lead, and from there, she should be hard to catch.
- #4 – Enemynumbernine (5-2): She’s won two of her last three and has good tactical speed.
- #3 – Beautiful Karla (9-2): She’s at her best going this distance or thereabouts.
RACE 6: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES
- #6 – Mr Mac Quhae (2-1): He’s in career-best form right now, having won his last two starts by a combined 14 ¾ lengths.
- #2 – Morning Thoughts (9-5): He re-rallied to win last out against these types and will show speed.
- #5 – Clubman (6-1): The old man of the Maryland circuit has earned over $700,000 in his 81-race career and should improve second off the layoff.
RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #2 – Band Camp (1-1): Should get his fifth in a row without much drama; from there, it might be on to the Maryland Million Sprint.
- #3 – Rad Paisley (6-1): He’s by far the main speed of the race and will try to take them
gate-to-wire. - #5 – Uncle Cat (5-1): Fought hard but faded going a mile last out; this looks more in his wheelhouse.
RACE 8: SHINE AGAIN STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #6 – Kitten’s Appeal (6-1): Beat a second-level field impressively last out; we’ll see if she’s sent to the front or rated.
- #1 – Discreet Ops (6-1): Graded stakes-placed filly should improve switching back to dirt.
- #3 – Hot Fudge Warrior (9-2): She’ll try to repeat her gate-to-wire effort at Delaware Park last out.
RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $5,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS
- #1 – Eight Oz Mocha (7-2): She’s finished second in each of her first two starts; she got caught wide last out, but should save ground from post 1 here.
- #8 – Breaking Rules (3-1): Has finished in the top three in each of his last six starts and got caught wide last out.
- #5 – Any Fools Gold (9-2): She’s been at her best on grass lately, but should contend against these types even if she’s not quite as good on this surface.
LATEST NEWS
- Executive Order looks to bounce back in Maryland Juvenile
- Ms Notion looks for second win in Maryland Juvenile Filly
- “Gun-shy” horsemen sound off on Laurel Park track surface
- Post Time heads strong Midlantic Cigar Mile day group
- Colonial Downs awarded 44 live days for 2025
- MJC: Ken Brown retiring as track superintendent