2025 MEET STATS: 293 - 979 / $1,627.58 (-$330.42)
BEST BETS: 50 - 96 / $164.82 (-$27.18)
BEST BET: CATALPA RESCUE A (4th)
SPOT PLAY: PYRO (5th)
Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(6) MUSIC HALL is one of the few in here who has proven himself at this $40K claiming level with two wins in his last three tries, including last week, his first for these connections. 11-time winner this year has the early speed to get into play. (1) JUST ENUFF STUFF failed at odds-on from a similar spot two back but dropped and won easily last week; sharp coming into tonight. (4) SLING SHOCK goes for the Forte barn now after being claimed again last out. He does get some post improvement after a couple of tough trips.
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Race 2: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) CAMOFLAGE MONEY crushed last week with Colin Kelly in the bike and he lands the pole position looking to repeat. He's no mega-lock in here but is the deserving favorite. (6) SOUTHWIND PETYR is back in the Bako barn after being claimed yet again last start. He's done some very good things for these connections in the past and is intriguing at his 20/1 ML. (3) RENAISSANCE DEO gets some needed post relief and Lauren Tritton takes the lines tonight. 4YO will be an honest price.
Race 3: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) HP MOMENTUM drops in class again and finds the softest spot since being claimed by these connections for $60K a couple of months back. Despite the losses piling up recently he's been more involved in his last two and I hope for more of the same tonight. (4) KINGSVILLE isn't a prolific winner but he hits the board with regularity and fits well at this level. (2) NONE BETTOR A may be winding down a stellar career with over $1.2 million earned but it's still nice to see him competitive with these mid-level types. He'll be close to the action from this spot.
Race 4: 3-6YO Open Pace
(5) CATALPA RESCUE A is now perfect in four tries since arriving from Australia for the Blackler barn and his last race was arguably his best with that 1:51 benchmark. Really tough to go against him. (2) AYE AYE CAPTAIN N had too much ground to cover in his last three but look at his prior two starts from inside posts: a win and a second. He should be much more involved tonight. (3) VERDUN did last week what he does best - shook free and charged home. Former $62,500 claim by these connections is closing in on $300K earned this season.
Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(2) PYRO finished a close second in this class the last two times he had inside posts, and now he moves back in to the two hole. When right he's as good as any in here and he's listed at a juicy 20/1. (4) SPEAKER OF PEACE has been razor-sharp for multiple barns and now he moves to the Laterza outfit looking to take his third straight. (7) CUT N RUN N is back with Bartlett and they teamed up to finish a close second from a similar spot three back.
Race 6: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(4) AMERITRIC crushed the field in his first start for these connections and they stuff him right back in for $30K; good spot to double up. (8) ULYSSES went a huge effort in defeat upon arrival then was empty when stepped up in class. He's back at the right level and returns to Bartlett but is stuck in the eight hole; offers value now. (1) ALWAYSCUTTINSCHOOL did win a couple of months back when he started from the rail.
Race 7: NW10801 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) WHICHWAYTOTHEBEACH returns from Canada and faces a pretty lackluster field in terms of form at this level. Now in the Alexander barn, draws well, could take control under Kakaley. (5) SOUTHWIND CELCIUS drops a notch in his second start after returning to Yonkers and gets a bit better post. He figures to be more involved tonight. (3) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A finished well from too far back last week, should be closer to the pace now.
Race 8: Invitational Pace
(1) ALWAYS A THRILL finished close up last week after saving ground from the rail and he's generously assigned there tonight. Evenly matched field here that likely comes down to trip. (3) HEZA CHARTTOPPER A moves back towards the inner half of the gate and that makes him logical, like he was two races back when he wired the field. (4) HIMSELF N is best a class or two down from here but he's certainly capable of picking up a share.
Race 9: NW20021 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) HELLABALOU was certainly ready for action in his Yonkers return as he paced a big back half and powered clear easily. Faces better here but I'm sticking with him. (2) AMERICAN DEALER N is going to win one of these weeks, probably tonight as I pick off him. (1) ROCKIN JUKEBOX draws best again and returns to Bartlett; in line for a live trip, or could be cutting the mile.
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Race 10: NW30421 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) DUNKIN' finally got the class relief he was craving last week but ended up in the eight hole...no problem. No reason why Brennan can't work his way to the front again and repeat. (1) VICIOUS has been just that in all recent starts for the Bongiorno barn; Holland catch drives again in a great spot to do serious damage. (6) ALL CLASS has been competitive at the top levels and now drops from the Open ranks but needs to overcome the outermost post,
Race 11: NW7651 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) KIMBLE A dropped to the basement level two back and woke up big-time with a close second and a win. Faces some classy foes here but I'll go with the "sharp horse moving up" angle. (4) NANDOLO N gets to double-drop in class and we all know what he's capable of. (7) JM'S FINALTREASURE has been a bit outclassed at the Opt. $60K claiming level; Burke trainee finished second when last in this conditioned class.
Race 12: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
Much like #1 in the 11th race (2) PANETTONE HANOVER has looked like a different horse in his last two races. Bump up in class doesn't scare me. (4) NIGHT HAWK dropped to this level last week and almost wired the field; Burke trainee is logical from this spot. (6) SOHO SANTORINI A is still searching for his first North American win but he has been getting closer.