Timonium picks AND PONDERINGS: AUGUST 23, 2024

John Piassek is here to provide Timonium picks and analysis for every day of live racing at the Maryland State Fair.

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Late Pick 5: $0

RACE 1: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

  1. #4 – Ganbatte (2-1): The only one in the field who hasn’t lost against winners; she broke her maiden on grass last out and is a threat to lead every step.     
  2. #5 – Funzalo (3-1): Hasn’t done much against better recently, but now gets class relief; his recent speed figures contend with these.  
  3. #2 – Flinny Tin Tin (7-2): Lightly-raced filly looks for a rebound off a dull effort in VA.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #2 – Baron’s Legacy (9-5): He’s in improving form and gets class relief after a wide trip last out. 
  2. #1 – John’s Promise (4-1): Should sit a great stalking trip on the rail.  
  3. #5 – Strugar (5-2): Sat the trip and crushed two starts back at Delaware Park; he’ll try to find that form again.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 4 FURLONGS

  1. #5 – Need a Miracle (6-1): Gina Robb had a dominant meet last year, and she’ll look to start her season on a winning note with this one.   
  2. #6 – Coastalness (3-1): Jamie Ness homebred has worked well at Delaware Park; his dam was a stakes winner at 2 and has produced a pair of 2-year-old winners.   
  3. #8 – Campaign Promises (10-1): Of Anthony Farrior’s two first-time starters, his go-to rider, Arnaldo Bocachica, was named on this one, an encouraging sign.                    

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE (OPEN), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

  1. #2 – Seven’s Eleven (8-5): Last year’s champion MD-bred 3-year-old was flat first off the bench last out, but should improve here and faces easier.
  2. #3 – Ain’t Da Beer Cold (2-1): The hunch play of any old-time Baltimore sports fans out there (if you know, you know); has early speed on a track that historically favors frontrunners.
  3. #4 – Excellorator (7-2): Goes first off the claim by Jamie Ness and should get a great trip.           

RACE 5: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 4 FURLONGS

  1. #4 – It’samonstamash (5-2): If he improves off a solid debut effort, he’ll be a graveyard smash.                     
  2. #6 – Malibu Hooch (2-1): Full sister to stakes winner Malibu Moonshine has worked well in PA in anticipation of her debut.         .     
  3. #1 – My Grey Humor (3-1): Might need a race off a light worktab, but she’s a half-sister to a filly who won a stakes at 2.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 4 FURLONGS

  1. #3 – Irish Hero (8-5): He’ll be gunned to the rail and the lead; if he gets there, he’ll be hard to catch.       
  2. #6 – One Whirlwind Ride (3-1): Stalked the pace and won first off the layoff last out; her two best races might’ve been her last two dirt tries.
  3. #1 – Nielson (6-1): Has won back-to-back starts on the lead, and Donald Barr is sneaky good first off the claim.       

RACE 7: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #2 – Head of the Class (3-1): Led most of the way and faded last out in a much-improved effort from her first three races.   
  2. #5 – Phantom Speed (6-5): He has the most talent in the race, but hasn’t run since December and will
    be overbet.                           
  3. #3 – Jasiel (6-1): Katy Voss won with a firster at a good price last Friday at Laurel Park; why can’t she do it again?            

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-BRED, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #3 – Guardian Prince (6-1): Just missed last out in PA against similar, and has room to improve.    
  2. #2 – Banditsgoldenchild (5-2): Has good tactical speed for dangerous Jerry Robb contingent.    
  3. #6 – Divine Child (8-1): Should shake up the exacta or trifecta at good odds. 

RACE 9: CLAIMING $10,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

  1. #4 – Burningupthedough (9-5): Has good speed from mid-track and looks well-primed for this spot.
  2. #5 – Bigdaddysboy (12-1): He won on this track last year and has room to improve first off a 4 ½-month layoff; hard to let a Gina Robb trainee go off at a big number on this track.
  3. #8 – Battle of Bostogne (8-1): Half-brother to multiple stakes winner and near-millionaire Post Time ran some big races over the winter, and should be heard from late.

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