Scully: Turfway Park Pick 3 play for Dec. 11

Friday’s eight-race program at Turfway Park includes an allowance/optional claiming event (Race 7) at 1 1/4 miles on the all-weather track.

#8 Blanket of Roses  stretches out in distance after offering a belated rally over 1 1/16 miles at Indiana Grand in mid-October. By Preakness winner Lookin at Lucky and out of a mare by Kitten’s Joy, the 3-year-old colt has the pedigree for the added ground, and he’s recorded five works in preparation for Mike Maker.

The chestnut ran well in his lone appearance over the oval, netting a career-best 88 Brisnet Speed rating when rallying for second in the Rushaway S. in mid-March, and Blanket of Roses showed decent class winning a couple of turf starts this year.

He should relish the surface switch, and Rafael Bejarano picks up the mount. Listed at 8-1 on the morning line, Blanket of Roses should be able to sit closer to a projected moderate pace before offering his best. Along with playing him straight, I will single my choice in a $5 Pick 3 part-wheel.

Here are my thoughts on Race 6 & 8:

Race 6: I will use three runners. #4 Tale of Fame likes Turfway (9-2-2-1) and returns in good form. #10 One for Richie is a serious threat if he takes to Polytrack for Cipriano Contreras. #3 Ed’s Rocket, 2-for-2 over the track, will show speed from the inside.

Race 8: Two-deep in the finale. #1 Englander, who showed turf form earlier in his career, is eligible to fire a big effort for Phil d’Amato in the third start off the layoff. #7 Awesome Wok N Roll has not met expectations for Mark Casse, but the Woodbine shipper should relish the class drop from maiden special weight to the $30,000 maiden claiming level.

Pick 3 ticket (races 6-8)

$5 Pick 3: 3,4,10 with 8 with 1,7 ($30)