STEVE BORTSTEIN
SunRay Park
Race Seven
(7) LENAPAH and (8) OTTER COVE appear to be a formidable duo in the opening leg to the late Pick Three. Lenapah has been no worse than third in his last four starts since moving over to the barn of Justin Evans. Hot rider/trainer tandem this season teams up yet again, and I'd expect this gelding to be muscled along early to be on top of what appears to be a lackluster early pace. Otter Cove is looking for his third straight win and does have the added benefit of a race (and a win) over the course. Reyes having another solid season here for top thoroughbred outfit. (1) AWESOME TIME could try and scurry away from this field from that inside post. He may prove tough to run down if he gets loose on the front end.
Race Eight
(6) FOREST MOUSE had his recent, 3-race win streak snapped last time out when a well-beaten third in the Sunland Park Handicap. A four-time winner over the course and an 8-time winner at this distance, the reliable Kentucky-bred gelding is approaching $1 million in career earnings and can take another positive step in that direction seeking his 25th lifetime victory. Look for Juarez to have him close to the pace from that outside post. He's only been out of the trifecta once in the past calendar year. (4) OL WINEDRINKER WHO rates a look in here based on his old form, as opposed to the two well-beaten efforts in his most recent starts. (3) OVERLAND PARK might play the role of target under Duane Sterling. He was well-beaten in the Sunland Park Handicap, but has speed in a race that doesn't appear to have an abundance of it.
Horse Racing Nation's Jarrod Horak has his free play from PARX Racing and their 8th race right here.
Race Nine
(10) ALL YOUR JAZZ gets one more chance in my book, exiting a third-place finish at Sunland Park in a race that has come back to produce three next-out winners. Blinkers go back on for the Bart Hone trainee and he should navigate a pace-tracking trip under Sigala despite the outside post. (6) SKYMASTER JACK was nearly 2 lengths clear of the rest of the field when second last out. He seems to be on the improve and could be finishing well under Juarez. (8) MIDNIGHT GAMBLER has had more than his share of chances (today marks his 15th career start) but he picks up a hot rider and clearly cannot be totally ignored. Prefer to use these "lifetime" maidens in exotics positions only.
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