Ellis Park Spot Plays for Saturday, August 17

In a battle with current leaders James Graham, Tyler Baze and Miguel Mena for the Ellis Park riding title, Corey Lanerie could make a bold move on Saturday. Lanerie is absolutely loaded with live mounts, several of which I picked to win. Let’s focus on those. Race 3 – JOYSOME (#5) (8-5) Bet down to 9-5 favoritism on debut, this Brendan Walsh trainee got cooked in a hot pace sprinting on turf. The runner-up that day has since come back to win and this filly stretches out to a seven-furlong distance, that based on pedigree, she should prefer. Race 5 – EVIL EYE (#4) (3-1) Skychai homebred has progressed nicely in three career starts, all on turf. He has speed, but is rateable. He broke the maiden in professional fashion second out of the box, and returned to finish a solid third behind an accomplished pair of elders in his most recent assignment. He fits extremely well against fellow sophomores in this spot. Race 6 – NIKKI BEACH (#4) (8-5) A wide third on debut behind a pair of talented runners in an off-the-turf race, this $410,000 Keeneland yearling purchase returned to score a runaway victory in her follow-up start. She posted a sharp work between starts and can easily win right back. Race 8 – LADY MCKENZIE (#10) (12-1) This is more of a hunch play than anything. This will be only the third time trainer Jinks Fires has used Corey Lanerie in the last five years. Is this significant in a positive way? Maybe. Several other trainers who ride Lanerie regularly are represented in this race. Watch the toteboard for clues and take a close look at her in the paddock and post parade. Race 9 – ISLAND SONG (#9) (6-5) Knocking on the door on both turf and dirt, it looks like graduation day for this gelded song of Speightstown. In his grass debut two starts back, he made a bold middle move and ran on late behind a legit winner. Last time out he ran a similar race and fell less than a length short. He should find clear sailing from the outside post in this one. Lanerie’s other Saturday mounts (with trainer) Race 4 – HARVEY’S HONEY (#5) (8-1) (John Hancock) Race 7 – TRAFFIC STOP (#2) (5-2) (Mike Maker) Race 10 – LOOKIN AT BLESSING (#10) (8-1) (Jeff Barkley) PHOTO: Ellis Park (c) Coady Photography/Ellis Park