US Horse Racing Tips: Stateside Preview for Friday

Paul runs his expert eye over some of Friday's standouts, with Tampa Bay and Oaklawn at the forefront.

Today's US Racing odds

Horse Racing odds

Tampa Bay Downs Race 6 (20:07) – Mi Amore (3)

Tortuga Island (5) rebounded in style, running first time for trainer Juan Arriagada last month. She won a similar race to this one by three lengths from Kuku (1) with a few in here further adrift.

Her connections have kept it simple, not upping her in class. She is clearly the mare to beat off that run. Wits and Wagers (6) was second favourite in that race last time. That was on the back of some fine efforts in Kentucky in the second half of last year.

She ran modestly but maybe she needed the run. She is now ridden by Samuel Marin who has a fine record for her trainer.

My Little Wildcat (7) and Mi Amore (3) last ran in claiming company. The first named ran the better, wiring a field on the turf last month. Mi Amore (3) is a little more interesting. She was claimed by Juan Arriagada off a modest third just over a fortnight ago.

Evidence of what this trainer can do in a short space of time is there with Tortuga Island (5). This mare has the back form to contend. She may have only been entered to ‘make the race go’. If she does make it to the post, she may be the play at the odds.

Oaklawn Park Race 8 (22:07) – The Downthedustyroad Breeders' Stakes – Haulin Ice (8)

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has found a very soft spot for his Haulin Ice (8) for her local return. In her last spell at Oaklawn, she won back to back stakes by an aggregate of eleven lengths. The first was against fellow Arkansas breds like today.

She progressed to win in open company, even taking a Grade 3 at Gulfstream in September. The five year old hasn’t raced in eight weeks but is proven fresh. On form, she is hard to oppose, even at odds on.

Like favourite Haulin Ice (8), Hush It Honey (2) has done some of her best work at Oaklawn. That includes beating the favourite in a stake here in April. She must have had some physical issue as she’s only had one start in over a year.

That was a winning one in a conditions event at Churchill in November. She’s been working well for her return. She has a chance as the clear second choice in the market.

On paper, the rest of these has plenty to do. Caliente Star (5) beat Ministry's Destiny (7) in a stake here last April. She needs to take a step forward in her four year old debut to contend. She's a Dreamer (4) disappointed in that stake. She was improving prior to that.

On form, Arr Piratetreasure (3) has no chance. She has had a massive trainer switch so is likely to up her game. Maybe enough for her to round out the tricast.

Tampa Bay Race 8 (21:09) – Authentic Wave (7)

Questnbled'cisions (5) is much improved since racing with lasix. She broke her maiden by almost six lengths last month. Three weeks later, she beat winners taking a similar race to this one.

She beat Authentic Wave (7) by a length and a half with Ridgie (1) a below par fourth. At face value, the hat-trick is on the cards. Interestingly, Authentic Wave (7) was a shorter price than her after wide margin score at Gulfstream. She seemed to have no excuses but draws better today. Maybe she is worth another chance.

Ridgie (1) was another filly fancied in the race Questnbled'cisions (5) won last time. She ran well below the form that saw her run third in a stake prior to that. That day she got fast fractions to chase down. Not so last time.

She could rebound with the right set up. Like her, Justamomentplease (2) was in too deep in a stake. She was beaten eleven lengths but the first two home are classy fillies.

Coqueta Blue (3) and La Chismosa (6) get class tests after big efforts in claimers. The last named has been working really well so she is likely to improve. Radar Loop (4) gets class relief. She is an unknown on dirt.

Jen d'Oro (8) has a lot more to do than when narrowly beating a field of maiden claimers.

Horse Racing tips with Betfred Insights.