Looking at this race it appears ripe for an upset. I look at two big price horses from the always dangerous Phil D’Amato barn. I just can’t quite get to either although I am tempted. I wind up siding with the Mark Glatt import Bella Lyra a German bred who is well traveled and making her first start here in the states.

In watching her replays I see she does have some speed which will help on the harder California grass. The Grade 3 placing at Royal Ascot kind of jumps out at me and lets us know she has the class to compete here. Two starts against the boys of late and goes back to grass from synthetic.

She only shows one work, but it is a good one and Glatt generally doesn’t run short horses.

Yes, there are a few good options here, but I have knocks on all of them. The one to fear most for me is Marjoram. I would not talk anyone out of including her on any multi-race wagers. Her trip last time out while making her turf debut was one of those races where absolutely nothing went right for her and she still ran credibly. She was also bet down to 5-2 favoritism that day and is listed at 10-1 on the morning line here.

I think I could get comfortable being alive with these two heading into The Senorita which conveniently is the last race on the card. That is how I will play this one.