Even though there are just six runners in this optional claiming/allowance contest, I think there could be a strong pace battle up front, which could set the table for a closer like Lips Say Bliss (#6) has shown the ability to come from out of the clouds to win and that might be a winning kind of trip in this race. He had a strong winter at Oaklawn before going to the sidelines for over six months. He came back and closed well in an allowance race on the turf at this 6 ½ furlong distance at Kentucky Downs. He gets back on the dirt, which is where he wants to be. The distance figures to help him more than his rivals in this spot.

The Plays:

Race 4: $25 Win 6

Race 4: $1 Pick-3: 6 / 2-3-9 / 5-10

The Grade 1 First Lady is a part of the All-Stakes Pick-4 and Pick-5 and the $3 All-Turf Pick-3 wager and there’s a horse in this race that I’ll be using prominently. Lush Lips (#2) should sit a great trip in this race. She was the winner of the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on this course last fall. She had a great three year old campaign and was sold for $3.7 million in November. Her new owners kept her in training and retained Brendan Walsh as her trainer. She won the Honey Fox in her seasonal debut back in February, but then she missed six months before resurfacing in a stakes race at Ellis. She was the heavy favorite and she was put on the lead in a paceless race. She was caught late that day in a race which she likely needed while coming back from a layoff. There are others that will be more prominent on the lead in this race, which will be much more to her liking. I think she’ll be able to sit comfortably in mid-pack before launching her bid in the stretch. I think she’ll be much more competitive in this race today. If she goes off anywhere near her 8-1 morning line price, I’ll be happy to have her to win, while also having her keyed in some of those multi-race wagers. 

The Plays:

Race 6: $3 All-Turf Pick-3: 5-10 / 2 / 3-7-9

Race 8: $26 Win #2

Total Invested Today: $75.00