Turf stakes selections for Pimlico on May 14

A pair of excellent stakes races on the turf are part of a superb action on Friday at Pimlico. Both events boast prime contenders who will offer very good value, and these are two of the best wagering opportunities during the entire weekend at Old Hilltop.

Race 9 -- The Very One S.

A dozen fillies and mares will go postward in the always competitive five-furlong dash. #2 Gogo Shoes (12-1) makes the big jump from first-level allowance to the stakes ranks, but I think that she will be dangerous in the dash at a healthy price. The Derek Ryan pupil led throughout in her seasonal debut at Aqueduct at six furlongs, and I feel that she has found her niche as a turf sprinter.

The chestnut daughter of Carpe Diem will not lead early in this affair, but she has proven to be capable of running from off the pace in the past, and she figures to get a fine trip while saving ground near the rail throughout. Javier Castellano riding is a plus.

The Very One Wager

• $15 win/place/show #2 Gogo Shoes ($45)

Race 11 -- Hilltop S.

A huge field of 14 three-year-old fillies will compete in the one-mile grassy affair. The $100,000 contest is of graded-stakes quality with multiple fine prospects signed on in a very attractive betting race. I feel compelled to use a few horses in the top slot and hope for some prices underneath in the vertical exotics.

#2 Seasons (8-1) is bred to be brilliant, and she showed flashes of it during her brief juvenile campaign for conditioner Jimmy Toner. Well-bred daughter of Tapit, who was a closing third in the Natalma S. (G1) at Woodbine, is working swiftly and should be ready to roll at a nice price under Jose Ortiz.

Christophe Clement’s #5 Bubble On Ice (7-2) was a sharp winner of the Memories of Silver S. while making her U. S. debut off the layoff. Chestnut daughter of Starspangledbanner made a big move into a slow pace and then showed heart in holding off the talented Fluffy Socks late. The Irish-bred could be a real nice one going forward.

#6 Mia Martina (5-1), one of two in the cast for Graham Motion, didn’t handle the dirt most recently, but displayed a fine turn of foot on the green prior to that. Not This Time filly doesn’t have early speed, but if she gets any pace help up front, then the sophomore rates a winning chance inside the final furlong under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Hilltop Wagers

• $.50-cent trifecta 2,5,6 with 2,5,6 with all ($36)
• $.10-cent superfecta 2,5,6 with 2,5,6 with 2,3,5,6,13 with all ($19.80)