Ellis Park stakes spot plays for Aug. 7

A total of four black-type races will top a strong Saturday card at Ellis Park.

Race 4 -- Tri-State S.

Dirt test for the boys at one mile attracted six. #4 Fact Finding (8-1) is a mostly all-or-nothing runner who is very dangerous when he establishes a clear early advantage. The seven-year-old son of The Factor is training in swift fashion in advance of his 2021 debut, and I like his chances to lead early on while coming in fresh. Gelded Kentucky-bred has great value with Martin Garcia riding.

Race 5 -- Dueling Grounds Derby Preview

The nine-furlong grassy contest for sophomores features a very nice field of seven. #3 Modern Science (5-1) has improved from two races in 2021 since adding blinkers and seems poised for a good showing in his second run on the course. Wilkes pupil just missed in the Mystic Lake Derby last time out, and the Galileo colt has trained well in the interim. The bay will stalk the tempo to the top of the lane with Landeros riding.

Race 7 -- Dueling Grounds Oaks Preview

This 1 1/16-mile affair for three-year-old fillies on the sod will have nine going postward. Multiple stakes heroine #5 Oliviaofthedesert (9-2) finished third in a stakes as a juvenile in her lone turf race to date, and I think that the talented filly will relish the return to the green. Bernardini gray has good current form, and her late-running style fits in the field with ample early types in the mix. Brian Hernandez Jr. will be asking the sophomore for her best in the stretch.

Race 8 -- Turf Sprint S. Preview

The finale on the card is a turf dash at 5 1/2 panels. An excellent field of 11 will head to the gate in a very good betting race. #8 Gray Attempt (6-1) may have found a new home on the turf after watching his last pair of tallies at Churchill Downs. The accomplished five-year-old was in poor form prior to the barn and surface change, but he is going well right now. By Graydar, the Kentucky-bred will stalk and pounce at a nice price to close out the fine day of racing.