2025 MEET STATS: 222 - 753 / $1,218.40 (-$287.60)
BEST BETS: 37 - 72 / $125.70 (-$18.30)
BEST BET: STREET HAWK N (7th)
SPOT PLAY: SCRIBBLERS (4th)
Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) SOUTHWIND PETYR was my top choice last week out of the eight hole and he proved tons the best at 22/1. Recent claim for the Bako barn is right back in at the same $30K level and now moves in to the rail. Though he faces some more competitive rivals here he deserves top call again. (3) WHY TOMORROW RAY has been a model of consistency in the age-restricted 30K claimers for the leading driver/trainer and he goes for his eighth consecutive on-the-board finish, and second overall win. (7) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES steps up a notch after being reclaimed by his old connections in his local return and maybe he can sneak into the number at a price for a barn he's done well for in the past.
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Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(1) SHAKE IT has been claimed numerous times this year and has raced well for every barn he's been in - he's is currently on a streak of 12 straight wins or seconds. Gelding keeps Bartlett in debut for the Dilloian, Jr. stable. (6) SHAKESPEARE draws the outermost post but the good news is there's only six horses in here. Bako trainee may need a bit of help from this spot but is sharp and can find a way. (2) ALTA CLASSIC A steps up in price after defeating $30's last week in a quick 1:52.
Race 3: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK tired last week chasing a swift back half but he was a winner the start prior from a similar spot and the Schnittker veteran who is closing in on a million earned is always overlooked in the wagering. (3) NONE BETTOR A hasn't hit the board yet in three tries since returning from a long break in action but it's not like he's been bad; this is clearly the best spot he's seen. (4) THE IDEAL DANCER A is a consistent sort from top connections but not a prolific winner. I guess you could say he's overdue.
Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(1) SCRIBBLERS is hard to gauge for these connections because he drew the worst post in his two starts off the claim; should be like night and day with the move to the rail. (3) TWIG was claimed again out of his latest start, stays at the same level looking to repeat and make it three of four overall. (2) ALL ALONE is tagged for $40K by the Engblom barn after beating a softer field of NW7500 types last week.
Race 5: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) TOBINS CHESTER threw in a random miscue last week when dropped down in class but he's right back in and with an improved post; he was an easy winner versus better not too long ago. (5) SHERLOCK N is just 1 for 23 this year but the Pete Tritton trainee gets needed class relief and draws a slightly better post; expecting a good effort here. (7) BONDI LOCKDOWN A was second best to a classy rival last out but that was from the rail and now he moves outside; he does pick up the leading driver, however. Also keep an eye on (4) RITCHIE ALPHA, another one who arrives from Canada mainly coming from the Quebec circuit and joins the Burke Brigade. Extra points if the one similar to this from the other day did well.
Race 6: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) CARABAO A was going well in the late stages last week and should appreciate the improved post. (1) COPPERFIELD was a non-factor in last week's 1:51 1/5 mile but he didn't finish far off; two back he went down the road fairly easily with Bartlett and he's back driving. Engblom trainee is very likely the one to catch. (6) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A is tested for class but he's won his last three (and was a head shy of a four-race win streak) and that must be respected.
Race 7: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) STREET HAWK N was a bit short in the late stages in last week's Invite where the winner went in 1:50 2/5. Blacker trainee gets his main man Bartlett back in the bike and they teamed up to win at Saratoga two starts back. (1) AYE AYE CAPTAIN N was nailed on the wire in a good bounce-back effort last out; Bucci trainee lands the rail again. (7) AMERICAN DEALER N is likely defeated by the post but I have to include him somewhere at a price.
Race 8: NW20281 in last 5 starts Pace
(8) HEMSWORTH N had been racing well recently but put it all together last week with a powerful 1:50 4/5 win; yeah I know he's got the eight hole but he doesn't face any killers here and will be an honest price. (2) MY ULTIMATE BYRON A has just one win on the season but has been a runner-up multiple times over the last couple of months and he draws well again. (4) TYPHOON BANNER N was a winner from a similar spot two back; legit chance.
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Race 9: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) ALWAYSCUTTINSCHOOL is in a spot to work out a nice stalking trip or even brush to take command so that makes this Devita trainee a logical play in here. (4) AMERITIC has been right there in his last three at this level. (6) TO THE HUNT has finished second or third in all but one of his previous seven races and last week Colin Kelly fired out from the eight hole to sit the trip. Bako trainee deserves more respect from the bettors.
Race 10: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) EUPHORIA N is just 1 for 20 this year but one can argue that the classy veteran is overdue; seems like he's been going a bit faster recently than many of these (for what that's worth). (6) MACH N CHEESE makes his second start at this reduced level and he wasn't far back. 10YO absolutely fits with these despite what his ML odds say. (4) AROUND MIDNIGHT was lost from post eight against better last out but he's back at the level where he's been competitive.