July 4th Plays

Here's wishing everybody a safe and fun July 4th weekend. If you are playing the races, below are a few of my spot plays from some feature race around the country. Whatever you might be doing, have a great time. I'll be back next Tuesday for the final Triple Crown Talk post of the season.

Suburban Handicap - (6) Rising Moon: This lightly-raced 6YO looks to be improving. He's hit the board in both stakes starts this season, including the Brooklyn Handicap last out. He cuts back to 10 furlongs for this one and should get a nice, stalking trip off the early speed of Cool Coal Man and Finallymadeit. Had a bullet work at Aqueduct this week, and Dutrow and Lezcano combo is a plus. I'll box him with Asiatic Boy and It's a Bird.

Prioress - (3) Heart Ashley: Speedy Lion Heart filly is getting very good. Six furlongs looks like her ideal distance and she has been as consistent as they come. Look for Prado to take her right to the front and say catch me if you can.

Tom Fool - (1) Fabulous Strike: He has never had much success at seven furlongs and I don't like giving all that weight, but this guy might be in the best form of his career right now. Beattie wouldn't have brought him back if he wasn't. Look for him to go gate to wire. There are bigger things on the horizon for him later in the year too, maybe a return trip to the BC Sprint. Love this horse.

United Nations  - (9) Better Talk Now: This might be the old man's last, best shot to win a grade I. He won this race way back in 2005 and was third in 2007. His Manhattan last out was pretty good and he likes this course. He could steal it. I'll box him with Court Vision and Spice Route.

Who do you like?