Mucciolo: Pegasus Day Spot Plays

Race 2

I love the fact that John Velazquez opts to ride #10 SOAR FROM SHADOWS (12-1) instead of a first-time starter for his go-to conditioner, Todd Pletcher. The sophomore filly ran well in a first try at Aqueduct in the winter when closing for third behind a sharp winner, and five subsequent morning drills in South Florida should have this daughter of Bernardini fit and ready today. Well-bred bay will be doing her best work from off the pace for Jimmy Toner, a good second-out conditioner.

Race 6

#12 BLUE BAHIA (7-2) draws an extreme outside post in this big field, but the daughter of Wildcat Heir is simply too sharp right now to go against. Five-year-old mare is a superb 8-for-11 on the turf and was a daylight stakes winner in a similar spot on this lawn last month. Even as the morning-line choice, I don’t envision this one being bet down all that much in a field with some solid contenders and will be singling Blue Bahia in my multi-race plays.

Race 7

#9 GAME OVER (10-1) is a talented horse with a lot of room for improvement being mostly lightly raced to this point. Four-year-old son of Mineshaft has kept some good company in his short racing career and I think he will be ready to roll in a seasonal debut for fine layoff conditioner Jorge Navarro. In a race lacking a standout, Game Over should receive the right set-up for his late run.

Race 9

I can’t imagine #1 MARLEY’S FREEDOM (10-1) will go off at her morning-line price. Bob Hess pupil has been very sharp on the West Coast and exits a fourth in the La Brea (G1), a race that was not for the faint of heart. Four-year-old daughter of Blame will also have Mike Smith in the stirrups.

In the same race, #3 RICH MOMMY (12-1) looks especially live at big odds. Victor Barboza pupil has rolled home to win four of her last five by open lengths, including a stout showing when rolling home in the Sugar Swirl (G3) last time. Chestnut filly loves this oval and couldn’t be in better form entering this affair.

Race 10

#6 RAINBOW HEIR (6-1) is a classy son of Wildcat Heir who was a stakes winner at Aqueduct in his 2017 finale. Eight-year-old chestnut was a nose second in this race a year ago after making a huge run in the lane, and a similar type of race is expected today with Irad Ortiz riding the potential overlay.

Race 12

I know I am in the vast minority in liking the chances of #3 STELLAR WIND (30-1) to make an impact in the Pegasus World Cup (G1), but I will stick to my guns with this classy champion. Six-year-old mare figures to sit behind a fast and contested pace that will aid her late kick with Rosario taking the reins for the initial time.