2025 MEET STATS: 261 - 876 / $1,457.60 (-$294.40)
BEST BETS: 46 - 85 / $153.70 (-$16.30)
BEST BET: SOHO DOW JONES A (1st)
SPOT PLAY: SOHO SANTORINI A (6th)
Race 1: NW23601 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) SOHO DOW JONES A was a solid second last week at the NW30000 level and this import really responds when Bartlett drives and he's in the bike again; easy call. (4) PEACE OUT POSSE was the pick last Monday but was a transportation scratch; Stratton trainee looks for five straight and must be respected despite another hike in class. (1) MULLINAX hasn't done better than third since being claimed for $75K two months back by these connections. Has he been bad? Not at all. Just needs better classification.
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Race 2: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) ROYAL DESIRE was a winner at a decent price two back at the basement NW5000 level then bumped up a notch and blew everyone out of the water with that 72/1 upset last week. 4YO steps up again but faces a shaky group; can he pull it off again? (4) DEETZY has really tailed off recently but he finds softer here and he's classy enough to turn things around; potential leaver. (1) TOBINS CHESTER was a winner two back at Pocono in 1:50 flat and he's the one to beat but will probably be odds-on and is by no means a lock.
Race 3: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) DIEGO N takes a drop in class and lands a rare inside post so I expect this Pete Tritton trainee to be aggressively handled by regular driver Jim Marohn Jr. (5) HP MOMENTUM was claimed for $60K six starts back and he's been in too tough recently. Check out that win back on 8/18 as an indication of what he's capable of. (1) HIMSELF N was a very sharp winner last start and he goes for three straight overall; likely to be on the lead or at worst in the two hole and is more than capable of winning another.
Race 4: 3-6YO Open Pace
(3) HOWLENTHEHILLS was aggressively put in play last start and faded late after being used hard in the early stages. Alexander trainee has just two wins so far through his 4YO campaign but he's been live in practically every start and should offer some value in this competitive Open; needs a trip. (6) AYE AYE CAPTAIN N got rolling too late last week and did the best he could from his eight-hole starting spot; he's outside again but has fewer horses to pass. (2) ALL CLASS draws the best of those handicapped and he may need it considering he's missed some time coming off a sick scratch. Bartlett/Engblom is in play here and he'll have to come up very big to win; I'll keep him underneath.
Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(4) DONTLIKEITLEAVE had been ambitiously placed at the optional $60K claiming level recently and proved a bit outclassed but last week's drop to this class proved the right move as he was stubbornly defeated by a neck. Bartlett is driving again and he tends to get the best out of this gelding (as he done with most horses). (3) ALTA CLASSIC A was quickly reclaimed by the Adamczyk barn and he was a neck shy of a four-race winning streak for these connections. Colin Kelly has a tactical edge on the top choice with proven speed at his disposal. (1) JETT STAR N is back in for a tag and seems a step or two behind the top ones in here but he does have the rail starting spot to his advantage and has another catch driver for the Cushing trainee.
Race 6: NW15001 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SOHO SANTORINI A gets post relief in his second U.S. start for the Dilloian Jr. barn after coming home in :27 1/5 in a race where the rail horse rated and sprinted. We should be able to see what this import is capable of tonight. (5) HAZEVILLE has gotten along great with Holland and he drives again; after being a price in all recent he deserves more respect. (1) MELANION N makes his third start since the move to the DiDomenico barn and will need to step it up a bit in order to win, but can hit the board from this spot.
Race 7: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) CHICKEN N DICE is a two-time winner at this level in his last five starts and drawing the rail is a big plus in this competitive field where a case could be made for all of them. New driver with Holland aboard tonight and he can work out the winning trip. (3) CAMOUFLAGE MONEY hasn't fired his best recently but his second start for the Devita barn was better than his first and he's proven at this level. (4) CAPTAIN PARADISE gets a major class test tonight but it's hard to ignore those last three at Monticello.
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Race 8: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SWEET BEACH LIFE won easily last start and gets to face similar as he fits under the NW12 AE condition. Kakaley figures to be taking this one down the road again. (3) WHATS STANLEY GOT A is clearly one to fear as he has been going well and now draws towards the inside of the gate. (6) ADMIRAL HILL is at a possible tactical disadvantage from the post but must be respected from these connections.
Race 9: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) EVER HOPING A was a good second upon arrival from New England for the Cushing barn and they drop him for a $30K tag. He's got class and should be a good fit here. (2) SADDLE UP is the ultimate "rent a horse" as he performs well for everyone. Stays at the winning level now in the Bucci barn. (4) ALEX TYE rarely wins but often comes away with money.