Ellis Park Spot Plays for Sunday, July 28

Race 2 – DARK ARDEN (#7) (4-1) Hasn’t won since 2017 and he’s had more downs than ups, but he did show signs of life two starts back when finishing a determined second in the slop. He failed to threaten in the follow-up start but that field was much, much tougher and he was compromised by a slow start and a tepid pace. He’s perfect from two starts at Ellis Park and should find clear sailing from the cozy, outside post. Single in multi-race wagers and used with Hickory Hill (#2) (5-1), Fish Trappe Road (#3) (7-2) and Mutajaded (#5) (6-5) in the gimmicks. Race 8 – GET WESTERN (#9) (4-1) In his second race back off a seven-month layoff, he scored a super sharp, first-level allowance victory. Stepped all the way up into the Wise Dan (G2), he contended to the top of the stretch from the pocket before evening out in the stretch. He posted a trio of works since and drops into a sweet spot where he has a chance to control the action. Single in multi-race wagers and used with Take That for Data (#1) (2-1), Golden Dragon (#2) (20-1), Broth (#4) (10-1) and Tigers Rule (#5) (10-1) in the gimmicks. Race 9 – BONNET (#10) (9-2) Still trying to find her niche, but sprinting on grass might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Two starts back routing on the turf, she was rank early before tiring. Cut back to sprint on dirt last out, she set an honest pace before tiring to fourth behind the monster Risky Mandate, who has since returned to post an allowance score at Saratoga. Also consider Double Axel (#3) (4-1), Sister Nova (#4) (3-1) and Dreams Are Made (#6) (6-1) in the gimmicks and for multi-race purposes. PHOTO: Ellis Park (c) Coady Photography/Ellis Park