SEVENTH RACE

ENGLISH MINISTER is dropping out of turf stakes at Laurel to run with a $62.5K tag in this secondlevel optional event on the Tapeta. The router is questionable over the seven-furlong distance, but trainer Mike Trombetta’s Maryland shippers are usually live here. BRASS COMPASS used his tactical speed to win two of his last three starts at this level. Leading rider Da Silva stays aboard. HOLLYWOOD HIDEAWAY is a question mark in his first appearance since winning an off-the-turf tilt at this class May 26. Use HOLD ’EMFORRANSOM and ROARING FORTIES on the bottom of vertical bets.

EIGHTH RACE

SPECIAL FORCES had zero pace to chase last time before rallying outside from fourth to lose the G3 Durham Cup by a nose. He was previously a wide-closing second in the $200K Presque Isle Mile behind a sharp MR RITZ, who broke the track record. The latter, a need-the-lead type who bypassed the Durham Cup, could get softened up in a speed duel with the rapid Salute With Honor. Stretch-runner SIR ANTHONY has worked quickly at Hawthorne since a belated third in a G3 stakes at Churchill, and is a capable synthetic runner. Use him underneath in the exotics, along with ISOTHERM.

NINTH RACE

STRIKE A BEAT is taking that all-important drop from maiden special company to this OS/$40K maiden route. This is the Smart Strike gelding’s first start on Tapeta, over which he’s been working on a regular schedule. WINGS OF VICTORY was disqualified for interference after prevailing by daylight at first asking around two turns on the inner turf Oct. 14. He’s since worked fiveeighths on the main track. SELF INFLICTED is also descending from grassy maiden special company.

TENTH RACE

FREITAG ended a long drought last time when taking a longer route at this $25K class over next-out winner Namarunu and Gray Phantom, who eventually won the Grey Handicap, a glorified starter. FLORIDA WON is exiting a narrow loss when claimed for $25K claim by Drexler. The classy veteran should be prominent going from turf to the main track. COOL GIZMO is a longshot possibility for the exotics. FORESTER’S DESTINY is moving up back up the ladder while seeking his third consecutive win, with Alderson replacing the sidelined Fukumoto.