2025 MEET STATS: 242 - 817 / $1,353.80 (-$280.20)
BEST BETS: 41 - 79 / $137.20 (-$20.80)
BEST BET: HEMSWORTH N (7th)
SPOT PLAY: PEACE OUT POSSE (2nd)
Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(6) SOUTHWIND PETYR was reclaimed by the Bako barn out of his last race and stays at the level that fits him like a glove. His last win was for these connections with a big effort out of the eight hole. (1) SAILBOAT HANOVER does well for all the barns he's been in, including his current residence in the Laterza barn. Major player from the rail. (4) SHADOW CAT is back in for a tag tonight and he's been chasing faster in his recent races. 10YO veteran goes out for the top trainer/driver.
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Race 2: NW12351 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) PEACE OUT POSSE woke up in a giant way with the recent class relief as he's won his last two by a combined 14 lengths. Rugged veteran shouldn't have a problem moving back up the ladder. (2) KINGSVILLE also steps back up off an easy win and that's three straight very strong efforts. Lands an improved post as well. (1) LEVINE hasn't done much recently but he moves all the way in to the pole position and that should help him stick around for a piece.
Race 3: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(6) AMERITRIC gave it a shot against better last week in his first start off the claim by the Cullipher barn but that didn't work out. 4YO is back at the level where he fits best and he picks up Bartlett, who just seems to win with everything as he puts up 'driver of the year' stats. (4) JUST ENUFF STUFF has raced well in his last two in this class and he gets decent post improvement here; overdue for a better trip. (5) WHY TOMORROW WAY debuts for DiDomenico off the claim and he's been as consistent as they come; we'll see if he can keep it up for his new barn.
Race 4: NW7591 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) OURMATEMENKO N has shown renewed energy in his last couple when Colin Kelly took over the driving and I can envision that carrying over into tonight when he faces tougher. (2) SPECULATING A was second best to a speedy winner last out and it looks like the recent import is trending towards his first U.S. win. (4) CENTURY HEINEKEN was caught up in a 1:49 mile last out at Plainridge; returns locally with needed class relief for a good barn but has missed time.
Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) TWIG faltered on the front end last week but he was reclaimed out of that race by the Laterza barn and he was a strong winner when last with these connections. (2) SHAKE IT threw in an uncharacteristic break last week and trailed but his prior form was solid and he was live for multiple trainers. I'll assume that was just a fluke. (1) PYRO has a long and successful local history and he moves all the way back inside after having no chance last out.
Race 6: NW60651 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) ADMIRAL HILL is just 1 for 9 on the season but that win was in 1:51 4/5 when he was able to take control, and the same scenario can play out tonight. (1) TIP TOP CAT takes a needed drop in class and the Burke trainee figures to go from also-ran to primary contender. (7) SOHO DOW JONES A needs an alert getaway from this post and if so he's certainly sharp enough to land a share.
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Race 7: NW31501 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) HEMSWORTH N seems to have a bit of a class edge on these (with the exception of Verdun) and this veteran is at his best striking from just off the pace, either with one big brush or a sustained move like his last start. (5) DIEGO N broke four back and came back with a win the following start. Last week he broke again but it may not be much to worry about going into tonight's race. Drop from the Invite improves his chances. (7) VERDUN was a winner in last week's age-restricted Open and is able to drop in class but faces a big uphill battle from the worst post.
Race 8: Invitational Pace
(1) DUNKIN' hasn't had the most favorable trips in his last few and certainly has had some excuses. From the rail tonight does Brennan get aggressive and try to seat everyone early? Or does he yield to one rival and hope to be covered up and get clear...either way I'll be on board. (4) JAMAICAN ROCK A was a winner in his Yonkers debut after setting a prehistoric :57 half; should have to work harder to repeat. (6) MOSSDALE BEN N is back after a couple of months on the sidelines and the Borgata champ is treated to a post six assignment. Let's assume he'll be coming from last. How many does he pass?
Race 9: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(8) CATALPA RESCUE A crushed in his North American debut and doesn't face that tough of an assignment here other than having to overcome post eight. (1) DEETZY is on the opposite end of the spectrum with loads of speed and the rail draw while down in class; Teenager is a threat to take these a long way on the engine. (7) JUMPINGLACKMAC N is another recent import who has raced well and that win will come soon.