Market Sentiment merits respect in allowance sprint

The Saturday card at Parx is topped by a pair of first-level allowance races for 3-year-olds and up, each with a purse of $76,000. New York-based runners may be favored in both races.

Three dominant maiden winners will square off against Parx-based Conquest Harlequin and Woodbine shipper Majestic Slew in race 8 at six furlongs.

Market Sentiment, trained by Rick Violette, won a maiden race at Belmont on Sept. 9 by 5 3/4 lengths. The 91 Beyer Speed Figure he earned is the highest in this field. Market Sentiment was making his second start after having finished eighth in May. He was equipped with blinkers for the first time and paid $33.40.

Conquest Harlequin was second last out while making his first start since being transferred to trainer Michael Pino. Conquest Harlequin was given an 88 Beyer.

Majestic Slew will be the second starter of the Parx meet for trainer Michael De Paulo, who won the Grade 3 Gallant Bob on Sept. 24 with Noholdingback Bear. Majestic Slew will be making his first dirt start after 12 races on synthetic and turf courses.

Temescat won his debut by six lengths on Sept. 24 at Penn National for trainer Mark Salvaggio. He was given a 74 Beyer.

Puerto Plata won his debut in June at Thistledown by 10 lengths for trainer Carlos Inirio. Noel Vigil, who rode at Arlington over the summer and is now at Thistledown, will be aboard.

Race 9 will be run at a mile and 70 yards. Intensity, who will be switching from turf to dirt for trainer Chad Brown, is the horse to beat. Jorge Vargas Jr. picks up the mount.