Ellis Park Spot Plays for Saturday, August 10

Race 7 – SISTA OF WAR (#1) (10-1) Charlie Lopresti isn’t known as a trainer who wins races first out of the box, but this filly appears ready to run big in her debut. She’s by Declaration of War (War Front) out of the dam Sistas Stroll, a Grade 3 winner on turf. Ellis Park leading rider James Graham has been lured to the saddle, and the rail post could work in this filly’s favor. Win, place & show ladder #1. Play in gimmicks with 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10. Race 9 – GREAT SENSE (#11) (8-1) Off slowly, losing some five lengths at the start of his career debut on November 7, he was far back early but finished well late. He’s trained forwardly in recent weeks and appears on edge to fire fresh. Ian Wilkes often legs up Calvin Borel on live mounts, and there’s an obvious connection to this colt’s sire Street Sense. Win, place & show ladder #11. Race 10 – EVEN BEAT (#1) (9-2) On March 29 at Gulfstream, she overcame a rough start to win a turf sprint going away. In the follow-up race on May 9 at Churchill, she was shuffled back twice and in tight on the rail before closing stoutly to finish a close third. In addition, she galloped out great that day. She has excuses for her two most recent runs. I’m not going to hold that “off the turf” fourth on June 6 against her, and last out she got sandwiched at the start, losing six valuable lengths, and finished as good as any late. Win & triple place #1. Play in gimmicks with 2, 6 7, 8, 10 and 11. PHOTO: Ellis Park (c) Coady Photography/Ellis Park