We are going a bit off the beaten path on this fine August Sunday, with plays at the Jersey Shore, in Western Kentucky, and in the biggest race of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We expect fast dirt and firm turf for all three, so let’s go.
Monmouth Park, Race 8, 3:29 pm ET
$100,000 Oceanport Stakes, 1 1/16 miles, Turf, 3 & Up
Seven go in the Oceanport. We like 2-Mohs, who was well-beaten in his last two starts, but they were both graded stakes, where he faced significantly better horses than he will face today. He has an inside post, which should allow him to get a good, ground-saving trip; we see him toward the rear early, and closing very strongly late. We will bet Mohs to win at 9/2. The bet: Monmouth Park, Race 8, $40 to win on 2-Mohs.
Ellis Park, Race 9, 5:40 pm ET
$200,000 Ellis Park Derby, 1 mile, Dirt, 3-Year-Olds
A pretty impressive group of nine 3-year-old colts lines up for the Ellis Park Derby. We like 3-Top of the Charts, who has just two career starts, but he won them both impressively. He is stretching out here, to a mile after running 6 ½ furlongs in his last, but both his running style and pedigree suggest that he will handle the additional distance with aplomb. Look for Top of the Charts to go to the top of the chart by pressing the pace from the start; we will bet him to win at 4-1. The bet: Ellis Park, Race 9, $40 to win on 3-Top of the Charts.
Emerald Downs, Race 8, 9:00 pm ET
$125,000 Longacres Mile, 1 mile, Dirt, 3 & Up
The Longacres Mile drew a dozen entrants. Most of them are locally based, but we like a California shipper, 3-Majestic Eagle, who has done reasonably well while facing much tougher company in his last three starts, all of which were in stakes races at Santa Anita. We see Majestic Eagle stalking the pace early, and drawing away late, and will bet him to win at 4-1. The bet: Emerald Downs, Race 8, $40 to win on 3-Majestic Eagle.
That’s all for today. Until the next time, enjoy the racing, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.