Ellis Park Spot Plays for Friday, August 23

Race 4 – #4 ISLAND LOVE (9-2) By City Zip out of the stakes-placed Empire Maker mare Bahama Bound, this Victoria Oliver debuter has turf influences in the pedigree.  She has some sneaky fast works and James Graham, one down to Corey Lanerie in the jockey’s race, has been lured to the saddle. Lean on in multi-race wagers. For intra-race purposes, watch the toteboard for clues and take a close look at her in the paddock and post parade and during warm-ups. Race 5 – #7 STREET DANZA (8-1 ML) By the first crop sire Danza, this Kellyn Gorder debuter has some sprint quality on the dam’s side of the pedigree. Graham lands here too, and this colt certainly looks ready off the works. Should fly under the radar. Use in multi-race wagers. For intra-race purposes, watch the toteboard for clues and take a close look at Street Danza in the paddock, post parade and during warm-ups. If he passes the eye test, win, place and show ladder at odds of 6-1 or better. Race 6 – #3 ICAN’TREADTHEODDS (15-1 ML) Aptly named daughter of Brilliant Speed, this upstart filly ran deceivingly well on dirt on debut. Off awkwardly, losing some six lengths at the start, she moved up steadily while in hand, was hung six-wide on the turn and continued on willingly to finish fourth of 11 before galloping out with the winner. Her sire was a graded stakes winner on turf, so there are many reasons why she can run even better in this one. Use in multi-race wagers. Win, place and show ladder at odds of 8-1 or better. Play with all in gimmicks. Race 7 -- #2 VEILED VIXEN (3-1 ML) A consistent performer and improved since adding blinkers several starts ago, she just missed under similar circumstances two starts back at Churchill Downs. Ran a respectable race when trying two turns and turf for the first time last out. Cuts back for this and should sit a sweet, stalking trip behind an expected hot pace. Potential single in multi-race wagers. Win & triple place at odds of 2-1 or better. Play with 1,3,4 and 5 in gimmicks.