2025 MEET STATS: 293 - 979 / $1,627.58 (-$330.42)
BEST BETS: 50 - 96 / $164.82 (-$27.18)
BEST BET: NIGHT HAWK (10th)
SPOT PLAY: DEETZY (7th)
Race 1: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) JUST ENUFF STUFF quit badly on the front end when facing tougher first start off the Engblom claim. He drops back to a more suitable level and should offer some value losing Bartlett (who is not on tonight's card). (2) ALL ALONE has been claimed five consecutive weeks and his latest one was the best effort of the year. (4) ALWAYSCUTTINSCHOOL has closed willingly in his last two with Kelly driving. Late threat again?
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Race 2: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) HELLABALOU is back at the scene of some of his greatest triumphs and he's still competitive at these mid-to-upper levels. It's no cakewalk here but the veteran deserves top billing. (1) KINGSVILLE takes the drop after being a non-factor in his last few and also draws best. (2) SLIP THE HUNDY N rolled down the road with ease last week and does take the obligatory bump in class but has Stratton again.
Race 3: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) AARDIES FLASH N is back locally after a couple of months off and a needed race at Philly. Engblom trainee is accustomed to facing better than most of these. Speaking of facing better, (8) DUNKIN' drops to face non stakes or invite foes for the first time in ages. The obvious tradeoff is the post. (1) ROCKIN JUKEBOX raced well out of the eight hole last week to chase #2 home and now he moves all the way inside.
Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) SMOOTH LOU had put in three consecutive efforts off the Stratton claim prior to being saddled with post eight last week. Veteran moves in a few slots and figures to be more involved. (7) MUSIC HALL has been sharp for an extended period of time and now heads to another new barn; Brennan picks up the drive and will be moving forward off the gate. (2) ALTA CLASSIC A also gets post relief after lagging at the rear last start.
Race 5: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(2) CAMOUFLAGE MONEY has multiple wins at a comparable level to this, and for different trainers as well. Kelly should have him on or near the front from this favorable post. (5) SOUTHWIND PETYR was quickly reclaimed by the Laterza barn after one start and he gets Holland, who may be more aggressive with him tonight. (4) LYONS BENJAMIN comes out of the same race as the top choice and they both chased well in that 1:51 2/5 mile.
Race 6: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) GOLIATH HANOVER is back with Buter and the Burke trainee was a winner from a similar spot three back when they teamed up. 4YO has some speed inside of him to chase and will be an honest price. (1) SHAKESPEARE was very sharp last week in his upset score but consistency isn't his strong suit so I'll put him underneath tonight. (4) CUT N RUN N bumped back up to this level last week and was collared late in a good try. Import fits well here.
Race 7: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) DEETZY has gotten a bit stale recently but nothing like a drop in class and move back inside to wake this classy oldtimer up. Holland can send him to the front. (6) SOHO SANTORINI A also drops down as he makes just his fourth start since arriving from Australia. Dilloian Jr. trainee hasn't been bad but hasn't been great. (5) WASA HEAT SEEKER N does have a couple of wins here since he arrived state-side but his earnings last five starts is zilch; he also was facing tougher fields, however.
Race 8: Invitational Pace
(4) SOHO FIRESTONE A trailed in the Aria Invitational then broke and pulled up but he came right back with a wicked qualifier so he looks ready for action. His post edge on a couple of main rivals could make the difference. (6) MOSSDALE BEN N got baked up on the rim last week and hung around for third when others would have been walking home. He's got a driver tonight that may not attract as much attention at the windows but is capable, and this import is the real deal. (7) JAMACIAN ROCK A was a very game third in the Aria but that did end his winning streak. Kakaley gets the call and he's won with this guy in the past.
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Race 9: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
I think (4) AMERICAN DEALER N qualifies as "overdue" and we know he's as good as any in here so that win is coming soon. Moderate post relief helps. (2) HEMSWORTH N was no match in last week's Invite but was a winner from a similar spot in his prior start. Also back to regular driver Siegelman. (1) VICIOUS has had a strong bounce-back season at age six and he steps up after winning four of his last six.
Race 10: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) NIGHT HAWK has been in a bit tough in his last five starts and also didn't have any good posts to work with. Go back six starts and what do we see? A win from post four in NW10000. (5) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A also takes another needed drop in class and he's capable with a trip. (3) DANCIN SANCHO has fit in nicely here after joining the Alexander barn upon arrival from Ohio