Pimlico – 6th race – 5-Driving Me Crazy (2-1)
Was favored in his debut at Laurel last month but had to settle for second after a nightmarish trip. Broke a tad slowly and was in heavy traffic down the backstretch, advanced quickly on the turn, was forced to steady in tight quarters approaching the quarter pole to lose his momentum, remained blocked entering the lane, then altered course wide for racing room in the upper stretch and made steady headway to the wire despite failing to change leads, beaten just over a length (while four clear of the rest) in a highly-rated race for the level. The Linda Rice-trained colt probably won’t be much of a price today, but at the very least he’ll serve a purpose as rolling exotic single.
Churchill Downs – 9th race – 9-Neighlor Swift (10-1)
This daughter of Summer Bird has more ability than she’s shown in two starts to date and if she can get her act together today she can graduate at a nice price. In her most recent outing, a maiden turf miler at Keeneland, she broke a bit slowly and then became rank behind horses into the clubhouse turn, remained in heavy traffic to the mid-point of the far turn, then angled wide for the drive and finished with interest to be a better-than-looked sixth, beaten only three lengths, against a field tougher than what she’s facing today. The Michael Maker-trained sophomore needs to settle early, get some cover, and produce a strong late run and if she can enjoy that type of type trip she’ll be able to display her best ability.
