2025 MEET STATS: 29 - 85 / $221.70 (+$51.70)
BEST BETS: 5 - 8 / $17.90 (+$1.90)
BEST BET: RENAISSANCE DEO (10th)
SPOT PLAY: CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR (4th)
Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(4) PRINCE OF TIDES makes his second start off the Cory Stratton claim and first out he was able to secure the pocket from the eight hole and was a close second. Doesn't look like a ton of speed inside of him so the gelding could make the front with little pressure. (5) TWIGGS PUB faces more seasoned foes off the Engblom claim but he's raced well in all four 2024 starts and now picks up the leading driver. (3) SADDLE UP was recently reclaimed by the DiDomenico barn for $40K (a $10K premium) and after one dull start he drops right to $30's. Generally not an encouraging sign for a horse who figures to take money.
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Race 2: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
Fresh face from New Zealand for the Pete Tritton barn here with (2) MOSSDALE BEN N. Import adds Lasix off a live qualifier and it wouldn't surprise me to see him ready to roll at first asking. (4) JETT STAR N is clearly sharpest of the locals as the Cushing trainee goes for four straight. (1) STRENGTHFROMABOVE was a well-rated winner second start off the bench for the Russo barn; faces better but could be sharp enough to contend.
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Race 3: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(5) DONTBOTHRMENONE N goes back to a top catch driver as Bartlett takes the lines and this import can go on or off the pace; top call. (1) PEACE OUT POSSE has clearly been knocking at the door for Bongiorno with three good finishes from outside posts. Move to the rail figures to make him a big contender for the top spot. (4) ORLANDO BLUE A has been razor-sharp for multiple barns and now goes to Laterza via $50K claim.
Race 4: NW15501 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR has raced well in his last couple and now gets some post improvement as he drops a notch in class. Barn has been heating up as well. (6) SHERLOCK N gives the half mile a try after two live efforts over at The Meadowlands. Lauren Tritton is in the bike again for Pete Tritton's barn. (2) HEZA CHARTTOPPER A gets another crack at a short price after getting nipped at odds-on last start.
Race 5: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(7) LOUS THE ATTITUDE has been a non-factor in his two 2025 starts and he draws outside again but the difference tonight is he drops back to the age-restricted $30K claiming level where he's been a major player in the past. He's got speed directly to his inside but may be able to improve position enough off the gate to get involved. (2) I'M THE PRINCE is a question mark as he enters a new barn off a break before the start last week but he should offer good value. Effort two back was decent. (6) FLIP MY CHIP loves to cut the mile and figures to be doing so again as he enters his fourth barn in as many starts.
Race 6: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(1) MIND HUNTER takes an important drop in class from the $50's to the $40's. Last time at this level he won by open lengths at odds-on. (3) TWO FACED has had posts 8, 7, 8, 8 in his four starts since being reclaimed by these connections. Safe to say this is a better spot. (4) SHINE A LIGHT has been a major speed player in his last two; stays at the same level off the Stratton claim.
Race 7: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) TWIN B HEARTTHROB has been in raging form for the Cullipher and Brennan gets the call again going for his third straight. Gelding faces better but could be up to the task. (5) ALL ALONE was a non-factor upon bumping to this level but he gets some post improvement and most importantly a switch back to Bartlett. (1) FUNATTHEBEACH N hasn't won in a while but hasn't been bad either. Classy 11YO must be considered from the rail.
Race 8: Invitational Pace
(3) FINVARRA A's only local blemish is a start at the Invitational level last November when he was buried in the seven hole and trailed throughout. Recent import into the Dilloian barn hiked back to the top level last start and won comfortably on the front end. Only concern here is the three weeks off. (2) BINGE ON YANKEE is unproven at these top levels but he lands a cozy spot in this six-horse affair and should be sitting close to the action. (1) NANDOLO N is back at the top level off two powerful wins; Lauren Tritton won with him last week and drives again.
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Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) THE IDEAL DANCER A brushed and crushed last week and basically gets a free ride here; top call as likely chalk. (2) ROCKMYSTER N makes his third start after arriving from Down Under and he was much-improved in his second. Import will win soon. (4) LEONIDAS A squeezed out a long-awaited win in last start and this classy millionaire can basically overcome any trip to repeat.
Race 10: NW7611 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) RENAISSANCE DEO paced a solid back half to be second best to a sharp rival last out and he lands the rail here down a notch in class. (5) ROCKIN N TALKIN returns from Canada and he won a couple of starts here last year. Bartlett gets the drive on the invader. (6) QUALITY BUD has hit the board in his last three tries at this level and can never be counted out to land a piece. Classy 12YO can spice up the exotics.