2025 MEET STATS: 141 - 449 / $834.50 (-$63.50)
BEST BETS: 23 - 40 / $75.00 (-$5.00)
BEST BET: RHYDS SUPERFLY GB (5th)
SPOT PLAY: CURBSIDE PICKUP (3rd)
Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(6) WHY TOMORROW RAY went a tough trip in his debut at this level and to his credit he hung around a while before tiring. Tonight we get the switch back to Bartlett and I can see this gelding taking a step forward from this spot. Not sure whether it's enough to win but as long as the price is fair I'll take a stab. (3) LAZ took a significant step up to this $40K level off the Dilloian claim and he rolled wide off cover to win quite easily; he's now 5 for 10 on the season. (7) TWO FACED moves to the Adamczyk barn via claim and was Yannick's choice despite the poor post. He's 9 for 15 in the money this year but is still searching for that first win.
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Race 2: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) BENHOPE RULZ N is 0 for 13 and counting in 2025 and not a major player recently but note the barn chance tonight to the aforementioned Doug Dilloian, Jr. barn. He keeps Bartlett from a reasonable post and I'll give him a shot to turn things around. (1) KINGSVILLE gets major post relief and also drops in class making his third start since the move to the Bako barn; very logical. (7) NIGHT HAWK has burned some money and underachieved a bit since returning to the races but the Burke trainee has early speed and should be an honest price.
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Race 3: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) CURBSIDE PICKUP returns from a try across the river at The Meadowlands where he lagged in a 1:48 3/5 mile and he was facing better when we last saw him at Yonkers. Fresh face to the Burke barn likes to win as he's 5 for 12 on the season and the drop in class here can get him over the top. (1) LYRICAL GENIUS A was a close second in his last two and is logical with speed from the rail. (4) IDRAINTHESWAMP A is back in claimers after just missing last week in 1:53 1/5.
Race 4: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) OURMATEMENKO N took loads of money in his U.S. debut and finished second after being too far back. Import figures to attract plenty of attention again and should be much more involved. (5) EUPHORIA N was able to drop and pop last week to break his seasonal maiden and he returns to Bartlett, who finished second with him twice a couple of months ago. (6) RACING RAMPAGE plunges from the Borgata and he's still trying to find his way in 2025. Likely to be forwardly placed.
Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace - $10K Gtd. Pk 5 Pool
(1) RHYDS SUPERFLY GB stayed undefeated last week but not before jamming up the field at the half so he was taken down at 15 cents on the dollar. The good news is he's in another controlling position tonight looking to make amends. (3) TWIN B POWERBALL finished with steady pace again last out and finds another spot here for Lachance to save ground and finish well. (8) STREET HAWK N raced well in his North American debut but the Blackler trainee loses Bartlett to the favorite and he draws the dreaded eight hole. Still, he's likely to be a force in the coming weeks so here's a chance to have him on your tickets at a big price.
Race 6: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(6) THAT DOG WILL HUNT has made a very nice living this year in these age-restricted claimers for multiple barns and he goes for three straight; Bongiorno picks up the catch drive on the live gelding. (1) BULLVILLE FRANK left and broke last week, ending his evening early, but he's been solid before that in his prior three starts. Gingras stays with him despite the presence of a Burke trainee in here. (2) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH just missed from the pocket to the top choice last out.
Race 7: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(2) SCRIBBLERS raced well in his last two at this level to be second and third best to a sharp rival who's not in here tonight. Bucci trainee gets the call to score from likely just off the pace. (5) ROCK DIAMONDS N hasn't been at his best of late but maybe the drop in class and potential clear path to the front will help the cause. (3) TRENDY TEEN is clearly on the comeback trail after missing a long stretch of time. Engblom trainee steps up again and is a nose shy of a three-race winning streak.
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Race 8: NW35001 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) VENTURESOME ADREN N is a legit Invitational-type talent and has some versatility giving driver Stratton some options, though he's probably best suited heading for the front. Top call in competitive race. (5) NANDOLO N is back with Bartlett and knows how to win. Any sort of live trip and he'll be charging home. (4) DUNKIN' clearly liked going the extra quarter last week as he came close to a record with that open-lengths win. Consistency isn't his strong suit, however.
Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) DIEGO N showed there was no fooling around in his last two wins as he was sent to the front by Stratton and sprinted home both times. Recent import for Pete Tritton was a big earner Down-Under and has the class to take another while facing better. (1) COVERED BRIDGE lands the rail and figures to be right in the hunt. (3) WHATS STANLEY GOT A took a couple of weeks off after his surprise win and loses Stratton to the top choice but he's another with plenty of class who can handle facing tougher.