By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

1^st race – (10) American Speed disappointed in a stakes on synthetics last time but should rebound here in a turf sprint. (2) Tapio should enjoy the cutback in distance. (3) Rock the Boat will welcome a return to turf. (1) Tauber should be helped by an inside post.

2^nd race – (5) Iywaan won easily last time and can make it two in a row here. (7) Tate has been no worse than second in his last four starts and cannot be ignored. (3) Be Better may prefer a dry track. (6) Torch of Truth fits well here.

3^rd race - (1) Composer’s Dream gets the rail after a wide trip and looks best with Irad. (10) He’s Got Swagger was a game second last time and should be the main foe. (5) Toofareastiswest closed nicely for second in his debut and should be a big threat. (3) Langlee Avenue may perk up on turf.

4^th race – (4) Arabian Lion has enough speed to lead throughout here. (3) Tapit’s Conquest has been working quickly after a disappointing try last time. (6) Denington should be a threat in the final furlong.

5^th race – (2) Sake was hurt by a wide trip and should be helped by a shorter distance here. (6) Tequilera has enough speed to lead throughout. (5) Downtown Katie has been no worse than second in her last five starts and belongs in the exotics. (4) Nicolar makes her 2023 debut and will be dangerous if there’s no rust.

6th race – Chick Lang Stakes (G3) - (1) Havnameltdown just missed in a rich stakes in Saudi Arabia and should lead throughout here. (5) Super Chow has plenty of speed and will be the main rival. (7) Prince of Jericho will welcome a turnback to a sprint. (3) Frosted Departure had a troubled trip last time and merits consideration.

7^th race – Gallorette Stakes (G3) - (1) Whitebeam was second in her U.S. debut and should make amends here. (2) Sopran Basilea is Group 2 placed in Europe and should be the main foe. (4) Eminent Victor seems on edge for a strong effort in her 2023 debut. (5) Vergara will be a force on her best try.

8th race – Dinner Party Stakes (G3) - (1) Atone flopped last time but can return to top form here. (4) Hurricane Dream was sharp in an allowance win and looks like the one to fear. (7) Emmanuel was hurt by a slow start and merits a second chance here. (5) Rising Empire will be well-suited by the shorter distance.

9^th race – (6) Gunning will be dangerous off a cutback in distance to a sprint. (2) Beguine was second in her last two starts and can make it a hat trick. (3) I’m the Boss of Me may not look back in this spot. (8) Olivia Darling cam work out a nice trip from an outside post.

10^th race – (3) Artemus Citylimits drops out of graded stakes company and looks best in this field. (1) Nothing Better could be hard to catch from the rail. (5) Smokin’ Jay will be a factor in the final furlong. (10) Coppola will be formidable if he can duplicate his last try.

11^th race – Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3) - (10) Wondrwherecraigis has enough speed to control the pace and the race. (8) Straight No Chaser won impressively last time and should be the main concern for the top pick. (2) Prevalence might wake up going turf to dirt. (7) Nakatomi is eligible to improve after a wide trip last time.

12^th race – (1) Funtastic Again has the rail and may not look back in this field. (8) Wonderful Justice had a rough trip last time and merits a second chance. (7) Kingfish Stevens seems poised for a solid stakes debut. (3) A Western Yarn could last for a major share of the purse.

13^th race – The Preakness Stakes (G1) - (3) Mage won the Kentucky Derby and while the pace could be problematic after the scratch of First Mission, he’s the best horse in the field and should be able to overcome that obstacle. (1) National Treasure will be helped most by the scratch of First Mission and looks like the one to catch in the stretch. It would be no surprise if he wins and gives Bob Baffert an eighth Preakness victory. (7) Blazing Sevens will benefit from bypassing the Kentucky Derby and be a main threat here. (6) Perform won a prep for this at Laurel Park and seems to be in improving form for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey. 14^th race – (3) Quick Sand Aa A was second in this race last year and gets the job done today. (9) Diamond Gem Aa A should be the main competition. (2) Aa Take a Chance A won his last and deserves respect. (5) Like Moulin Rouge A could be a late threat.

14^th race – (3) Quick Sand Aa A was second in this race last year and gets the job done today. (9) Diamond Gem Aa A should be the main competition. (2) Aa Take a Chance A won his last and deserves respect. (5) Like Moulin Rouge A could be a late threat.