In which we pick the races from Timonium each day…

First post time: 12:10 p.m.

Carryovers: 

Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 4-8) — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $5,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 4 FURLONGS

1. #5 – Seap (3-5): Lasted a long way on the lead last Saturday, and looks much faster early than the rest of these. 
2. #3 – New Boots (5-2): Chased the pace and tired behind Seap last out, but will at least get first crack at the leader if she falters.
3. #4 – Blueskyslookinatme (9-2): Lightest-raced horse in the field, usually an advantage in a race like this

RACE 2: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

1. #4 – Key Stat (2-1): Hasn’t missed the top two all year and faces an easier field than he’s used to.
2. #1 – One True Dude (4-1): Speed on the rail is a serious weapon, and he has it.
3. #3 –Win No Joke (7-2): Has a strong closing kick, but might need a race, considering it’s his first start since January 24.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, 4 FURLONGS

1. #2 – Sunshine Hazel (5-2): Went gate-to-wire to win on opening day, and a similar result is likely here.
2. #4 – Curl N Rod (3-1): Won last out and will try to take another step forward third off the bench.
3. #1 – Bond’s Belle (7-2): Don’t think she can outrun Sunshine Hazel early, but she can race off the pace on the inside and hold off the rest.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

1. #6 – Tuned to the Moon (7-5): She’s run strong figures against better in her last few starts; the class drop should benefit her. 
2. #5 – Ghee for the Win (5-1): Ran well when chasing a slow pace last out, and will be a threat if any kind of tempo develops.
3. #2 – Gourmet (6-5): Almost pulled off the upset over the very tough Cluck Cluck in her last start.

RACE 5: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

1. #6 – Kerness (4-5): Won easily on opening day at 1-10; this is a much tougher spot, but he still looks very hard to beat.
2. #4 – Rhumjar (9-5): Has been in very sharp form since arriving at Charles Town earlier this year. 
3. #2 – Blameitonthefun (8-1): He has very in-and-out form, but he’ll contend if she shows up with his best. 

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-RESTRICTED, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

1. #4 – Triple Sec (9-5): Drops in class after running solid figures against slightly better maiden claimers.
2. #1 – Mitby (8-1): Will need a well-timed ride, but will be tough if he gets it.
3. #7– Locomotive (10-1): He’s shown speed and faded on grass in his recent starts; we’ll see how his form transfers to dirt.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-RESTRICTED, 1 1/16 MILES

1. #2 – Tuff Luck (9-2): His best races have come at today’s distance for longer.
2. #4 – In the Dance (5-2): Won last out at Delaware in gate-to-wire style in his third race off a nine-month break; another one who looks to be hitting his best stride.         
3. #6 – Latin Rebel (20-1): Will try to cross and clear to the lead from the outside post.

RACE 8: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 4 FURLONGS

1. #2– Hop On Top (8-5): Has some good recent workouts and appears the better-regarded of the two Anthony Farrior trainees.
2. #4 – Vida (9-2): He’s by Blofeld, whose offspring generally run well first time out.
3. #3 – This Is the Life (12-1): Showed speed for the first time last out, usually an encouraging sign.

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