Race 2

#2 Raise the River (5/2 ml)

Gaines firster has been training extremely well over the polytrack, and has logged four such drills which should have him ready for this one. He also logged a 1st-of-48 and a 2nd-of-52 at Hollywood before shipping over. Obviously some talent here, and Gaines has always been good with first-time starters.

Race 3

#6 Sound Barrier (6/1 ml)

Two back this horse beat the very good Chancellor (also entered here) despite breaking slowly and having to come from way out of it. That effort was flattered when Chancellor came back to beat the also very good Monte Bajo in his next start. Sound Barrier went favored in a tough race last time out, but ran into some serious traffic problems and lost all chance. Been training strongly for this engagement, and should fire a big shot here.

HRT record:

7 for 25 (28%)

$55.80 mutuels ($7.97 avg)

About the ninth bad ride ive seen this weekend. Ugh.

Race 5

#7 Fire n' Brimstone (12/1 ml)

Maiden broke slowly from the inside but stuck pretty close to the pace for a half-mile before getting blown away by a 10-length winner. He was beaten 12 lengths, but only 2 lengths by the rest of the field. Comes back with a better post draw and a very sharp drill over the polytrack. Appears to have the best speed in here, and looks live at a price.

Race 9

#4 Sir Lowry (4/1 ml)

First-timer for Frankel tries two turns here, but Frankel is solid with that type hitting @ 18% from 11 such entrants.This one comes in with some excellent recent drills, two of which had Brice Blanc aboard. Blanc takes the mount here, and has struck with a whopping 7-of-12 for Frankel. Clearly live.

Hang in there. Thanks for posting.

Raise the River went off @ 9/5 and ran second.

Sound Barrier went off @ 7/1 and ran fourth.

Fire n' Brimstone went off @ 6/1 and ran third.

Sir Lowry went off @ 9/2 and ran third.