Spotlight Race of the Day 7/15 Maryland Starter Allowance

A firm turf course is awaiting a field of nine horses, six of which have finished first or second in their last start. Horses age 4 or older are allowed to enter this 9.5 furlong race and it looks like a good field.

1. Treys Wild 7/1
Has one win this year in seven starts and that came in $12,500 claiming race in May, over Maryland surface and 90 speed. Followed that up with a third in smaller four horse field in exact conditions as this race will be. Had huge lead in May effort before winning by two, last race gave up 5 stride lead to lose by seven. Should get lead easily here, just a question of how far out he can get away from the field.

2. Hard to Swallow 4/1
Won last start in $15k claiming event with 94 speed, first win since late 2012. Trailed field by 9 at the half and looked very good crossing line ahead by two with win coming on this track. Has one win in nine starts at 9f and this is a slice bit more. Could be tough to repeat but gets O’Brien back aboard who won with him in last start.

3. Big Gang Green 4/1
Ran season best speed of 95 in March at mile when he was claimed for $7,500 price tag. Last two starts were in West Virginia in $10k starter allowance, at 10f, finishing third and second, both 87 speeds. Beaten favorite in last and lost ground in stretch run. Drops in distance with hopes that it will make difference but will still need to catch the speedster on the rail.

4. Show Lively 11/1
Ran on this track in mid-June in $15k claim even, going 9.5 furlongs. Finished second chopping off five lengths she was behind at 3/4 pole to miss by just over a stride and a 2014 seasonal best speed of 89. On board three times this year, each one at 9.5f and his best speeds all came at this distance this year. Offers some hope but will need to get above 90 to steal this race.

5. Loser Like Me 9/2
Race sponsor has placed this horse in these conditions (claim & starter allowance) over past five starts on Maryland surface. Has won four and finished second once in these favorable conditions with speeds ranging from 89 to 95 during this span. Has a 7-2-0 record in 9 starts this year. Jockey G. Giant gets asked again to ride and has chance to add another win to the seasons nice record.

6. Nile Express 19/1
Loss last three races by double digits in mix of allowance and starter allowance races. Switches from dirt over to grass for his third time on the turf. He has one win which came against super soft field in October 2013 as 1/10 favorite. In a slump on the track and worth a shot switching surfaces but I don’t think that will end the dull-drums.

7. Dream Invasion 9/1
Came on late in $12,500 claim race at 9f in Deauville early May to finish second at 15/1 with lifetime best speed of 95. Tried to duplicated effort in $15k claim race in Dubai, gaining ground but ran out of steam and finished third, eight back. Ships to states which may have an effect, but he’s shipped long distances before with no ill-effects. If he can find the spark he had in May, he just may make a trip to the winner’s circle.

8. Everfair 7/2
In February, made first appearance a winning one on turf, taking a 9f $15k claimer by four strides at 9/2 and was claimed. New trainer has since raced in starter allowance class, keeping with turf, and in four starts has won three times with speeds between 91 and 100 and odds between 6/1 and 32/1. Gets respect this time as favorite at 7/2, seeks third straight. Looks like a nice found gem.

9. Scanton Office 8/1
Picked up first win of 2014 in mid-June when transferred to Maryland raceway in $15k claim race at 9f, charting 90 speed. Followed that up two weeks later in $12.5 claim extending slightly to 9.5f finishing second with much softer 78 speed. Should have won that race and no excuse for the lower speed. The speed numbers are a concern, hitting 78 in three of last four starts. Inconsistent with speed numbers, but still could perk up at any time.

Everfair gets top vote, turf is his surface and he is finding way to capitalize on it.

Loser Like Me has tailor-made conditions for this race, his to win if he wants it.

Hard To Swallow had nice win in last and gets same jockey back, could be a nice working formula.