PIMLICO PICKS AND PONDERINGS: may 15, 2025

In which we pick the races from Pimlico each day…

First post time: 12:10 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 4-9) —$6,703
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9)$0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $16,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 FURLONGS

4-6-9-10

#4 Lass Sessenach (5-2) went off as the slight favorite going a mile last out, but was under a ride most of the way and faltered. She’s run much better going shorter distances, and will relish the distance cutback. #6 Bad Girl Betty Lou (7-2) went off favored on debut at Parx, went straight to the front, and faded on the turn. Still, it’s encouraging when a horse shows that much speed at first asking, and she’s also well-suited for this dash distance. #9 Tea Rose (2-1) ran some solid races against better on dirt last year, running a pair of brisnet figures in the 60s. She’s making her first start since September, so she may be at a bit of a disadvantage, considering her top rivals have raced recently.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 1/16 MILES

5-2-3-4

#5 Antonacci Girl (7-5) is the only one in the field to win around two turns. She did so against winners at Mahoning Valley last out, sitting a stalk-and-pounce trip on a wet track. Arnaldo Bocachica remains on his Maryland hot streak, finishing in the exacta four times with five mounts last weekend. #2 Fitness (7-2) finished third behind a sharp Tres Aires, who also won her next start, in her most recent two-turn try. She was visually flat going six furlongs last out, but has run her best races going a mile or longer. #3 Golden Aurora (2-1) ran an 81 when she crossed the wire second behind Fitness three starts back (elevated to victory via DQ), but was flat in each of her last two starts. Kieron Magee gave her seven weeks off, and should have her ready to go today.

RACE 3: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

6-5-1-11

#6 Patty Cakes (3-1) ran an 89 and an 85 in her first two starts with the Jamie Ness barn. If she runs back to those races, it won’t be a question of if she wins, it’s a matter of how much she wins by. #5 White Lilac (6-1) made her first start off a year-plus layoff last out at Turfway Park. She was pressed on the pace and faded. She’s shown abundant early speed throughout her career, and should be able to work out the trip she wants on the lead. #1 Audibly (20-1) has no early speed to speak of, but she’s closed very well for small shares in her last few starts, and could easily do the same thing here.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $16,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

3-1-6-2

#3 Great Moon (3-1) is the only first-time starter in the field, but goes for a trainer that clicks with firsters, in Phil Capuano, and faces a very soft field. She started and stopped twice last year, but has steadily worked since late March. Watch the board. #1 Paperback Edition (6-5) was second to the impressive She’s a Gem last out, who returned to win next out and is in later on today’s card. This one has early speed with an aggressive rider in Xavier Perez, but it’ll be hard to swallow a low price on her. #6 Spirit and Truth (5-2) improved sharply third off a 10-month layoff last out, running a 60 when fourth behind She’s a Gem and Paperback Edition. She’s adding blinkers and should prompt the pace on the outside.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/8 MILES

6-3-5-11

#6 My Dear Antonia (6-1) ran in the 70s going shorter earlier this year, and while she didn’t run well in her only two-turn try, it was also against a much better field. Her rider, Yedsit Hazlewood, went on a tear last weekend, riding four winners in nine mounts. #3 Ballroom Eyes (12-1) broke her maiden going two turns on the lead at Penn National three starts back, and overcame a slow start to get third in her most recent try over a route of ground. #5 Urban Star (5-1) lasted a while on the lead last out on grass before fading late. It was the first time Xavier Perez rode her, and the first time she showed that much early speed. Though she hasn’t shown much dirt aptitude, she might get brave with the right trip.

RACE 6: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

3-6-4-1

Brittany Russell sends out the top two morning line choices in here. #3 Belle Ofthe Wood (9-5) ran a strong race on debut on the Virginia Derby day card at Colonial Downs. She pressed the pace, wore down the early leader, and lost only to a 2-5 Brad Cox runner who was the only experienced horse in the field. Look for her to run even better at second asking. #6 Meg’s Foxy Grey (4-1) ran a career-best 77 at thied asking last out at Oaklawn Park, despite late traffic trouble. Even though she might be at her very best going longer, she looms a threat in this field. #4 Maida (8-5) looks like a typically sharp Russell firster, and was Sheldon’s pick of the two trainees. However, Russell has been somewhat cold with firsters as of late, including an off-the-board odds-on favorite last Friday. Buyer beware.

RACE 7: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

4-9-1-2

#4 Souper Crunchy (2-1) ran a solid 76 in the Gulfstream Park synthetic second off a 10-month layoff despite a rough trip. Paco Lopez has ridden this one quite a bit, and gets back aboard being back in town for Preakness week. #9 Tell ‘Em I’m Comin (6-1) has been in improved form since joing in the Jose Corrales barn earlier this year and will enjoy switching back to dirt after a flat grass try in her most recent. #1 Brighty (5-1) showed great late speed in his dirt tries last year, including a strong runner-up effort last out. He hasn’t raced since last December, but has worked well since then, including a bullet workout on May 2.

RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-3-6

#1 Cybertime (3-5) absolutely destroyed the field in back-to-back starts at Mahoning Valley, with a pair of triple-digit figures. He gets to fit this class without having to be in for a tag, and should run roughshod over them (though it’s interesting that Arnaldo Bocachica elected not to hang around and ride this Anthony Farrior trainee). #5 Five Dreams (4-1) finally dropped into a starter optional claiming race after a long time being in over his head, and responded with a victory. Tim Kreiser claimed him out of that race; he tends to do well first off the claim. #3 Backnthewoods (8-1) exits the same race, in which he faded badly first off a seven-month break. If his past form is any indication, he’ll run better with a race under his belt.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 FURLONGS

1-5-3-6

#1 Reassess (2-1) has speed on the inside and makes her second appearance off a brief layoff. Guadalupe Preciado won with her in Maryland last July, and thought enough of her to claim her back after she was claimed in late December. #5 Maddie Ten (5-1) has dealt with some form of traffic in each of her last few starts, but faces a dirt-challenged fieldmat a shorter distance, and her best race wins it if she can steer clear of trouble. #3 Shared Authority (7-2) held well going short on grass last out, and has early speed perfectly suited for this distance.

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