Some early thoughts and angles:
Race 1: #1 Kowboy Boots, figures to set early pace, but can't see wiring if under any pressure and after tiring going a furlong less last time out and going longest distance of career. #2 Winter Games, if you can excuse the last as not liking the mud and getting pinched at the start, and if you think a drop in class from the 3 Allow races prior to last would be a benefit it wouldn't be crazy to think he might have a shot at a price but then you have to excuse finishing 9 lengths behind King of Broadway prior to breaking maiden, wanted to like for value, but too many red flags. #3 Successful Brothers drops in for a tag, a 27% win angle for Ward the last 5 years, as is the switch from turf to dirt (2 for 6 when both dropping from Alw to Claim & Turf/Dirt), first trip over track for accomplished Euro rider, figures to be in the thick of things. #4 King of Broadway, initial drop in for a tag here and class relief may help, but form seems to have dropped off since that race in early March, contender here for sure and had a nice bullet work on 7/6 but had a similar work pattern before the non threatening down the shore in last. Mott 29% last 5 years at Spa in dirt claiming races. #5 Grandpa Len, ran pretty good in last for being on the bench for 16 months, did break maiden going this distance over the course 2 years ago, has a right to move forward and finished pretty good in that last effort, contender. #6 Eastside Storm and #7 Invocation are both passes for me. #8 Goodnewsisnonews, Pletcher, 0-22 last 5 years at Spa first time claim in a route, but this guy raced in some tough maiden races over the winter before notching a win at Monmouth 2 back, initial try against winners, looms a danger but certainly beatable. #9 Navajo Ca Lo, has been a non threat against cheaper and don't see that changing today. #3 top selection with #4, #5 and #8.
Race 2: #6 Vinolicious seems most logical here as a FTS for Ward, who gets them ready for that initial run 17% last 5 years for 2yo FTS and has a solid work tab coming in to this one. Mott, Albertrani, and Lukas are a combined 0-117 last 5 years with 2yo FTS in MSW dirt sprints at the Spa, while Dutrow is 1-10 using same angle. #1 Aimone, 3 bullet works out of 4 but no gate works and really bred for the turf. #3 By the Moon, moderate work tab and Nevin just 1-16 last 5 years with FTS, but looms an upset chance. #2 Know it All Anna, has the experience edge being the only one in here with a race under their belt, it was an OK effort and Rudy does decent with 2nd out 2yo. If any scratch early and #9, Overspending draws in would be the pick with an impressive work tab over the course and Pletchers 37-100 last 5 years at Spa with 2yo FTS in MSW dirt sprints and 14-17 2yo FTS at even money or less (2 losses were off turf). #6, #2, #3 picks, unless #9 draws in due to a scratch, in which case that is the pick.
Race 3: #4 Fashion Alert, looms a major play here, main threats include #2 Tulira's Star, private purchase for Team Valor after impressive debut win at AP, tracked the early pace there and this race looks like the other key runners all did win wire to wire. #5 Take Charge Brandi, dam is half to Will take Charge and Take Charge Indy, won in hand and easily in debut, received a low Beyer but time was pretty good, has a chance at a price.
Race 4: #3 Mumtaazah is my top choice, McLaughlin about 28% on a few angles, 2nd start, +180 day layoff, first time lasix. Ran 2nd in only race to a filly that is now 4-4 with a G2 win. #4 Magamelia seems to be the controlling speed in here and Johnny V may be able to work some slow fractions on the front end and try to hang on. The entry and particularly, #1 Royalty intrigues me at a price for the hot barn of Jimmy Jerkens (39% in NY last 6 months), some good works including this one: May 26 BEL b 48.3s 4f: ~Breezing following renovation break on main track we really liked this breeze this morning in splits of :12.45; :48.23 and gallop out in 1:00.45 moving very nicely with a great stride FQLLQW. I think both #5 and #7 will be better next time out. #6 MB and Tee FTS, working well in the mornings, but probabaly limited to underneath.
