We connected with a nice one last Sunday as our $24 exacta box paid $218.60, which made the pain of missing Pondering on Saturday a little easier. Turf season has officially ended, so at least we went out with a profitable ticket, as we now turn our attention to the synthetic surface for the remainder of the meet. While there are three stakes on the card, went with a very competitive OC $40k race for the ladies as there looks to be a few ways to go in here. Let’s look at a few: Saturday, Race 8 Top Selection: #2 Tap My Desire 3-1 Consistency has been her game this season as she has finished in the top three spots eight out of nine starts in 2026, and fifth in her most recent. Now, before we read too much into that, it was her biggest test to date as she stepped up in class and made a very credible account of herself at 36-1 finishing ahead of some nice competitors in Aretha and Pharaoh’s Affair. In her last synthetic route on July 26th, she was runner-up to Mew and Me, who is a two time winner this year. She does get a jockey change to Emma who most recently scored with this trainer on Nov. 6 with Artful Diamond. She is a must use for me. Wildcard: #8 Solo Mission 2-1 5-year-old mare by Blame has only made one start a year since 2024, which is definitely cause for pause. She finished last as the favourite in her season opener in August in a compact field of 5, and that race hasn’t produced any next out winners. The drop in class here may help her out, and she likely needed that one off the extended layoff. But can you trust her? Her bullet work on Oct. 31 where she was the best off 22 that day does catch the eye, but she has questions to answer, and the fact that she has never had two starts in a calendar year is a concern. Maybe she will roll the field, but not sure I can touch her at 2-1. Solo Mission (inside). Michael Burns Photography Longshot: #5 Tracy Arm 8-1 Not the longest price on the board, but given the competitive nature of this group (they all fit in this spot), I think we will get this morning line price or possibly higher on her. This filly has had some troubled trips in the past due to no fault of her own, and was a really nice winner on the outer turf course two back to break her maiden. She was in tough in her first against winners, so she should appreciate the drop to a little easier level of competition. Also, I like the switch back to the main track as her route race back in June was much better than it looks on paper, as not only was that a very salty group of 12, she was swung eight-wide heading into the lane which compromised her chances. She did well to finish sixth. Another positive is that she gets reunited with Contreras who was aboard for her victory, and the price is right. The Play: $10 WP #5 at 5-1 or higher ($20), $2 exactor box 2,5,6 ($12) = $32 total Good luck and safe trips for all. Share This:Share
