Pimlico's marquee day offers fantastic wagering opportunities among a 14-race card, including ten stakes affairs. Friday's racing at Pimlico offered a nice blend of short-priced singles and long shot winners to spice up horizontal wagers and more of the same can be expected on Saturday. Below are three value plays that deserve a closer look at Pimlico.
Race 5: No. 7 Amani's Image, 8-1
This well-bred filly ran the best race of her career last time out in her first start as a 4-year-old and first start for Graham Motion. She closed smoothly to run second while making up almost 10-lengths in a perfect prep going 5 1/2 furlongs. She now returns to a route and picks up John Velazquez while making her second start off of a 9 month layoff. Motion is 29% second off the bench and this filly looks primed for her best.
Race 10: No. 13 Beer Can Man, 8-1
Similar to Amani's Image, this gelding makes his second start off a layoff for a trainer who excels with this move. Phil D'Amato is 26 percent in this category and connects at 29 percent when teaming up with Flavien Prat. He was bet down to the favorite in his comeback race while running an even fifth. That was his first start in 14 months and I expect a big move forward while making only his second start as a gelding. This consistent runner has thrived at the stakes level before and should return to his best form on Saturday despite a wide draw.
Race 13: No. 6 Perform, 15-1
It will be very tough to beat Mage in the Preakness, but there is no reason why this improving colt can not be squarely in the mix. Shug McGaughey has patiently brought him along and he has shown great improvement in a pair of two-turn races. He showed professionalism and maturity when overcoming a poor trip to win the Federico Tesio last out. He takes a step up in class, but beyond the favorite there is not much to fear in this field. He will love the distance and should come running late for a piece at a nice price.
