Ellis Park Spot Plays for Saturday, August 24

Race 3 – SEVEN NATION ARMY (#5) (5-2) First or second in five of his last six starts and the one time he wasn’t, he has an excuse. Off slowly losing four lengths at the start of his June 23 allowance start at Churchill Downs, he rushed up in the two-path to contest a fast pace and then faded behind the runaway winner. He aired last out in the mud at Indiana Grand and is well drawn on the outside of a short field here. Single in multi-race wagers. Play with #4 and #2 in gimmicks. Race 6 – FREE COVER (#2) (2-1) Wired the field over a sloppy track and against an off the pace bias at Churchill Downs on May 26 and was run down by the talented Istan Council in her follow-up start over seven panels of goo. Allied Racing’s Chester Thomas loves winning races at his home track, so rest assured, this filly is on edge to run a big one. Single in multi-race wagers. Play with #7, #6, #3 and #4 in gimmicks. Race 7 – GOLD STREET (#3) (6-1) By the $20,000 stallion Street Boss, this Steve Asmussen debuter cost $150,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. The pedigree is precocious, he’s bred to sprint, and there are some turf influences built in as well. The workouts are sneaky good. Use in multi-race wagers. Win, place and show ladder at odds of 4-1 or better. Play with #10, #9, #7, #4 and #1 in gimmicks. Race 8 – FOLLY (#6) (3-1) Showed her versatility by winning on dirt then turf at Gulfstream Park, and she was probably best in her May 10 grass start at Churchill Downs. Steadied into the first turn, she was forced to stalk a pedestrian pace thereafter. Off heels late, she rallied stoutly and just missed behind Tula, who returned to win again. Three weeks later, she raced from a little farther back in the pack while covered up at the rail. She split foes gamely in the stretch and was getting to the 3-5 chalky winner late. She finished a better than it looks fifth in a tough first-level allowance over the Ellis Park turf last out and fits like a glove under starter allowance conditions today. Potential single in multi-race wagers. Win and triple place at odds of 5-2 or better. Play with #2, #5 and #3 in gimmicks. Race 9 – STILL HERE (#7) (6-1) A late closing third in her career debut as a two-year-old, she had a troubled trip in her follow-up run behind eventual Kentucky Oaks (G1) runner-up Liora. Off 8 1/2 months, she failed to menace in her return run, but if her recent workouts are any indication, she’s ready to take a big step forward with the addition of blinkers. Use in multi-race wagers. Win, place and show ladder at odds of 4-1 or better. Play with #8, #3, #1a and #4. PHOTO: Ellis Park (c) Coady Photography/Ellis Park