2024 MEET STATS: 391 - 1274 / $2,100.10 (-$447.90)
BEST BETS: 56 - 112 / $199.80 (-$24.20)
BEST BET: COACHES CORNER (9th)
SPOT PLAY: FINAVARRA A (8th)
Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(2) TWIG goes for new connections off the claim but stays at the level he's most competitive at. Rated at a generous 12/1 on the morning line despite the major post relief and return to Holland. (4) SAN DOMINO A is always a threat and the veteran can do it from on or off the pace; Gingras picks up the drive. (3) IM A POWERPLAY A was a well-rated winner from the rail last week and is another in here who changes hands, now going to Cory Stratton, and brother Jordan drives; clear contender again.
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Race 2: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) MASONS DELIGHT N is another from these owners who move their horse from the Forte barn to Engblom. Import has missed a couple of weeks but was second in his last start at a big price. This is a pretty good field for this class but he should offer an honest price. (4) SLING SHOCK was third best in his last two chasing super-fast miles and he now gets needed post improvement. (1) TWIN B RISENSHINE set a good clip and tired late to fourth last week when bet down to the favorite. Not sure if he cuts the mile again but will definitely be close to the front.
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Race 3: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(5) LUCKBEWITHALEX drops in for a tag tonight for connections who have done well here over the last few months; gelding should be a good fit here and should offer some value. (1) SHAKESPEARE rallied well from off the pace last week to be second best and as previously mentioned this veteran seems to do better when chasing. Pocket or uncovered may be the pace to be. (4) SHINE A LIGHT gets post improvement after being uninvolved in his last couple from the seven hole.
Race 4: NW7951 in last 5 starts Pace
(8) SPEED MAN N has loads of class and still has plenty of early speed as evidenced by last week's effort from the outside post. Taking a shot here that Kakaley gets him off the wings and somewhere near the front. (4) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK is another classy and speedy veteran who is 0 for 10 on the season and way overdue. (1) VIVA LAS VEGAS N lands the rail and can hang around for a share.
Race 5: MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series Leg #2
(2) HIMSELF N had a tough go of it from the outside post in round one of this series but prior to that the Lance Hudson trainee had been on fire so the move back inside helps him immensely. (5) CHASE H HANOVER is a bonafide speed threat from the middle of the pack. (1) ADAM TWELVE figures to be taking full advantage of the rail draw to set up a live trip.
Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) JAHAN HANOVER had no realistic chance from the outside posts in his last two but tonight he finds a spot where Bartlett can get aggressive and send him to the front. He's just 2 for 21 on the season but we know he's capable of winning at this level. (5) BOILING OAR makes his first start with a new trainer listed after Travis Alexander got himself in a little bit of trouble. He's the class here and the one to beat. (6) SURFSIDE BEACH is arguably in career form as he's powered by late to win his last three. Facing better it will be tough to win again but he can land a board spot.
Race 7: MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series Leg #2
(2) DUNKIN' moves all the way inside and the 4-year-old has proven time and time again that he belongs with these. Many of his wins have come at a price as well. (4) SEVEN COLORS was no match last week to the sharp Coaches Corner but returns to Bartlett and assumes the role of favorite. (5) TYPHOON BANNER N tries Brennan tonight and he does have good speed, maybe more than his inside rivals.
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Race 8: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) FINAVARRA A had a nice acclimating start last week and it may be time for the import to be unleashed. I have a feeling he'll be bet right into (2) BLUE LOU and the money will be right. The latter is up in class looking for four straight; obvious player again. (7) ROCK DIAMONDS N makes his second start back off the two-month hiatus and Kakaley may utilize his early speed to get the 12-time winner this year into a live spot.
Race 9: MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series Leg #2
(2) COACHES CORNER could not have been any sharper in his last two and the winner of over $545K this year deserves the call to take another and tack on to his earnings. (4) HELLABALOU gets moderate post relief and a switch to Gingras. Burke trainee can fire off the gate from this spot. (7) DESPERATE MAN was outgamed in the late stages in round one of the series and he lands an outside post again. Now in the Oakes barn he keeps Kakaley and figures to be a major player again.