by Frank Carulli
April 8, 2021
LEG A // LAUREL, RACE 8 (4:45PM ET) // OPTIONAL CLAIMING // 7 FURLONGS (DIRT)
SHANE'S JEWEL, 37/9-7-5 on dirt, ran three winning races when fresh like he is today; however, he is 0-3 at the distance and was overhauled by stablemate SHANGHAI SUPERFLY in his most recent start. EVEN THUNDER won route races at four tracks in his last eight starts and is worth longshot consideration on the class hike off the claim.
LEG B // GULFSTREAM, RACE 8 (4:50PM ET) // OPTIONAL CLAIMING // 1 MILE (TURF)
"Layoff" is the key word in this turf route. SHIFTY SHE returns 15 months after a promising 3-year-old season and debuts for a barn that boasts a 24-percent win rate with 90-plus day layoff types. HOTSY TOTSY rallied to win at the distance on the Gulfstream grass course after eight months on the shelf for a high-percentage 'repeat' barn.
LEG C // LAUREL, RACE 9 (5:16PM ET) // MAIDEN CLAIMING // 6 FURLONGS (DIRT)
BUZZHOUND, outrun until the quarter pole in a well-bet debut, rallied widest and fastest on a sloppy strip to finish third. PORTAL ONE moved to command on the final turn but blew a commanding stretch lead in the final furlong of a longer sprint.
LEG D // GULFSTREAM, RACE 9 (5:22PM ET) // OPTIONAL CLAIMING // 7 1/2 FURLONGS (TURF)
We're going deep in this turf route, with an eye on a pair of longshots. DEM A WONDER, by multiple graded stakes-placed router Hello Broadway, is the one to catch on the stretchout in his turf debut. SERENADE A KITTEN is 3-for-5 on the grass and won off the claim for an 18 percent 'repeat' barn.
LEG E // GOLDEN GATE, RACE 3 (5:27PM ET) // CLAIMING // 5 1/2 FURLONGS (ALL WEATHER)
REAL KEEPER was content to track MOON ROCKET, loomed boldly at the top of the stretch but couldn't get past the stubborn winner. The duo has combined to finish first or second in 15 of 30 starts at the track. BEE EINSTEIN out-sprinted the 1-to-9 favorite to the lead and never looked back. He has good tactical speed and can use it well from the outside post.
SUGGESTED $1 STRONACH 5 TICKET
Leg A: 1, 6
Leg B: 1, 7
Leg C: 1, 2
Leg D: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 11
Leg E: 1, 6, 7
COST: $144