Race 5: #8 Duke of Perth seems like the kind of Euro who shipped to the states because he prefers a firm turf and will be carrying 10lbs less than last race. #3 Can'thelpbelieving comes in off a good effort in a non-graded stakes and seems like the one to beat, gets a little help with Johnny V taking over for Alan Garcia, but still can't single here. #2 My Afleet has improved since moving to turf last 3 starts, don't know if he can win but a nice price for underneath in tri/super. #5 Protection, appears to be a step below the top here but Shepard very dangerous shipping turf routers up to the Spa. #7 Papy, Clement always dangerous on the turf and this one is bred to run all day but need to see a better turn of foot as he seems to hang a lot. #10 Special Agent, has improved stretching out but another who seems to hang a bit and not close very effectively. Top Selections: #3 and #8.
Race 6: #1 Zo Zo beaten chalk in debut had a troubled trip and Dutrow is very good with 2nd out 2yo MSW dirt sprints, including 4-4 at Toga last 5 years. #2 Saluda, faced one of the more impressive 2yo fillies in Wonder Gal in debut stakes, nothing of that caliber in here and she should be out in front. #6 Full Tap, Tapit's usually strong as 2yo FTS (13%), Clement has this one working nicely and should dangerous. #7 In Spite of Mama, looks like a live 2yo for Maker has impressed some clockers in the morning: 4f: ~ALL OVER ME with asst. trainer Joe Sharp breezed in company with IN SPITE OF MAMA and jockey Rosie Napravnick on the training track following the renovation break for Maker and IN SPITE OF MAMA was much the best here, destroying workmate while displaying good energy FQLLQW. Interesting article on #6 Full Tap
http://gettingoutofthegate.com/follow-a-firster-full-tap/
Race 7: Tough pace projection as most with speed are MTO (#1, 1A, 11), that will leave it up to #3, Tiz Sardonic Joe to put the pressure on #8, Joes Blazing Aaron, the horse the Ramsey's like to use (and abuse?) as a rabbit for Big Blue Kitten in graded turf routes. If left alone up front he can certainly steal this from the front. If facing pressure and the fractions are fast early I like #4, Emkanaat and #5, Nubin Ridge, both stretching out from 7F efforts. #9 Majectic Raffy, claimed in each of his last 2 races, both place efforts, the 2 back against cheaper claimers seems like a key race with the 1st and 3rd place finishers coming back next out winners, but will probably limit to underneath. #2, Monument Hill seems to be involved regardless of pace with some tactical speed to sit off a fast pace or pressure the #8 in a slow pace, can save some ground down at the rail and is the pick. If there appears to be some good give in the turf I would move up #6, Where's Danny who seemed to relish the softer going 2 and 3 back. #7, Days Ride another who may offer some value filling out the bottom of the exotics.
Race 8: #1, 3 and 8 all appear to be need the lead types and should establish a good pace for #9, Gratitude who should get first run of the closers and McLaughlin has done with turf sprinters here and overall. #10 has just missed getting up in the last efforts so don't know how much the cutback will help here. #4 Kiss Me Lola, whose 2 best efforts came last summer over this course and distance.
Race 9: #7 Ring Weekend, seems very intriguing but don't think we will see 10-1, probably lucky to get 6-1, but that may still be worth it as he gets back to an easier bunch and gets turf which seems preferred to dirt, Biggest concern is the being eased in latest effort but Motion thinks he's fit enough to ship up for this effort. #1 Storming Inti, seems the logical favorite here for Brown/Castellano who thrive in these type of turf races and just fits the condition having just missed in a couple of graded stakes. Will he be battling with #5, Tourist for the early lead though? This one has won both turf efforts but was able to get away with an easy lead in the last which won't be the case here and figures to be a short price for a horse stepping up in class. #2 Cabo Cat, can be biggest benefactor of a fast early pace while he looks to turn the tables on Storming Inti after finishing behind that one in 3 previous efforts. #6 J to the Croft, couldn't close against Tourist 2 back and will try to be a little closer to the front today and may be able to catch a minor piece at a decent price.
Race 10: #10 Maura's Pass, 2nd start, 1st turf for Clement should show vast improvement. #9 Jet Majesty, off a layoff for Maker, both efforts last fall put her right in the mix here. #8 Winter Wish, had a tough trip in a key race last out with several next out winners, did finish nicely and should appreciate the stretchout here.