2025 MEET STATS: 261 - 876 / $1,457.60 (-$294.40)
BEST BETS: 46 - 85 / $153.70 (-$16.30)
BEST BET: DANCIN SANCHO (9th)
SPOT PLAY: REIGNING DEO (5th)
Race 1: NW20021 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) PEACE OUT POSSE has won four straight starting in NW5000 while climbing a level up the class ladder each time. He’s now in NW20000 and I love the “sharp horse moving up” angle. (1) COPPERFIELD was unable to win last week when dropped in class but he will be up closer to the pace now. (5) CARABAO A is a bonafide closing threat and can pick up a share.
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Race 2: NW11026 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) FOUR BY FOUR is a perfect two-for-two since arriving from Canada and joining the Engblom barn; faces more of a class test here but also picks up leading driver Bartlett. (3) LAYTON HANOVER just missed last time at this level and he moves back to a more favorable post. (2) ROCKIN JUKEBOX hasn’t hit the board in his last three but there were a couple of excuses there; faces softer in his local return.
Race 3: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(2) ALL ALONE enters his third barn in as many starts and he’s a couple of necks shy of winning three straight; now in the DiDomenico barn he has a slight tactical edge over his main opponents. (3) MUSIC HALL is back with Bongiorno off the reclaim and was a close third for this barn in a start back in July. (4) CHICKEN N DICE is a proven entity at this claiming level and the improved post helps his chances.
Race 4: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) ROCKNROLL RUNA A has proven he can still win when classified correctly. Classy Stalbaum gelding seems well-spotted here. (1) MULLINAX is also down in class after racing in the Invite for these connections after the $75K claim. (4) WHATS STANLEY GOT A has been a model of consistency and finally broke through with a win last out. Yes he faces better here but it’s not impossible.
Race 5: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) REIGNING DEO woke up in a big way last out with a strong back-half brush and the Alexander trainee keeps Kakaley while staying at a winning level. Perhaps he can strike from third or fourth again. (1) SADDLE UP has been the classic “rent a horse” as he’s changed hands after six consecutive starts and he continues to perform at a high level. (6) I DRAINTHESWAMP A was reclaimed by the Stratton barn and was a winner for these connections three back.
Race 6: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(4) SMOOTH LOU was claimed for $25K three back by Stratton and missed a nose in his two starts since, the last one at this elevated $40K level. Should be a competitive price in a competitive race. (2) DONTLIKEITLEAVE has been a bit over his head recently and should appreciate the class relief. Also returns to Bartlett who won with this guy twice back in July. (5) SPEAKER OF PEACE is back in for a tag and has raced well over his last three.
Race 7: NW16101 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) ROCK THE BELLES gets major post relief after giving it an aggressive try last week from the six hole. Prior two starts were out of post eight where he really had no chance. Early speed will definitely be in play tonight. (4) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK also gets an improved post and faces softer; Schnittker veteran can flaunt his gate speed and can cut the mile or sit in just behind. (3) THIS IS THE PLAN is no longer a stakes-winning pacer but is still a contender with this type; Tyler Buter is back driving for the Burke barn.
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Race 8: 3-6YO Open Pace
(7) ENDOFSTORY lands a tough post here after a few inside tries but most importantly Bartlett was listed on two other legit contenders in here but goes with this Dilloian, Jr trainee. I’ll assume he won’t be content getting away seventh. (2) ALWAYS A THRILL took a little time off after a sick scratch but returns off a winning qualifier and picks up a good inside post. (3) ADMIRAL HILL has been on a nice run of late but the Engblom trainee loses the leading driver.
Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) DANCIN SANCHO had too far to come in his local debut but passed a few to finish fourth. Fresh face to the Alexander barn after arriving from Ohio can be much more involved tonight. (2) JETT STAR N goes back to the catch-driving Holland stepping up in class. (1) CRUSH KILL DESTROY hails from the top trainer/driver tandem and draws the rail but there isn’t much else to go on with his recent local starts and he’s listed at 6/5 on the ML.