By Jennifer Morrison
Sunday’s Best Bet: 5 – LIGHT THE LAMP – race 3
Sunday’s Longshot Play: – EXCEED – race 8
RACE 1: 1 – NOT NEGOTIABLE; 4 – JANIS JOPLIN; 6 – GAMBLE’S ORB; 5- ATTABE
Two maidens from the Mark Casse barn vs. a pair from Josie Carroll’s barn. NOT NEGOTIABLE is a 4-year-old, older maidens tend to have a bit of an edge in the spring, and this gal ran well in two outings at Turfway in the winter. Janis Joplin was graded stakes placed as a 2-year-old last year and adds Lasix. Gamble’s Orb, also a 4-year-old, had some speed in Florida in the winter.
RACE 2: 5 – HIGHLY FLAMMABLE; 2 – LAKE SHORE DRIVE; 3 – FOREST BUZZ; 1 – BOSS HOLIDAY
Tricky race starts the Pick 5, which one is the quickest for the 5 furlong distance? HIGHLY FLAMMABLE won a maiden allowance for the Casse barn in June, has not been seen since and returns as a gelding. Lake Shore Drive has been away for almost 1 1/2 years but is classy.
RACE 3: 5- LIGHT THE LAMP; 4- KID FORESTER; 6- CHANCEL; 1 – STERLING SPEED
The very quick LIGHT THE LAMP ended 2022 with a win at 5 furlongs on the pace and he has been working fast (the April 15 prep in 46.80 was strong but also on a very fast surface).
RACE 4: 3 – STORMY SOUL; 6- MR. DAZZLE; 8- WESTERN TROUBLE; 2 – BAHAMIAN DUDE
The Pick 4 begins with a starter/optional and I have sided with Florida-raced Stormy Soul, despite his win-shy tendency. I will use a few horses in the Pick 4 including the very handy Mr. Dazzle, who is working in good clockings, old-timer Western Trouble and speedy ‘Dude.
RACE 5: 6- NAPA SPIRIT (IRE); 3- FEELTHEBEAT; 4 – AIM FOR THE SKY; 2 – MAAKWA
Florida-raced Napa Spirit and Feelthebeat look strong in this 5 furlong dash.
RACE 6: 6 – GHOSTLINER; 3 – MACLEAN’S POSSE; 5 – READY FOR A FIGHT; 8- WARP RIDE
Ghostliner has not raced since August but this very consistent speedsters has some big workout times for the Mark Casse barn and he loves 5 and 5 1/2 furlong distances. Maclean’s Posse won his 2022 opener and he has been training in Florida.
RACE 7: 4- TRADING BAY; 6-AUBRIETA; 3 – HALFINTHEWRAPPER; 5 – FOREST DRIFT
The 6-year-old mare Trading Bay won her 2022 opener with Eswan Flores riding and the pair will look to do the same on Sunday. Stakes winner Aubrieta was blanked in 5 outings last year but she has some back class.
RACE 8: 5 – EXCEED; 7- STYLISH GENT; 3- JAMIESTA; 2- TWO YEAR CONTRACT; 8- ORPHAN HALLIE
He has not won since 2020 but Exceed could pop up in his season opener based on some good efforts off the layoff last spring. Stylish Gent is reportedly a new gelding and he drops in class.
