Ellis Park Spot Plays for Friday, August 16

Race 4 #4 Campaign Spy (2-1) Pressed a hot pace over a one-turn mile at this level at Churchill last time out, and finished a very good second behind a legitimate winner, and his third the race prior was better than it looks on paper. Not worth getting creative here. Take what the race gives you. Win at 8-5 or better. Single in multi-race wagers. Race 5 #1 Sure Thing Sheila (2-1) Enjoyed a productive Oaklawn spring meet, and now returns rested and ready at a class level and distance that suits her to a tee. Should sit a cozy, stalking trip from the rail before making the winning move on the turn for home. Win at 2-1 or better. Play in gimmicks with 2, 7 and 8. Potential single in multi-race wagers. Race 8 #6 Holly Blame (8-1) Enters this assignment in the best form of his career. Overcame a troubled trip over a sloppy track two back to score, and then stepped up to finish a late closing third behind a monster winner last time out. Likely to fly slightly under the radar with this crew. Win and three times the place bet at 9-2 or better. Play hard in gimmicks with 3 and lighter with 1, 5 and 8.   (c) Coady Photography