ALTAMAR: Has really reversed her form since the trainer change in April. Validated 27-1 victory with a pair of runner-up finishes; don’t ignore.
BIG BAND: Very lightly raced four-year-old seems to be holding together better this term, finishing a close fifth in his seasonal bow and second most recently. Hits a high note.
GOD WILLING: Son of Trippi wasn’t much of a secret in his debut at 4-5, and lived up to the hype, scoring in style by 4 ½ lengths. Tab right back versus winners.
SAND BANDIT: Is a pretty consistent horse when he isn’t entered over his head. Won’t remain in the ‘n3L’ condition for long.
STAY FOCUSED: Runs over either surface, and continues to produce good efforts at big prices. What else could you ask for?
WIRE CUTTER: Still winless from nine starts, but in four attempts on grass, he’s hit the board twice at 40-1 and 17-1. Include if he presents proper value.
4 STAR SPECIAL: RICK THE BARTENDER: Has returned to the races in style this term after finishing sixth in his only start at two. Barn off to a good start from a small sample; must respect.
LONGSHOT: DUKE OF HAZARD: Doesn’t always show up, but does have a pair of in-the-money finishes at 19-1 and 26-1 sprinkled in his recent form. Can’t hurt to toss him in the gimmicks.
GOLDEN GATE
CODYPEAK: Continues to thrive since the trainer change to Jerry Hollendorfer, most recently completing the exacta behind stablemate Funi Act. Handles both surfaces too; very nice.
DERBY MEMO: SoCal shipper received little respect at the windows in her local unveiling at 30-1, but exceeded expectations to complete the exacta. Don’t ignore because of the low-profile connections.
EL SAINO: Has returned from the shelf under new management with two big efforts at 29-1 and 17-1. Out for respect.
GOLD STAR: Doesn’t like to win, but always seems to show up. Great start to his four-year-old campaign with a third-place finish at 23-1; get on board.
LATIN GOLD: Ran better than expected in his unveiling following a slow start, rallying to complete the trifecta at 12-1. Worth a bet right back.
MARK A STAR: Improving with each trip to post, and really appreciated the stretch to two turns last out. Ready to graduate.
SIERRA SPIRIT: Speedy son of In Excess (Ire) held his own to place third in a salty allowance after negotiating hot splits in latest. Never looks back.
TO THE BATCAVE: Very easy to get behind this consistent filly. Facing tougher since mid-March win; gets the money on a slight drop.
TOBIAH’S JOURNEY: Versatile gelding returned from the shelf with another good effort. Can’t imagine him remaining a maiden for much longer.
4 STAR SPECIAL: FOR SURE FOR SURE: Golden Gate horse for course made it 8-for-15 over the strip with a narrow victory at 6-1 in first start since last June. Closest thing to a sure thing.
LONGSHOT: PLANET JANET: Looks like a mile is a bit out of this filly’s range. Now has two starts back since the vacation; can upset right bunch of $8k maiden claimers.
