SIXTH RACE

A handful of well-regarded and fast-working 2yo maiden fillies sprint five and a half; the call is CONDI. John Sadler trains the Elusive Quality filly; her works suggest she is quick enough to contest the pace. TAYLOR AND BURTON was purchased at a 2yo in training sale for $350k; the Brian Korinertrained Pioneerof the Nile filly continued her fast works with a bullet move here early this week in :59.20. All systems go first time out, it appears. KATHERINE also has worked fast for her debut. She is a $575k daughter of Distorted Humor. CHIFFON has worked well for her first start, while MY MIDNIGHT AFFAIR looms the upset candidate for a stable that pops with an occasional debut upset. Deep field, all first-time starters, lots of ways to go.

SEVENTH RACE

CIMPL MAN enters this N2X turf route as “best bet” on the card. Much improved since he was gelded last summer, he ran super last out when a troubled third in a fast, productive race. Making his first start in four months, he dropped farther off the pace than expected, steadied early and lost position, rallied wide and finished well. The winner Blackjackcat returned to win the Wickerr Stakes opening week. CIMPL MAN stays at the same N2X condition, he ran well on this course last fall in a sprint, and should get a good trip forwardly placed just off the speed. NEWSMAN enters without a knock. He ran well last out finishing second at a mile and one-quarter; this shorter mile and a sixteenth distance is not an issue. Look for him late. TO THE BAR is the speed of the field, second start back exiting the same race as the top choice. If they leave him alone, he could wire the field over a turf course that has played fair to all running styles.