Saturday's 8th race (4:05PM PT) from Hollywood Park is the Grade 2 Bayakoa Handicap for fillies and mares traveling eight and one-half furlongs on Cushion Track. Early-pressing speed has been strong at this distance, but note that the fractions should be swift with #1 Czechers, defending champ #10 Briecat (blinkers on), and #11 Lucky Copy (Pletcher), who tops the charting according to
Today's Racing Digest. Pletcher also has
#6 Floating Heart (12-1), and she could sit the first run trip behind the speed. Improving miss has won two straight and 3 of her last 4, and she romped in her lone synthetic try. Perfect spot to try the graded ranks.
#4 Cat By The Tale (5-1) shows rock solid turf form for Drysdale, and Rosario is 3 for 5 with this barn recently. Stakes placed miss owns tactical speed and rates a shot if she handles synthetic. #7 Teamgeist (7-2) is the best late runner, but she might be a sucker play as she has failed to seriously threaten in four starts in this country. Her best effort to date was a rallying show finish in the Spinster (G1), but the pace fell apart that day, and she figured to put forth a top effort. It's now or never time for the 6yo mare. #8 Smooth Performer (8-1) is a sharp, consistent state bred, and she could impact the exotics.
The Plays: $20 to win #6, $1 Trifecta 4-6/4-6-7-8-10-11/4-6-7-8-10-11 ($40)Get an advantage over the competition - use
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