Saturday was all about the grass racing at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet with the promotional focus on the big turf races at Colonial Downs. Hopefully, some of you were able to piece together the late Pick 4 and take advantage of the Hit & Split. On Sunday, we move to the “Pea Patch” where Ellis Park runs its biggest dirt races of the summer. The Ellis Park Derby and Groupie Doll headline a 10-race card in Henderson, Kentucky and once against 1/ST BET and Xpressbet have a must-play offer to opt into. This time it is simple. Register on the promotional landing page, bet $100 on the Ellis card, and get $10. All bet types are eligible for the promo! Here are a few horses I like later today on the Ellis Park Derby card.

Race 5:

There is not much speed in this two-turn MSW event over the Ellis grass. I am hopeful that will benefit #8 Lady Lilylou. The Uncle Mo filly makes her third career start for trainer Tom Drury, Jr. after a better than looks fourth over this course last out. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. had her in a perfect ground saving spot much of the way, but struggled to find room on the rail mid-stretch and was forced to alter course. She was a bit headstrong early in that race and showed tactical speed suggesting she might find her way to the front in a race with less early speed. Whether she makes the lead this afternoon or sits just off, I like her chances to outrun her odds in lifetime start number 3.

Play: #8 Lady Lilylou (12-1 ML)

Race 8: Ellis Park Derby

#8 Admrial Dennis and #6 Big Truzz are listed as the morning line favorites in this year’s $300,000 event for 3YOs over Ellis’ one-mile configuration. If you are not familiar, this one-mile dirt course is much like the Wilson Chute at Saratoga in that it is best described as 1 1/2-turns. I prefer Admiral Dennis of the two likely top public choices, but both are far from unbeatable. With the scratch of original top choice #4 Retribution, I will opt to roll with the “other” Brian Lynch trainee #3 Jimmy’s Dailys. The son of Vekoma has been well meant since the get-go, but did not have things his way in his two tries as a juvenile. He turned that around though in January with an impressive win going 7-furlongs against MSW foes at Gulfstream and followed it up with a good second to Grande in his first start against winners. He was outrun in the Florida Derby (G1) and has been on the sidelines since. The Donald Dizney LLC homebred has been working forwardly in Louisville and should get a favorable off the pace trip under jockey Mario Gutierrez.

Play: #3 Jimmy’s Dailys (5-1 ML)

Race 9: Groupie Doll

#1 Alpine Princess is likely to be sent off a prohibitive favorite in this $200,000 race for fillies and mares once again over the one-mile dirt configuration. The Classic Empire filly comes in off a wire-to-wire win at Horseshoe Indianapolis when she had everything her way, including a track that favored her voyage. She can win, but I am willing to let her beat me at her likely price. I will try with last year’s winner #6 Pigalle. The Claiborne Farm homebred has an affinity for this surface evidenced by her two wins and a second in three starts. I am willing to toss her effort in the Chicago (G3) last out against better since she cost herself any real chance as a 33-1 longshot at the start. Assuming she breaks well, she should be in a prominent spot early under regular rider Luan Machado. Hopefully, she can make it back-to-back years in the biggest dirt race of the meet for the ladies and make it a big day for trainer Tom Drury, Jr.

Play: #6 Pigalle (9-2 ML)