by Al CImaglia
August 2, 2026
Running Aces has a big 12-race card. The feature rolls in Race 8 The Dan Patch Free For All Final with a $50,000 purse. There is a forced payout in the 0.20 Pick 5 that also starts in Race 8. The sequence has a carryover of $49,844.95. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 4 (7:06 Pm EDT)
4-Imoutthedoor (4-1)-Beat better on 6-12 with a sharp effort but was DQ'd and placed 7th. That was unfortunate but now is able to land in a soft spot. Nick Roland should be leaving again and could have its way with this field if comes with another strong try.
Playing #4 Imoutthefrontdoor to Win
4-2-8
Race 9 (8:56 PM EDT)
3-Banker's Grace (6-1)-Likes to compete and fits with this group but needs to be in put play early in the mile. Gets post relief, and this group isn't loaded with gate speed. This race could set up for Scott Cisco who posts 21% winners for the Dan Roland barn. Could get the jump on this group and will look for an aggressive drive at a square price.
Will play #3 Banker's Grace to Win
3-5-4
Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)
4-Gandalf (9/2)-Has been facing tougher and now takes a meaningful drop to a level where a win can happen. The last time in versus similar was in May, took a picture and then came 2nd. Both times raced near the top of the stack and will look for that same plan tonight.
Using #4 Gandalf in a Win Bet
4-6-3
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