Ellis Park Spot Plays for Friday, August 9

Race 1 #7 New Colossus (3-1) Loaded with talent, he somehow has only managed one win from eight career starts and we haven't seen him since February. This will be his first try on turf, but by Curling out of a More Than Ready mare, dashing on grass might be what he was born to do. In advance of Super Steed's return in Sunday's Ellis Park Derby, Larry Jones fires this fresh shot with purpose. Win at 8-5 or better. Single in multi-race wagers. Race 3 #7 Zaevion (15-1) In a very contentious race where any of the seven can win, I couldn't pass up on the potential price on this guy. First or second in each of his last five outings, he's never been better. Ran against the outside-closers bias to finish second behind Griff two back, he returned to score an allowance win at Belterra last out. He's well drawn outside with natural speed and should find himself in a winning position turning for home. Win, place and show ladder at odds of 8-1 or higher. Play in gimmicks with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Race 7 #3 Big Beautiful Wall (9-2) Better than he looks on paper. Much more forwardly placed two back, he gave way late and finished a close fifth behind a stakes caliber winner. Off slowly losing some seven lengths at the start last time out, he finished well through traffic late but had far too much to do. I've been chasing this horse for months. He owes me. Win, place and show ladder at odds of 7-2 or better. Play in gimmicks with 1, 4, 6 and 8. Race 8 #7 Home Base (6-1) His recent form doesn't look very good, but between troubled trips and surfaces he didn't care for, there are plenty of excuses. He drops into a much, much softer spot and should answer the wake-up call here. Single in multi-race wagers and key over 2, 3 and 7 in gimmicks.   (c) Coady Photography