Track tips for Friday, Aug. 31
Arlington's Labor Day "Turf Showcase" program was drawn on Thursday, and it was extremely well received by the horsemen. Not including also eligibles and horses entered for the main track only, the average field size for the eight grass races is 8.9. Both Pick Fours and the Pick Six on Monday will string all turf races.
The 1 3/16-miles Rossi Gold Stakes for the males drew a field of seven. Off his third-place run behind Cosmonaut in the Grade III Arlington Handicap, the millionaire Go Between has been installed as the 7-5 morning line favorite. Other top contenders for the Rossi Gold include: Lord Carmen, Come On Jazz and the Illinois-bred Majestic Zeal. The wild card in the race is Holding Court. A multiple group stakes winner in his native India, the 5-year-old horse, who was considered for a run at the Arlington Million earlier in the summer, will be making his first North American start.
The 12-furlong Claire Marine Stakes for the females drew a field of 11. The Todd Pletcher-trained Almonsoon, who finished fourth in the Grade III Modesty as the lukewarm 3-1 favorite, has been installed as the early 2-1 choice over Arosa (3-1), who was last seen finishing third in the Possibly Perfect Stakes.
Best bet: Bad Bet (8th)
Price play: Pure Baby (7th)
Contact: joedakracing@aol.com
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