Today’s race of the day free past performances are courtesy of DRF.com — America’s Turf Authority.

#1 Star Plus — This guy is 7 years old so he’s getting up there and hasn’t raced since the G3 River City at Churchill for Kenny McPeek. This is his second trainer and sixth different rider since arriving here from Argentina in ‘07. Gets the services of Maragh and his current trainer, Angel Penna, is 33% winners for the meet so far. Ran at these conditions in his first race in the States and seems to have improved on paper but he has health issues but he’s versatile to win on dirt, synthetic and turf. Highest last race Beyer and Maragh is no dummy.

#2 Auction Watch — Another old timer for Jonathan Sheppard who’s in for the claiming allowance tag of $80K. Sheppard hasn’t won any yet but Castanon is 19% winning rides at the meet. Penn. bred is second choice. All of his wins have come on turf with three at today’s distance.
Last three wins were all at Philly and Sheppard takes this horse down south. Appears this is the first time the horse is in for a tag. Don’t like the price.

#3 Valtrus — Lezcano has this favorite who’s dropping back in for a claiming price in this OC$80K with a $53K purse. These days 60% of the purse plus the claiming price for a horse who has won six races and $220K isn’t a bad cash out. That’s what it looks like Bruce Brown is doing here after claiming this one four back for $50K He has four wins on the turf but none here in two attempts. Not sold.

#4 Sr. Henry — NW four lifetime and “o-fer” on the lawn in 11 attempts. Desormeaux and McPeek have this one in the barn and makes you wonder why? On paper the horse “looks” good but you know what they say about those. If the track came up off we’d say maybe but the forecast calls for sunny skies in Hallandale. Has one at Gulfstream just not on the turf.

#5 Florentino — Has two wins over GP turf. His maiden victory was here at the distance. He’s speedy and has run in four graded stakes in the last five starts. Caught Get Stormy the last two times.Garcia for McLaughlin but the horse is still NW4.

#6 Slambino — Got beat 3/4 lengths to Furthest Land here last January. Castellano looks to get run from this one but it’s going to come late in the race. Broke his maiden here in ‘08 over the slop beating Zambezi Warrior. Late.

#7 Sam P. — Ran in all the big races as a three year old. He’s still eligible for NW4 lifetime and has competed at this level on several occasions. Leparoux rode him to victory in May ‘08 at Churchill and that was the last time he had his picture taken. Went to the lead that day but he can’t do that today. Needs to make one run.

The selection:

#1 Star Plus – Not sure why but we think he’s the one. Morning line is 4 to 1 but he might go lower.

Check back here for the results and the video replay.