Hammersly: Indiana Grand pick four play for Saturday, July 13, 2019

A blossoming 3-year-old is a potential linchpin in Saturday’s pick four at Indiana Grand (races 6-9), and a couple other legs with big fields provide chances for a price.

Race 6

DOT MATRIX (#8) came back after a long layoff to easily beat optional claimers at Churchill May 9. He looks primed to handle this tougher assignment. REAL STORY (#3) set the pace in a Grade 2 at Pimlico last time out May 18 and stayed on smartly for fourth, less than a length behind multiple Grade 1 winner Catholic Boy. He’s the one to catch. ALL RIGHT (#2) finished smartly to be a good second at 71-1 in a Grade 2 at Churchill June 15. That may be a sign he’s peaking. HELLO DON JULIO (#7) showed all sorts of talent in 2017/2018. He hasn’t run in nine months and his best work has come going longer, but there’s no denying his quality.

A’s) 3, 8

B’s) 2

C’s) 7

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Race 7

LIMARI (#2) is the one to beat. She ran on smartly for third as the 9-10 favorite in a Grade 3 at Churchill last time out June 8, and if anything can improve off that run. Trainer Brad Cox continues his splendid meet. VIVA VEGAS (#12) has been knocking heads with some toughies and holding her own. She’s been freshened and has worked well for this. UNBRIDLED CLASS (#5) continues her super form, having won four straight and five of her last six. That includes a romping wire-to-wire win first time on this course last time out June 25. She’s up in class but may be ready for such a task.

A’s) 2

B’s) 5, 12

C’s) None

Race 8

STREET BAND (#5) looked super winning the Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks but was unable to overcome trouble and tougher in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. She’s been freshened and has worked well for this return. KIM K (#1) looks like a comer as she blasted optional claimers going a mile at Churchill June 27. This $335,000 daughter of champion 3-year-old male Will Take Charge is bred to handle this trip and her speed on the rail may lead to a nice trip. CHOCOLATE KISSES (#9) has been knocking heads with some real toughies on both turf and dirt. She gets away from those beasts and a super bullet work at Churchill July 2 says she’s ready. BYE BYE J (#11) had no chance chasing a record-setting miss at Pimlico last time out and a bad start didn’t help. She doesn’t face anyone like that here and may be dangerous on the stetchout.

A’s) 1, 5

B’s) 9

C’s) 11

Race 9

MR. MONEY (#11) looks like a Grade 1 horse in the making. He comes off two dazzling wins at Churchill and has the speed and versatility to give his rider options from his outside post. ALWAYSMINING (#6) stalked the pace as the favorite in the Easy Goer at Belmont June 8 to finish fourth (moved up to third via disqualification). He’s shown ample ability and has the speed to be in the thick of it from the start.

A’s) 11

B’s) 6

C’s) None