Pimlico Spot Plays for Friday, May 19

Pimlico will host a big 14-race card on Friday, with the Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2) taking center stage. Below are a few of the contenders that I have an interest in on the undercard.

Race 1 – Allowance

Turf allowance tilt gets the big day underway and attracts a well-matched field of nine. Graham Motion’s #5 Evan Harlan (7-2) has finished out of the money in three of his last four races but looks well-placed in this offering. The Temple City gelding has been placed in some demanding spots since the winter, which is a sign of confidence from his barn, and he should do good things in the opener against this cast. Joel Rosario riding adds to his appeal.

• #5 Evan Harlan
• #13 Battle of Normandy
• #3 Prowling Tiger

Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight

This five-furlong dash on the lawn for fillies and mares attracted a full field. Negotiating a good trip from the rail could be tricky for the Michael Matz-trained #1 Up For It (7-2), but I will tab her for the score, nonetheless. The Keystone State-bred daughter of More Than Ready has closed well to be runner-up in both lifetime tries to date and seems poised for a breakthrough in the affair. Jevian Toledo will be in the stirrups.

• #1 Up For It
• #2 Watch This Birdie
• #11 Caroline Krystyna

Race 6 – Allowance

The six-furlong dirt dash attracted eight, and I will give #3 Italian Dressing (6-1) a major chance from off the pace. Great Notion mare has solid current form for conditioner Hamilton Smith, and I love the cutback in distance for the gray as well. Angel Cruz retains the ride atop the one-run closer.

• #3 Italian Dressing
• #1 Royal Whisper
• #7 Liquidator

Race 11 – Hilltop S.

I think a whole lot of Christophe Clement’s #1 Breath Away (2-1), who was ultra-impressive in drawing off in the Sanibel Island S. at Gulfstream Park in her most recent performance. But I am very intrigued with #10 After Eight (12-1) for conditioner Arnaud Delacour and will tab her as a value play. The $425,000 yearling was unplaced in a sprint at Delaware Park as a juvenile and then opened her sophomore season with a facile turf win at Keeneland when favored in a 12-horse field. It’s a hunch, but I think that this filly has more to offer.

• #10 After Eight
• #1 Breath Away
• #3 Aspray