Turf stakes spot plays for Pimlico on May 15

A total of four competitive stakes races on the grass will help comprise a fantastic Preakness Stakes undercard at Pimlico on Saturday.

Race 6 -- Gallorette S. (G3)

A small, but talented, field of six fillies and mares will vie in the 1 1/16-mile affair. I am a big fan of Grade 2 queen #5 Mean Mary (6-5) for conditioner Graham Motion, but this looks like a prep run for bigger races later in the season, and she might be a bit vulnerable at the trip at a short number on Saturday.

I will give top billing to #6 Feel Glorious (7-2) for Clement. Bated Breath mare has a huge closing kick and could peak third time out in 2021.

Race 8 -- James W. Murphy S.

#6 Arzak (6-1) gets the nod in the turf test for three-year-olds. The Mike Trombetta pupil ran off early in the Palm Beach S. two back at Gulfstream Park when tiring to last late, but I don’t envision that scenario on Saturday, The expensive two-year-old purchase has settled in the early stages in the past, and I still believe that the son of Not This Time has a lot of raw talent. Daniel Centeno has the call.

Race 10 -- Jim McKay Turf Sprint S.

A huge field of 13 will line up in the five-furlong grassy dash. #2 The Connector (8-1) comes in with fine form including a sharp allowance tally at Keeneland most recently. Gelded son of City Zip is very consistent, and is also proven on firm and good turf. Jose Ortiz riding adds to the appeal.

#12 So Street (15-1) lacks consistency, but the longshot is capable of running big when he fires his best shot. The gelded son of Street Magician is better than he showed last time, and a big move forward is expected second time off the bench.

Race 12 -- Dinner Party S. (G2)

My top play on the entire card lies with #1 Somelikeithotbrown (4-1) from the rail for Mike Maker. The Grade-2 winning bay has class and speed, and he proved to have an affinity for the course when a strong second in the contest in 2020, as well. The speedy son of Big Brown will be the one to run down turning for home under Jose Ortiz.