Laura Ray goes Saturday in a $7500 claiming race going a mile on the turf.  Nik Goodwin is on board and she’ll be breaking from the rail (post 1).  We really wanted a 5 furlong race at this level but one would not go so we can only run what we have in front of us.

Group 3 is in the paddock.

LAURA RAY (LITFIN/GOODWIN)

Deputy Dora (Westerman/Evans) – $2500 claim has since won at $10,000 and she’s hoit the board at this level and in a $15,000 optional.  She had a tough time against $16,000 claimers last out and drops down into this spot.

Miss Shawhan (Diodoro/Hamilton) – Won at $16,000 two starts back before faltering last time out at the same level.  She’ll be coming from off the pace and also drops hard into this level.

First Hunter (Robertson/Canchari) – Hard to see how, if First Hunter is on her game, that she doesn’t win this race. She’s won two in a row: a $50,000 stake against state breds and an open $25,000 claiming race.  She has the best Beyers and most class in the field, will be close to the pace – if not setting it – and really shouldn’t have a hard time with this group.

Cause to Wonder (MA Silva/Butler) – Solid 2nd at this level last out behind several of these in here at higher levels.  She may be close to the pace and try and push things along.

Ocean Dream (J Silva/Martin) – Finished just behind Cause to Wonder last out at this level but the sledding is going to be tougher in this race.

Raging Gold Digger (Berndt/Eikleberry) – Won a conditioned claimer two back at $25,000 and hasn’t missed the board since May 2018.  Will definitely be putting pressure on the field up front.

Gattaia (Diodoro/Arrieta) – Crushed a field of four when this race came off the turf last out at this level.  Has run best ‘off the turf’ but has hit the board recently over the sod in conditioned $16,000 claimers to open the meet.

This is a tough field.  Several solid class droppers including First Hunter.  She hasn’t wanted to rate and come from off the pace but may not possess the speed to battle the faster horses here.  Stalk and pounce will most likely be her best chance.  Realistically, if she can hit the board her day will be a success.

Next up: Ender race preview.