2025 MEET STATS: 170 - 535 / $967.30 (-$102.70)
BEST BETS: 27 - 49 / $91.60 (-$6.40)
BEST BET: BULLVILLE FRANK (9th)
SPOT PLAY: MAXIUMUS RED A (4th)
Race 1: NW8251 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) MULLINAX was an interesting claim out of last week's race for $40K and he gets to drop back to a lower conditioned level for his new connections. Now in the Engblom barn he lures Bartlett and draws best. (6) TOBINS CHESTER raced well to be close upon arrival from Canada and the 4YO may be able to build off that effort. (2) KINGSVILLE is a money burner and always seems to come up a bit short. He's a contender again but I'll use underneath.
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Race 2: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) THE IDEAL DANCER A was shuffled and boxed in last week as the winner sailed to the front and drew off. Engblom trainee has been close in practically every start when he draws inside and he lands post two again. With unreliable speed to his inside Bartlett may want to try moving early to secure command. (8) TWIN B DELUXE dropped to the basement four back and has won every start since while moving back up the class ladder. Eight hole is tough but he's too sharp to ignore. (3) ULTIMAROCA lands a much better spot tonight and can be handled more aggressively by Stratton.
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Race 3: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(8) CENTURY ENDEAVOR two-moved for command in an aggressive drive and dug in gamely last week, his second start off the Dilloian, Jr claim. If Bartlett can hustle off the gate to improve position from the eight hole without getting torched he's classy enough to repeat, and the price should be fair. (1) LYRICAL GENIUS A had no chance last start but he moves all the way back inside and was second best in his last two when starting from the rail. (3) MACH N CHEESE has been racing very well lately and the barn picked up a win the other night.
Race 4: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(6) MAXIUMUS RED A recently moved back to the Victoria Stratton barn and won two straight before being claimed, but these connections paid a premium to get him back and now he steps up again. Veteran had a strong 2024 campaign at levels sometimes higher than this, including for this barn. (2) TWIG gave it a try against better last start and finished fifth, but his prior race at this claiming level he was a dominating winner. Only question with him is the missed time, having not raced since May 3. (3) I DRAINTHESWAMP A drops in class and has finished third six times already this year.
Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) SCRIBBLERS hasn't won yet for this barn through five tries but he's been close in all those races. Gelding moves from $50K claimers to this lower conditioned level and should be in line for a live trip. (8) TWO FACED also drops from claimers after failing to sustain a two-move effort and though he lands the worst post again he's got some early speed for top connections. (2) LUCAPELO A tired last week but finished strongly the start prior.
Race 6: NW10709 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) VICI has been racing reasonably well facing better so the drop in class should help in a big way. I can envision Brennan sending him to the front. (5) OURMATEMENKO N has burned money in three starts after arriving from Australia but he should offer much more value tonight. All these recent imports deserve consideration. (2) OUTLAW MAN N is reunited with Bartlett and they teamed up for a win two back.
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Race 7: Invitational Pace
(4) HIMSELF N was stuck in post eight for the Borgata consolation and he did race well throughout the series with a win in leg 3. Lands midpack in this competitive field where a case can be made for all of them and the price will be honest on this certified closer. Bartlett was named on four of the six in here and sticks with (6) ALWAYS A THRILL, who drew away for fun in his last start but has missed some time. Also as an Invite winner in that race he's now assigned outside. (2) AARDIES FLASH N picks up Stratton on the catch drive and the last time he drove this import he was a 17/1 winner.
Race 8: NW34004 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) AMERICAN DEALER N is forced to step up in class off a couple of losses but overall he's been good since returning to the races and the Toscano trainee is a proven top-class performer here. (1) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR was a consistent earner throughout the Borgata and now lands a rare inside post. (5) KOPI LUWAK debuts for the Burke barn off the $60K claim and he's likely to be pushing from the gate.
Race 9: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) BULLVILLE FRANK has been a close second in three of his last four starts when bumped to this level and the Engblom trainee lands in a controlling spot for the leading trainer/driver. (6) THAT DOG WILL HUNT has early speed and a chance to make the front. I think at worst he should be in the pocket or sitting third. (4) BIG DREAM FELLA has been somewhat better recently so maybe he can land somewhere in the tri or super.