Stakes Pick 3 Plays for Prairie Meadows on Saturday

A bevy of black-type races for Iowa-bred runners will highlight a big evening of action at Prairie Meadows on Saturday. I’ll take a swing at the late trio of races on the card, as the sequence features a pair of interesting juvenile dashes as well as an affair for sophomore fillies. 

Race 11 Wagers

• $3 Pick 3: 4,7 with 2,8 with 4,8 ($24)
• $2 Pick 3: 4,7 with 2,8 with 4 ($8)

Race 11 – Sorority S. 

Juvenile fillies will dash six panels on the main oval in the opening leg. Smart debut heroine #7 Mischievous Bria (7-2) is my leading selection. The homebred daughter of Instagrand went off at even-money odds in her unveiling and didn’t disappoint, drawing clear to a three-length tally under the wire. Trained by Doug Anderson, the March foal will be tough to upend with improvement under Alex Birzer. 

#4 Aintnoshakin Kid (4-1) will also be included coming off a troubled second on the surface most recently. Lynn Chleborad pupil looked the part in her maiden tally two back, and she has much better value today after being sent postward at 2-5 odds in her latest appearance. 

Race 12 – Breeders’ Oaks

Nine three-year-old fillies will run two turns on the dirt in the middle leg. #8 C’Mon Lucky (7-2) has shown marked improvement since having blinkers added combined with stretching out in trip, and the daughter of Lookin At Lucky is my top pick in the field. The Kelly von Hemel trainee was a comfortable allowance victress last time out and is a must-use in my opinion. Walter de la Cruz will guide the dark bay filly. 

#2 Gisele’s Map (6-1), also from the von Hemel barn, goes long for just the second time in her career and is the inside pace of the race. Liam’s Map filly could get very brave late if she clears early beneath Glenn Corbett. 

Race 13 – Cradle S.

A total of 10 male juveniles are signed on for the finale. #4 Amorosa (9-5) is the obvious one to beat and will be a popular single on many tickets for conditioner Kevin Eikleberry. The Sky Mesa chestnut is 2-for-2 leading up to this with a dominant allowance tally on the surface most recently for a trainer who is excellent with two-year-old runners in general. Regular pilot Elvin Gonzalez will be up. 

I’m intrigued by smart debut winner #8 Better Than Good (12-1) at a big number. The gelded son of Stroll led at every call while coming home with good energy in his initial showing, and the bay gets a nice post outside of the favorite, too. Kevin Roman will ride and put the win threat in the mix early on.