Ellis Park Spot Plays for Saturday, July 20

by Joe Kristufek Race 7 – HITCH (#4) (2-1) After knocking on the door against legitimate competition at both Keeneland and Churchill Downs this sophomore son of Tapit broke through with a maiden breaker last time out under the Twin Spires. With a perfect, pressing trip through moderate splits over the one turn mile, he did enjoy the run of the race, but he also defeated quality foes in the process. He posted a useful five furlong breeze between starts and finds a very average field in front of him. Potential gimmick key and single in multi-race wagers. Race 8 – CALL TO VICTORY (#11) (5-1) A good second behind her talented stablemate Choate Bridge, a race in which she galloped out best, two starts back, this sophomore daughter of Jimmy Creed was completely eliminated on the first turn of her most recent run. She ran into major trouble, was checked back hard and failed to threaten thereafter. There are a few other talented turfers entered here and this gal will need to overcome a difficult outside post, but I truly think she has a bright future. Also consider Tizahra (#7) (20-1), Amazima (#6) (4-1) and Latest Version (#10) (6-1) in the gimmicks and for multi-race purposes. Race 9 – PORTAL (#2) (7-2) Already a four-time winner, it’s tough to believe this talented gelding is still eligible under first-level allowance conditions. He’s won three of his last four starts, edging Eskenforit, the horse who famously “won” the Indiana Derby (G3) without a rider, last time out. He should be forwardly placed over a 1 1/2-turn mile that should fit him like a glove. Also consider Cheytac (#1) (12-10), Mo Zone (#4) (5-1) and Franknjymme (#5) (5-1) in the gimmicks and for multi-race purposes. Race 10 – CLASSICAL MAGIC (#3) (6-1) This three-year-old daughter of Magician ran some deceivingly good races over the Fair Grounds turf this past winter, and a pair of dirt clunkers thereafter should not be held against her. Two starts back at Churchill, she finished fifth, but ran better than it looks. After losing three lengths at the start, she was four-wide on the first turn. Rank early on, she made a middle move while three-wide, drew even on the turn and was bothered while flattening. She returned to wire a maiden claiming field at Indiana Grand and now resurfaces at Ellis in a race that fits her like a glove. Also consider Sistas Ready (#2) (5-1) and Channel Princess (#6) (4-1) in the gimmicks and for multi-race purposes. PHOTO: Ellis Park (c) Coady Photography/Ellis Park