Prospero, Pontus lead competitive optional claimer

There are no toss-outs in Tuesday’s $46,000 feature at Parx Racing, a second-level $25,000 optional claimer at a mile and 70 yards on the main track. All seven horses show either a win or a close runner-up finish in one of their two most recent races.

Shopping for a good price might be the best suggestion, with the bounce-back candidate Pontus and the Maryland shipper Prospero two non-favorites with a decent chance of winning.

Pontus will break from the rail and gets reunited with Inoel Beato, who rode the 4-year-old gelding to a nose victory in a first-level allowance two starts ago, after breaking slowly and enduring a wide trip from post 8 last time out.

The 5-year-old Prospero, seeking his first win since he was claimed for $25,000 four starts ago, comes off a half-length defeat at 15-1 against similar competition a month ago at Delaware Park. His trainer, William Campbell, is 0 for 2 at Parx this season but has hit at a 24 percent rate at the suburban Philadelphia track from 50 starters the past five years.

Race 8: Optional claimer

Key contenders

Caliparty (Last 3 Beyers: 84-70-83)

Easily cleared first allowance condition by four lengths July 28 after winning back-to-back starter allowance routes in May.

DRF Formulator Fact: Trainer Ed Lehman is 3 for 8 (38 percent) with last-out winners back in less than 30 days in a dirt-route allowance.

Yougotthatgoinforu (Last 3 Beyers: 88-9-81)

Improved to 2 for 4 on Parx’s main track by clearing second allowance condition against statebreds July 28. Regular rider Jackie Davis is hitting at 23 percent riding for trainer Phil Aristone.

Pontus (Last 3 Beyers: 81-85-64)

Beato, who won with this horse the only other time he rode him, is 5 for 15 teaming with trainer Keith Lebarron this season.

Prospero (Last 3 Beyers: 82-73-78)

Missed by a half-length at this same level last time out. Won at this same level by four lengths going 1 1/16 miles at Laurel in February.

Citizen Kat (Last 3 Beyers: 79-85-74)

No worse than second in last five starts since he was claimed by Aristone. Owns 6-for-17 record at related distances.

Sea View Chico (Last 3 Beyers: 66-85-83)

Runner-up in a stakes restricted to 3-year-olds at Delaware Park two starts ago. Had an excuse when he failed in his first try against older horses at this level at Monmouth Park.