A deep field of 13 turf specialists will run nine panels on the Pimlico green in Saturday’s $250,000 Dinner Party S. (G3). I am slightly concerned that #10 Fort Washington (5-1) is a deep-closing type in a field without a world of pace signed on, but I will still use the multiple Grade 3 victor in all of my wagers, nonetheless. Trained by Shug McGaughey, the six-year-old son of War Front was a game winner of the Canadian Turf S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park last time out and comes in fresh for a very good layoff trainer in general. The dark bay will be on the scene in the final furlong with Junior Alvarado taking the reins. 

Dinner Party Exotics

• $4 exacta key 10 with 4,5,13 ($24)
• 20-cent superfecta 10,13 with 4,5,10,13 with 4,5,10,13 with all ($24)

Grade 1 star #13 Trikari (5-2) compiled four black-type tallies in 2024 and will make his second start of the season for Graham Motion. Third in the Maker’s Mark Mile S. (G1) at Keeneland in his seasonal bow, the Oscar Performance colt will have to overcome the widest post on Saturday on the move to 1 1/8 miles, but he has tactical speed and is also proven over ground with some give to it, as well. John Velazquez has the assignment. 

#5 Abrumar (20-1) is a hard-trying sort with good gate presence and figures to receive a favorable trip in the event for Saffie Joseph. A stakes third in his lone prior run at Pimlico, the Divisidero four-year-old will be making his second appearance since August and wouldn’t be a huge surprise to me with improvement at a huge price beneath Jose Ortiz. 

#4 Neat (8-1) has a useful prep for Saturday when missing by two lengths in the Henry Clark S. at Laurel Park for trainer Rob Atras. The Grade 2 winner was a daylight winner in his lone effort over soft ground, so if the course takes a lot of water, he will be even more dangerous under Joel Rosario. The Constitution four-year-old could find himself close to a moderate early tempo on this occasion. 

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