Pick 3 of the Week: Ellis Park Sunday

Ellis Park will host a six-pack of black-type events on Sunday, and I will focus on the trio of stakes tilts that will close out the card. 

Race 8 Wager

• $1 Pick 3: 3,4,6,8 with 1,6,7,8 with 2,12 ($32)

Race 8 – Ellis Park Derby

A competitive field of eight will travel eight furlongs on the dirt to get the play started. #8 Admiral Dennis (8-5) is the sure one to beat coming off a nice win in the Delaware Derby last time out. Brad Cox's charge has not been super consistent to this stage of his development, and while he may make it a pair of derbies in succession, I can’t single him from the outside post. 

The Brian Lynch duo of #3 Jimmy’s Dailys (5-1) and Woody Stephens S. (G1) third #6 Big Truzz (5-2), as well as Chick Lang S. victor #4 Retribution (9-2), will make the ticket. 

Race 9 – Groupie Doll S. 

A total of nine fillies and mares will go one mile on the main strip in the middle leg. The Brad Cox tandem of #1 Alpine Princess (2-1) and #8 Impel (5-1) will be formidable. Defending champ #6 Pigalle (9-2) loves the surface and rates a chance for Drury, as does millionaire #7 Taxed (7-2), who has been in solid current form for trainer Randy Morse. 

Race 10 – Audubon Oaks

The closing leg is at seven-eighths for sophomore fillies, and I will search for value after being logical in the first two pieces of the play. #2 Sturgeon Moon (10-1) was a clear third in the Indiana Oaks (G3) in her first run for Walden off the long layoff and looks perfectly placed in this event. The Instagrand filly will save ground early prior to making a big late run under Concepcion. 

#12 Hollygrove (12-1) might benefit from having pace to her inside on this occasion for Whit Beckman. Stakes heroine has run into some really good ones in two straight outings and wouldn’t surprise at a big price under Ramos. I envision her being the one to catch in the early stretch.