2025 MEET STATS: 242 - 817 / $1,353.80 (-$280.20)
BEST BETS: 41 - 79 / $137.20 (-$20.80)
BEST BET: HEMSWORTH N (4th)
SPOT PLAY: PINK BOMB (5th)
Race 1: $60,000-$75,000 Claiming Pace
(2) TWIN B DELUXE went wire to wire last week from a similar spot in his first start back off the Jared Bako reclaim and with the post edge on many of his rivals he's in a strong position to repeat. (1) DEETZY hasn't won in a while but he always represents himself well from inside posts; 13YO is looking at a live trip or if Holland is very aggressive, a front-end try. (5) JM'S FINALTREASURE was a winner in this class three back then was stuck in the eight hole his last two races; back to a more reasonable post.
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Race 2: NY Excelsior 3YO Filly Trot Leg #6
(3) MORNING ANGEL has raced in strictly overnights so far as a 3YO and she's looked better for the most part since adding hobbles; Brett Beckwith is here to drive a couple of Marcus Melander trainees and I just can't ignore these connections. (1) FLASHCHAP is clearly the most accomplished here but is coming off a sick scratch and won't offer much of a price. (5) KJ TITLE broke stride down in Maryland last week but was an Excelsior winner the start prior and finished second in a NYSS race back in June.
Race 3: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) MARLBANK ROAD was in a race that went too fast last week but this is an easier field and he's got some early speed. Maybe Holland gets aggressive early at a price. (2) THE IDEAL DANCER A is the one to beat dropping and drawing well for top connections but will probably be wildly overbet. (7) LAYTON HANOVER has consistent fast last quarters but is 1 for 19 with a ways to come from the seven hole so he stays underneath for me.
Race 4: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) HEMSWORTH N was unable to follow up that huge win from two back as he was sent from the eight hole but got worn down last week. This is better spot in this smaller field and he deserves another shot. (2) BENHOPE RULZ N tends to race as well as he draws so he should be close up with a good trip here. (6) COPPERFIELD has raced very well since shipping from Kentucky for the Engblom barn but he draws the worst post here and note that two back he had a hard time getting involved from the six hole; still deserves consideration.
Race 5: NYSS 3YO Filly Trot Leg #6
$174,000 on the line in a lone NYSS event. (8) PINK BOMB recently added hobbles and has stayed flat, also has been flashing wicked speed. Filly may be ignored because of the eight hole but she is easily as talented as any in here. (6) MY DEBT COLLECTOR recently qualified to freshen up for a return to the NYSS and the Nifty Norman trainee is closing in on $200K this year on the strength of five wins in ten tries. (1) CHAPVIOUS will be close up or maybe on the lead if she stays flat, something she's failed to do her last two times over the half.
Race 6: 3-5YO NW2 races or $32,461 LT Pace
(2) SETTHEWORLDONFIRE was empty in a race here a couple of months back but he added Lasix since then and has looked better. Brennan should have him close up at a price. (1) BEANZY FRESH was second best last week from a similar spot and is the logical chalk for the leading driver/trainer. (4) BETTOR'S DESIRE finished well in his local debut and can build off that effort.
Race 7: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(7) CAPTAIN MOORE A has completely dominated in his last five starts after that hiccup to begin his North American career and I don't see the fun ending tonight despite the seven hole. (3) CURRYS FLURRY was a solid front-end winner last week, should be live again. (1) THEMASKEDCRUSADR N paced evenly behind the top choice last out, should hang around from the rail for a piece.
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Race 8: NW15021 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) SOHO DOW JONES A is back with Bartlett and they recently teamed up for an easy win at 15 cents on the dollar. Import has faced better since than he did in that win but he's also got an improved post to work with. (2) BETTOR NOT TALK ships in sharp from Philly for DiDomenico. (4) AMMO failed to make it the distance in his last two for the Burke barn and he faces better here but he'll probably be off the pace now and may be better off.
Race 9: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) TOBAGO TIME paced a strong back half to score in his second start for the Laterza barn and will probably be chasing again but the veteran does have early speed if Holland thinks he can make the front over the inside two speedsters. Either way he gets the call to repeat. (1) JENDEN STRIKE A goes for another new barn but has been sharp pretty much all year. (2) COALFORDSNSHINE GB was claimed for $20K two back, jogged for $25K, now tries $30's. Kelly drives again for the Daguet barn.