| 3+
Winner USD $21,735 - 16 runners
1760y
Going:
Surface: T
BATTLING TIME (7) finished 5 lengths back in sixth when returning from a break and tackling a turf track for the first time last start at Laurel over 1m1/2f. Fitter and the blinkers come off. Expected to be in the finish. SCHOLAR (8) finished out of the money two starts back then was beaten 3.5 lengths when fifth over 1m1/2f at Laurel five weeks ago after being in contention on the bend. Likely improver with strong prospects. NICKY JOLENE (14) is in fine form, filling a minor placing again last start over 7½f at Delaware Park (Turf) to make it four top-three finishes on the trot. Going well enough to overcome the tricky draw. BELLA ESTRELA (1) doesn't boast the best winning strike rate but ran a nice race last time out, finishing fourth and beaten only 2.25 lengths over 7½f at Delaware Park (Turf). Can build on that solid recent effort.