2025 MEET STATS: 88 - 286 / $511.70 (-$60.30)
BEST BETS: 14 - 27 / $44.40 (-$9.60)
BEST BET: SPEED MAN N (12th)
SPOT PLAY: FINAL CHEESERECIPE (10th)
Race 1: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(8) MOMENT IS HERE was able to get away from the gate in good order from an outside post in his last race and the Burke trainee has been competitive in most starts this season; still looking for that first win but the price should be honest. (4) SOUTHWIND CELCIUS turned things around in his last two at Pocono; returns locally looking for three straight. (2) BOILING OAR moves back inside after two consecutive eight holes.
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Race 2: MGM Borgata Pacing Series Leg #2
(5) ITS A ME MARIO was rock-solid in defeat in round one, just his second start of the season. Tritton trainee looks tons the best here but offers no value. (3) ACT FAST has been no good this year through four starts and last week he stopped badly on the lead, however Burke drops him right back in for the second Borgata prelim and maybe he'll be better off being reserved midpack only having to make one run. (2) HEMSWORTH N has a big chance to hit the board here and he's probably the chalk exacta with the favorite on top. Good finishes his last two and post improvement here.
Race 3: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(6) SCRIBBLERS gave an honest effort in defeat last week, his first try up at this $50K claiming level. Despite the move outside there's some questionable rivals inside of him and he'll offer much more value than his last few. (1) PEACE OUT POSSE has been okay in two starts off the Stratton claim and he's likely a player again from the rail. (2) ALL ALONE brushed and crushed three back from a similar spot, then had no chance in his next but last week at odds-on he stopped on the lead; back in for a tag tonight.
Race 4: MGM Borgata Pacing Series Leg #2
(1) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR just missed last week in only his second start of the season and the Engblom trainee draws the rail again. Does he sit the pocket again or does Bartlett put him on the lead? I think he's cutting the mile here. (3) CHASE H HANOVER gave his all in his local return but came up just short. These top two choices figure to be dominating the action up front. (4) PLEASELETMEKNOW had little to offer in his 2025 debut but clearly he's capable of showing a bit more now; faces an uncertain trip however...uncovered?
Race 5: Invitational Pace - $20K Gtd. Pick 5 Pool
(1) FUNATTHEBEACH N wasn't a factor upon bumping to this level last start but the oldtimer finished with pace, and he's been good in practically every start this year. Tetrick drives again and he's got more options now starting from the rail. (3) ALWAYS A THRILL is in raging form as he's up in class again looking for his sixth straight. (6) HEZA CHARTTOPPER A has won his last two from the pocket by a nose and a head. Clearly he's sharp but the path to the winner's circle is much more difficult tonight.
Race 6: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) FINVARRA A drops out of the Borgata series as he's eligible to fit this much easier class, and he draws the rail to boot. Dilloian trainee looks to drop and pop (and maybe rejoin the big boys next week). (4) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A was in a brutal spot from the eight hole last start but he finished well and remains sharp; he'll offer more value than the top choice and would appear to have a legit chance. (2) MARLBANK ROAD is going well now and will be close up from this cozy post.
Race 7: MGM Borgata Pacing Series Leg #2
(1) FOR ONCE INMY LIFE rushed to command, rolled along and was a game winner in last week's first leg. A repeat of that effort makes him tough to run down. (2) WHY NOT NOW wasn't involved in round one but finished well. He figures to be a more prominent presence here. (4) HUMBLE A debuts for the DiDomenico barn after a very successful run with Blackler and now Tetrick gets the call. Doesn't figure to be much dropoff for the new connections.
Race 8: MGM Borgata Pacing Series Leg #2
(7) COACHES CORNER just missed in his return to Yonkers and despite drawing another bad post I think he's the one to beat here. Bartlett will have him moving early. (1) DESPERATE MAN was outfinished late when odds-on in his seasonal debut and the Alexander trainee figures to be a bit tighter now. From the rail he's likely to be the favorite again. (5) DUNKIN' is 0 for 6 so far this year but has hit the board in five of those races. We know he's a legit talent who can go with these and will be a price.
Race 9: MGM Borgata Pacing Series Leg #2
Tough to figure race where with two hot imports who were both first-leg winners land the two worst posts. I'll stick with (6) MOSSDALE BEN N, who is perfect in five tries since arriving for Pete Tritton. The only thing we haven't seen from him yet is early speed but I'll bet he's capable if Stratton asks him off the gate. (1) VERDUN may turn out to be the claim of the century as he's been spectacular for the Lachance barn; flew home to nail it last week and now moves all the way inside. (2) CHARLIE MAY held his ground despite an uncovered grind in round one and the now 7YO can still bring it.
Race 10: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) FINAL CHEESERECIPE managed to pick up small shares from tough spots in his two races off the Laterza claim and now he returns to the age-restricted claimers with an improved post. May be one of the better prices of the contenders. (6) THAT DOG WILL HUNT finally moves up in class after bouncing around to multiple barns at the $20K level; early speed makes him dangerous. (4) MUSIC HALL was a dead-game winner out of the eight hole last out; Bongiorno is now back in the bike looking to repeat.
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Race 11: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) BB LUCKY BOY made another break in the early stages last week when heading out to the front but note Kakaley is back driving tonight and they teamed up for a big win four back. (2) KOPI LUWAK has been second best in three consecutive starts since the Cory Stratton claim; moves inside. (1) MACH N CHEESE gets a new driver in the bike tonight as Bartlett takes the lines; maybe that helps the cause.
Race 12: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SPEED MAN N has been a favorite of mine for a long time now and the veteran lands in another winning spot. Bartlett drives again looking for three straight. (6) ULTIMAROCA lands a slightly improved post and it may help him reach contention; though 0 for 10 this year he's hit the board in half of them. (1) JETT STAR N returns from Saratoga and raced well here earlier this year.