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A field of nine is set for the $50k All Brandy Stakes at Laurel on Saturday, a race originally carded for the turf that has been moved to the main track following the suspension of all turf racing at Laurel. That's actually bad news for bettors, since the average grass win payout was over $20 for the year so far between Laurel and Pimlico. With prices expected to be shorter, I think you have to like the looks of the developing favorite here, #5 Sweet Goodbye. This may be one of the better fillies in trainer Christopher Grove's barn. The daughter of Louis Quatorze has been a speed ball much of her career, but you can tell they'd like to get her to try and rate just a bit early on. I see her sitting 2nd at the first call but most likely out in front once they reach the opening 1/2 mile call. Speed is usually lethal on the Laurel main track, especially going two turns, so she's the logical top win contender. Underneath I think you can focus in on #4 Amie's Legend (a stakes winner on the dirt) and the late closing #1 Love's Blush for the white hot Rodney Jenkins barn. If you can afford to go deeper, #6 Five Diamonds and #3 Ziggly look very playable here as well. Selections: W - #5 Sweet Goodbye (3/1*) P - #4 Amie's Legend (6/1) S - #1 Love's Blush (7/2)
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