2025 MEET STATS: 54 - 179 / $342.70 (-$15.30)
BEST BETS: 8 - 17 / $24.40 (-$9.60)
BEST BET: ALL CLASS (7th)
SPOT PLAY: PINE BUSH MAGA (9th)
Race 1: F&M $25,000 Claiming Pace
(5) LAZIN ON THE BEACH stepped back up to this level off the Engblom claim and wired the field from the eight hole. No reason to think she can't repeat here. (2) STAY HAPPY is back in on consecutive weeks after missing some time between prior starts and she gets a very positive move inside. Definitely a contender here. (1) CALLMEQUEENBEE A has had little to offer over her last handful of starts but she's loaded with back class and maybe as she moves into claimers she can stay close and land a piece.
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Race 2: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace
(2) PINK RUBY was an okay third behind a couple of good ones last week when she gave it a shot at the $50K level. Stratton trainee is back in a more manageable spot and can take this with smooth sailing. (5) ROCKNROLL ANNIE faltered on the front end last start but may be back to chasing from a bit off the pace tonight and may be better suited for that type of trip. (4) CELCIUS is 7 for 9 on the board this year for a high-percentage barn.
Race 3: 3-5YO Winners 2-4 races or $60,000 lifetime Pace
(5) AYR CORLEON GB has yet to win since arriving in the U.S. but he's raced reasonably well in his five starts, including a good finish last week. Bartlett drives again and could be ready to get over the hump with the right trip. (4) CUPID SHUFFLE could not overcome a two-move effort last start but overall the Burke trainee has been a consistent presence. Would not surprise me to see Gingras trying for the front. (6) SWEETHOMEALABAMA N cruised at odds-on last week but that was from an inside post. Stratton trainee figures to face a bit more adversity from this spot.
Race 4: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) ROCK DIAMONDS N hasn't come through with his best over the last couple of starts but he finds a spot here where he could be left alone on the lead and would be no surprise if he took these the distance. (4) MIKI SHAN N is another fresh face from Down Under debuting off a winning qualifier; will take plenty of action. (3) LUCAPELO A moves to a better post after last week's no-chance effort.
Race 5: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(5) CANNERY ROW is a consistent sort and she was able to leave for a trip last week from the five hole; maybe if new driver Zeron can get her off the gate she can be in prime position to score the mild upset. (1) ONEDERFULBEACH has the speed but has been lacking the finishing power. (4) JUST ROSAS LUCK was in a bit tough two back, dropped to this level last out and closed well for second; mare is a threat here.
Race 6: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) BETTER B SIRIUS has looked much better in his last two over at Pocono and though he's just 3 for his last 42 he's got a legit shot here to go back to back. (4) SAILBOAT HANOVER has been dull for an extended period of time but he's beaten much better in the past. (1) SPIRIT OF STLOUIS N has been facing tougher recently at The Big M.
Race 7: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) ALL CLASS failed last week at 45 cents on the dollar but it was the classy Funatthebeach N who got him. Bartlett can take the field coast to coast tonight. (3) MOMENT IS HERE moves back inside after a tough trip chasing the top ones through that hot pace. Two back he was a game second. (4) LOU'S SWEETREVENGE could be patiently handled tonight and pick up a share.
Race 8: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace
Tough race here with the sharp ones who have been dominating this class recently drew the outside two posts, so I'll look all the way inside with (1) TWIST LITTLE GIRL N, who has been holding her own recently and could end up with the best trip. (8) PEMBROKE SOUTHIE came from off the pace to dominate last week but I doubt Bartlett wants to be stuck too far back; likely firing off the gate which also could be tough with potential speed directly inside of her. (3) RACEY RACH N bumps up in class in her return to the Stratton barn and is coming off a 1:52 4/5 win.
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Race 9: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(2) PINE BUSH MAGA gets a barn change here off the DiDomenico claim and she stays at the same level where she's most effective. Mare lands a live post looking for back-to-back wins. (7) DELITFULCATHERIN N is priced to sell as she drops in for $20K. Last three against soft fields have been good. (5) LINE EM UP has early speed but staying power has been a problem, though I do expect Holland to be firing out again.
Race 10: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) POINTOMYGRANSON has been off time but he qualified effectively and this now-11YO made $150K last year racing against tons better than he sees here. If he's ready he'll beat these. (1) FULTON broke at odds-on in his local return and did a decent job getting back into the race. Lightly-raced Toscano trainee will be a player if he minds his manners this time. (2) PURPLE POET has also been facing better recently and it wasn't all that long ago that he beat $50K claimers here.
Race 11: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(1) GINGER TREE LIZ was sitting a pocket in her last try though no match when #8 in here sailed by; her prior efforts were solid so maybe she can turn the tables with the post discrepancy. (8) WHO'S PERFECT is sharp for top connections and remains at the winning level but gets the worst of the draw. (4) REAL LADY SADIE is major midpack speed for the Laterza barn, which has been live with their stock for an extended period of time.