Race 11 at Pimlico, May 20th, 2023


The Maryland Sprint Stakes is an annual Grade 3 Thoroughbred race for three-year-olds and up held at Pimlico. The race is run at a distance of six furlongs and has a purse of $100,000. The 2023 edition of the Maryland Sprint Stakes is set to feature a competitive field of 10 horses. Lets take a look at three contenders and my selection to win and place.


One of the main contenders appears to be #8 Straight No Chaser (3/1), who comes into the race off a dominating 7 ¼ length win in an Allowance race at Oaklawn Park. He has been happy in the mornings and should be among the favorites of bettors. Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez returns to the irons for trainer Dan Blacker. SNC has natural early speed and owns the fastest late-pace Equibase speed figure (128) of the group. He’s a very talented 4-year colt by Speightster. Look at his debut. He won on the turf sprinting 5f at Del Mar. Improving speed figures in three straight from a 93 to career-high 115. He’s been the post time favorite in five of six career starts. Could be six of seven after this race. Great value at 2/1 or better. Owned by Myself and MyRaceHorse. We are very high on him!


The other contender looks to be #7 Nakatomi (5/2 favorite), who has been training well, but hasn’t won since November 5th, 2022. No early speed could make it tough, although he does own the second-fastest late pace (113) speed figure. Don’t sleep on #10 Wondrwherecraigis, who does own early speed, and is the horse-for-course with two wins and one second in 3 lifetime starts at Pimlico. The 6-year old gelding by Munnings will have to prove he can win off Lasix. There is only one horse to bet in this race! See below!!


My Selection: #8 Straight No Chaser (3/1) to Win & Place!


Betting on horses can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. With careful analysis and research, you can find the winning horse with greater accuracy. Straight No Chaser should be closer to 9/5 on the morning line in my opinion. I think the field came up soft. All we need is a clean start. Straight No Chaser is next level fast and still improving. Book it!


Twitter: @JHSPORTSLINE