By Ross Gallo

This years running of the Frizette is a very competitive race, and I don't think you can take any of these fillies lightly.  AWESOME MARIA will get the bulk of the attention off her easy win in the Matron.  I wasn't as taken by the race as some.  She sat on the leader, a 46-1 shot, and when it came time to push past, Cornelio had to flail away with the whip to get by.  I'll take a mild stand against her.  While she was in the clear, WORSHIP THE MOON was getting a horrendous ride from the usually reliable Javier Castellano.  She broke running had a great spot chasing the speed when he rushed her up into the back of the longshot leader, eventually checking to last.  She came back on again to just miss second beaten less than three lengths.  Javier is back, she gets the outside, she was 37-1 last time out so you know the price will be right, and he has to give her a better ride this time.  I'll take a shot with her as my key.

Some observations of the rest of the field: TOUCHING BEAUTY is an improving sort who is the third horse in here out of the Matron.  She has a troubled comment from that race, but I didn't see it.  She benefited into a perfect spot when Castellano lost his mind and finished okay to place, but I'm not sure another move forward is coming.  NONNA MIA got first lasix last time and she aired to break her maiden at 5 1/2 furlongs.  It was quite impressive and she is bred to go further.  She loses Johnny V. to the Pletcher, DEVIL MAY CARE, which is no shock, and Ramon Dominguez is a pretty adequate replacement to state the obvious.  The latter broke her maiden after a slow start on a sloppy track.  The race was visually okay and it would be no surprise if Todd had her ready for a big effort, but I'll have her near the bottom.  ANNIE'S MELODY was no secret when she broke her maiden at Monmouth, and she won like a pro while geared down at the finish.  The rail draw is no picnic, but I respect Ralph Nicks and will use her with my selection.  Finally, FANNY FREUD beat an overmatched group of NY breds in a stakes at Finger Lakes.  She did nothing wrong and always runs her race, but she would be a bit of a surprise to me here.

So, I'll key WORSHIP THE MOON (7) in exactas first and second.  I'll look to make my best score with NONNA MIA (3).  Try to take a flyer and use the (1) ANNIE'S MELODY.  Will hope to make small money with the 5 and 6.  And break even with AWESOME MARIA (4) and DEVIL MAY CARE (2).  I'm not throwing anyone out for two reasons, they are all lightly raced two-year-olds and anyone could make a jump forward.  And my key horse will most likely be double digit odds.  Happy hunting (winners), and enjoy this great weekend of racing.

Ross Gallo has been a professional handicapper for over 25 years and avid tournament player since 1998.  He has won 8 tournaments, qualified for the NTRA NHC 8 times, and finished second in the inaugural NHC Tour last year.  He created Ultimate Handicappers Invitational in 2003.  Players, if interested, can get information at Canterbury Park or can call Mr. Gallo at (561) 310-1691.