Pick 3 of the Week: Ellis Park Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025

I will take a swing at the closing Pick 3 on the Sunday card at Ellis Park, where my favorite types of races will be contested.  

Race 7 Wagers

• 50-cent Pick 3: 3,10,12 with 4,8 with 1,2,5,11,12 ($15)
• $1 Pick 3: 3,10,12 with 4 with 1,2,5,11,12 ($15)

Race 7 – Maiden Special Weight

Juvenile fillies will dash 5 1/2 furlongs in the opening leg. Tommy Town homebred #3 Love Divine (7-2) is bred to win early and has trained well on the oval in advance of her first go. The Steve Asmussen trainee is out of a good one and will have Keith Asmussen in the irons. 

Ontario-bred #10 Dancewhenyoucan (10-1) sold well as a yearling and could be a runner for Dallas Stewart, who is more than capable first time out. #12 Lady Law (10-1) is kin to a pair of two-year-old winners from three to have run and is by 20% debut sire Tiz the Law. The Bret Calhoun trainee could surely be precocious at a nice price. 

Race 8 – Optional Claiming

Turf dash for fillies and mares attracted a field of nine, but I will stand pat with a pair of contenders in the middle leg. #4 Niki Nine Doors (9-5) is the clear one to beat and will be a popular single. The Cairo Prince filly bagged the Pea Patch S. on the surface last campaign and has class to her, although I am slightly concerned that she is winless since her coup on the course in 2024. She must be used, nonetheless, with Tyler Gaffalione in the irons. 

#8 Jill Jitterbug (10-1) is a bit of a reach as she has failed to hit the board since 2023, but the mare has been facing some strong opposition this season and lands in a much better spot today. One of two in the field for Walsh, the five-year-old drops in class and also cuts back in distance while coming in fresh. She would aid the payout immensely with an upset. 

Race 9 – Maiden Special Weight

A full field of boys will vie in the six-furlong dash on the main strip to close things out. #1 Semper Primus (5-2) was a horse I fancied at huge odds last out when he finished a big second, and while I’ll never get the same price in here, the Jimmy DiVito trainee is a must-use, nonetheless. The Improbable colt will be sent from the break under Walter Rodriguez. 

Ron Moquett’s #2 Stomp (8-1), Steve Asmussen’s #5 Mischievous Intent (8-1), the fast-working #11 Divine Justice (5-1), and #12 Woodson (15-1), who is by red-hot sire Omaha Beach, will each be included for insurance.