Gabby Gaudet's analysis and betting tips for Sunday's race card at Pimlico Race Course:
Race 1, 1:10 p.m. post time
Selections: No. 5 Kanaka, No. 4 Storm Net, No. 2 Longing to Travel
Kanaka put in a decent effort last out behind a horse that held, by far, the highest figures in the race. No beating that runner last out but meets a more manageable field today and cutback slightly in her third start off the layoff. Storm Net got a legitimate pace to close into last out and although I respect her today, she may not get those favorable circumstances. Longing to Travel has had her chances to shine and has yet to close in time. She'll need help in the pace department.
Race 2, 1:38 p.m.
Selections: No. 2 Citation Star, No. 4 Devonson, No. 6 Rafidain
Citation Star drops in his second start off the layoff. I like that he has speed but doesn't need the lead against a field where some do their best running on the front-end. Devonson got away with going wire to wire two starts back and that's where he prefers. Get Cortez in the saddle who can break one out of the gate very sharply. Has Rafidain improved that much for the new barn? I'm still dubious as he couldn't beat maiden $12,500 claimers not long ago on the dirt.
Race 3, 2:06 p.m.
Selections: No. 1 I'm a Prankster, No. 4 Fletched, No. 3. Just Lucky
I'm a Prankster looks like he could get the jump on the field with an inside post and good gate speed. Should be able to sustain speed on the slight cutback. Fletched experienced trouble entering the turn last out that cost him a position to sit closer. Lasix and blinkers added in the start and we may see him sit a bit closer with those additions, at the longer distance and with the light weight. Just Lucky was competitive on the turf in the past. Maybe he's not the same horse as he once was but do think he's best on the turf.
Race 4, 2:34 p.m.
Selections: No. 3 Sell a Peach, No. 2 Golden Mila, No. 4 Hideaway
Sell a Peach debuts for a barn that does well with its maiden claiming first-time starters. She's out of a mare who was competitive against lower level claimers, sprinting on the dirt. Golden Mila doesn't have a lot of early speed and that'll hurt her here. She is, however, facing the easiest field of her career. Can lightning strike twice for Hideaway? He'll be on the lead but may not be the only one there today.
Race 5, 3:02 p.m.
Selections: No. 6 Paper Dollie, No. 8 Bonnie K, No. 2 Louise the Laser
Paper Dollie has controlling speed from the outside and is perfect at the distance. Should be sitting on go now with the cutback. Bonnie K has the ability to stalk the speed here and there looks like plenty of it. Louise the Laser will be stuck inside and probably have her hand forced in terms of position and speed. Tough to take at the price.
Race 6, 3:30 p.m.
Selections: No. 2 Never Stop Looking, No. 5 Javerre, No. 6 Service for Ten
Many of the horses in this field have off-the-pace running styles. That's where Never Stop Looking could take advantage of the pace scenario. He wasn't able to get that scenario last out behind strong early fractions. Javerre has the class to win here but will be against it pace-wise. Service for Ten gets the blinkers to wake him up a bit after falling flat so far this season. Maybe that'll do the trick along with the class drop.
Race 7, 3:58 p.m.
Selections: No. 8 Half Strike, No. 7 Glenstal Abbey, No. 3 Annawon
Half Strike meets the right level today and will get the right pace flow in front. Look for him to stalk the speed of Going to Market, Golden Wheels and Counting Days. Glenstal Abbey had to send from the inside last out but with a better post should be able to get back to preferred running style. Annawon couldn't close behind wire-to-wire winner last out on a turf kind to speed. Different scenario today.
Race 8, 4:26 p.m.
Selections: No. 8 Chanel Number One, No. 7 Brockolini, No. 2 My Tootsy
Chanel Number One enters off a long layoff since last November. The barn is successful with similar layoffs and she also looks like one that could close into suspect pace on the drop. Brockolini should be retooled in the new barn of Mike Pino. She is also one that'll fit the flow of the race. My Tootsy got off to a poor start last out and gets a more seasoned rider today.
Best bet: Race 6, No. 2 Never Stop Looking
Price play: Race 1, No. 5 Kanaka