2025 MEET STATS: 170 - 535 / $967.30 (-$102.70)
BEST BETS: 27 - 49 / $91.60 (-$6.40)
BEST BET: COACHES CORNER (6th)
SPOT PLAY: FAMILY RECIPE (10th)
Race 1: NW21501 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) HEZ ALLTHERAGE N is a legit talent who fits with these, especially from an inside post, and always offers some value. Realistically he's just a smooth trip away from winning. (6) NANDOLO N is back with Bartlett and at a level that's lower than he's accustomed to racing at. As always he's at the mercy of the pace. (5) VICI has really excelled in his last couple and bumps up again going for the hat trick.
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Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) CENTURY ENDEAVOR was used harder than usual in the early stages to make the front and he paid the price late; veteran likely has a clearer path to the lead tonight and I think he can bounce back. (3) WALKINSHAW N has been very sharp over the last month with a win and three narrow defeats. 13YO gelding can still bring it. (6) MUSIC HALL was reclaimed by the Bongiorno barn and has taken three of four but he steps back up a notch and is outside his main competition. Gingras is back with the catch drive and the gelding may need a career effort to get it done.
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Race 3: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) SOHO DOW JONES A has tailed off a bit recently and hasn't even picked up a check in his last three but he gets needed post relief in his second start at this reduced level and will undoubtedly be more involved. (8) THE IDEAL DANCER A has proven early speed to get into play from the eight hole, especially with Bartlett at the helm. (5) KOPI LUWAK gets Gingras in the bike tonight for the Burke barn and he hasn't had the best of trips in his first two starts for these connections.
Race 4: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) LOU'S SWEETREVENGE gets pretty significant class relief tonight as well as a good inside post so I expect this veteran to show up with a big effort. (1) YOROKOBI N is 0 for 14 and counting this year but is in a perfect spot to sit close up and land a good piece. (5) MULLINAX was a winner second time out for these connections after the $40K claim last month.
Race 5: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) WHY TOMORROW RAY is coming off a win at the $30K claiming level for the Engblom and he now shifts to the age-restricted $30K claimers, which in theory could be an easier field. Time-wise he's been looking faster than most of these. (5) FREQUENT IMAGE has been a model of consistency over the last six weeks or so; goes back to regular driver Kakaley after Mark MacDonald had some success with him. (1) CAPTAIN T HANOVER hasn't offered much for these connections after the claim a couple of months back but he lands the rail and gets a new driver in Brennan; maybe shows a little more.
Race 6: 3-6YO Open Pace
(3) COACHES CORNER was great throughout the Borgata until drawing the eight hole in the final, but he did manage to pick up a check. He's back from Philly after being outfinished in that late cavalry charge in the Auger and he finds a controlling spot here. (5) VERDUN was third in the Borgata final and after getting roughed up two back he charged home from nowhere last week. Lachance trainee is always a threat. (4) SOHO FIRESTONE A took all the money last out and went nowhere; back to Yannick.
Race 7: Invitational Pace
(2) STREET HAWK N gets a class test tonight as he's up into the Invitational ranks but he's been so good over his last three wins that I think he's up to the task, especially from this favorable post draw. (7) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR was a well-rated winner as the even-money second choice last week and figures to have to be used harder here but he's clearly capable. (3) AMERICAN DEALER N has a couple of wins and three runner-up finishes in his last six starts; Toscano trainee is in line for a good share.
Race 8: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) BLUE LOU added Lasix to the mix last week and wired a slightly softer field; gelding won't offer much of a price from these connections but should handle his business. (3) WHY NOT NOW has been tiring in most of his recent efforts but he was facing some of the best pacers in the land. He's still not consistent enough to use with confidence though should be in line for a live trip here. (5) HIMSELF N is another dropper from the top levels who figures to be at a tactical disadvantage so I'll have him underneath.
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Race 9: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) LEONIDAS A is no longer a stakes-caliber horse but he's still a legit talent as he's midway through his 10YO season. Veteran looks for two straight while in a spot where he strike from just off the pace. (1) TOBINS CHESTER has been razor-sharp since arriving from Mohawk Park and a repeat of last week's effort makes him tough. (6) QUALITY BUD was a well-meant winner two back then was a decent third last out; 12YO has to step up in class again and could be a closing threat with the right trip.
Race 10: NW7771 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) FAMILY RECIPE hasn't been a prolific winner over the last couple of seasons but he's got plenty of class and note the barn change here to DiDomenico after a long run with Virgil Morgan, Jr. Veteran is accustomed to facing better than he meets here and is enticing at his big morning line. (3) SPLASH BROTHER has always had good speed and the Schnittker veteran was sent to the front on last week's dropdown. It didn't work out that evening but he moves inside to a better post and looks to have a clear path to the front again. (4) HUNGRY ANGEL BOY gets Bartlett tonight and figures to also be pushing forward in the early stages.