2025 MEET STATS: 293 - 979 / $1,627.58 (-$330.42)
BEST BETS: 50 - 96 / $164.82 (-$27.18)
BEST BET: MACHS LEGACY A (8th)
SPOT PLAY: PEACE OUT POSSE (9th)
Race 1: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(8) DISTANT LOVER has been on a major roll and with the early speed he's been flashing of late the eight hole may not be enough to stop her. Gets it done back in the Engblom barn and back with Bartlett. (2) DEFININGTHE MOMENT was a winner in her second try off the Stratton claim and she looks like the main threat to the top one, especially from the good post. (4) MIKI THE CLOWN tries another new driver in Holland, maybe perks up a bit.
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Race 2: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(2) STONECOLD GIRL has raced well in every start since arriving a couple of months back and she stays at a competitive level off the Doug Dilloian, Jr claim. Good post, questionable rivals makes her the choice. (5) ROCKIN RAE L arrives from Upstate and lands in a new barn while picking up the leading driver. Not sure this class is the best fit for her but we'll see. (6) NUTTINBUTHEBEST rated an easy pace last out but still gave way; she was the favorite that night but now will be third or fourth choice.
Race 3: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) MULLINAX gets class relief and just as importantly he goes back to Bartlett in the bike. Veteran is the one to catch. (1) NANDOLO N gets major post relief which makes this 11YO classmaster an automatic player. (4) IMA PERFECT CHOICE has had a solid 3YO campaign but he faces more experienced rivals again and needs to prove he can beat this type before I consider him at 2/1 on the ML.
Race 4: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace
(6) YS SENSATIONALCITY hasn't been kind to me this year but she's got the tactical speed to get close up in the early stages, especially with Bartlett driving. She's hopefully live tonight in this competitive field. (5) TOBAGO TIME was reclaimed by Laterza again and this veteran knows how to win. (4) LADYCORONA won from a similar spot last week and also four back; new barn again, stays at the right level.
Race 5: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) OSTRO HANOVER returns locally at a reduced level and he's more than capable of waking up from this spot. Not much form going on but veteran knows how to win. Speaking of classmasters who know how to win, is (7) COVERED BRIDGE ever going to step up again? He was second last out but that was from the rail. Colin Kelly is back driving and I would love to see him take a shot off the gate. (3) BE DAZZLED LOU A is off a little time again and that qualifier wasn't the greatest; use caution.
Race 6: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) PLEASELETMEKNOW has made all of $3,500 this season after banking $236K in 2024. Alexander trainee does get some class relief after finishing with interest last week and should be a decent price. (2) RHYDS SUPERFLY GB is back from a stint at The Meadowlands and the Shane Tritton trainee has killed it at Yonkers this year; import looks well-spotted here. (1) KOPI LUWAK was a winner last start at Pocono with Buter driving and he's paired with the Burke trainee again.
Race 7: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(7) RENALDO N is now two-for-two in the States after winning easily at 11 cents on the dollar (sounds weird to say that doesn't it) and he now faces a stern test but should actually offer some value tonight from the tough post. (4) INFLATION PROOF also jogged last start and is deserving of that 6/5 status on the ML. (3) COLLECTIVE WORKS A was a good second in his initial race after arriving from Australia than had the eight hole last week; should land a piece from back inside.
Race 8: F&M $25,000 Claiming Pace
(3) MACHS LEGACY A missed by a nose out of the eight hole in her first for Engblom/Bartlett and she doesn't face any scary rivals tonight; short price. (4) RONA MAE is a fresh face to this class and she's taken three of four across the river at The Big M. (1) BEANTOWN BABE is very tough to endorse for the top spot based on her body of work the last few months but from the rail she can hang around for a share.
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Race 9: NW21251 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) PEACE OUT POSSE tracked along from midpack last week and finished with plenty of pace. Veteran has been very sharp for the Stratton barn while making his way back up the class ladder and Jordan should be pushing off the gate this time. (3) HP MOMENTUM responded to last week's class drop when he was second to a runaway winner. Considering he was claimed for $60K back in July he should be competitive with these. (8) SILKY CHOICE is one of a couple of 3YO's in here facing elders and this one will offer the much bigger price. Maybe he can get towed into the race and pick up a piece.
Race 10: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(5) RYDINGTOTHEWIRE is another Shane Tritton trainee on the card with Lauren driving who is in a live spot to do real damage. He's taken three of four at The Meadowlands. (4) MATAI PHIL N gets an improved post for his second North American start and we'll see if he's got more to offer. (1) FURNEAUX is a homebred for Chris Ryder but stands at just 1 for 31 lifetime; using underneath.
Race 11: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(5) KAT comes from a barn that is 0 for 42 at Yonkers this year but she takes a needed drop in class and time-wise she fits well here. Final quarters in her last three have been decent as well. (1) SALE EL SOL hails from another low-percentage barn but is always competitive when drawn inside. (8) PIRATE BOOTY was a winner at this level last week but she moves from the rail all the way outside and hasn't shown much early speed. Does she get away last as one of the favorites or can Bartlett improve position with her?