2025 MEET STATS: 293 - 979 / $1,627.58 (-$330.42)
BEST BETS: 50 - 96 / $164.82 (-$27.18)
BEST BET: FEDERER (3rd)
SPOT PLAY: THE GREEK FREAK (4th)
Race 1: 3-5YO NW2 races or $30,000 LT Pace
(5) KWICK SAND A is another fresh import, this one for the Stratton barn, and he gets to start his journey at the NW2 level. Off two winning qualifiers this guy looks ready for action. (6) BETTING ON CAESAR arrives from Kentucky now second time in the Bongiorno barn, picks up the leading driver. (1) TWIN B FRESH BET has not been close in any recent start but another change of scenery and the inside draw can help this Andrew Harris trainee.
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Race 2: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(5) INFLATION PROOF crushed two back then was in against a tough one last week. He loses Bartlett but Brennan picks up the drive and he'll be hustling off the gate. (6) WHITE LOTUS hits town for the Engblom barn on the strength of two consecutive wins, both occurring after adding Lasix. (3) COLLECTIVE WORKS A and (7) MATAI PHIL N are two recent Down Under imports who must be used; comes down to trip, especially for #7.
Race 3: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(4) FEDERER was no match in his last few but was up against some tough competition; tonight he avoids any heavy hitters and the Pelling trainee can take full advantage. (2) MAD RIVER moves from the eight hole to post #2, also picks up Bartlett; major player. (1) BOOKEM DANNO has offered little over his last five starts but six back he was a close third in this class; new driver in Siegelman tonight.
Race 4: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) THE GREEK FREAK is perfect in two starts since arriving from Canada to join the Alexander barn. He steps up again but I'm sticking with him. (3) RHYDS SUPERFLY GB gets a notable switch to leading driver Bartlett and he did have traffic issues last week. (5) THIS IS THE PLAN is still chugging along and still competitive. Figures to be off the pace and hopefully a closing threat.
Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) STELLAR YANKEE has been sharp in his last couple for the Stratton barn and while he has to step up a level in class looking to win again he faces many questionable rivals; decent post. (2) DIEGO N has had little to offer recently but he drops again in class, draws well and has the leading trainer/driver combo in his corner. (5) KOPI LUWAK was collared late in his Yonkers return and now steps up a notch and moves outside a few slots but the Burke trainee still deserves some respect.
Race 6: NW20751 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) LYONS STEEL is a very classy veteran and he's been racing well lately out of town. Not sure if he can see the lead here but he can win from off the pace as well. (1) HOWLENTHEHILLS drops from the Open ranks and lands in a controlling spot from the rail. He's absolutely the one to beat. (2) TRENDY TEEN has done nothing wrong in his last six starts after being claimed by these connections for $60K.
Race 7: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) TOBAGO TIME was the pick last week and she got it done from off the pace; veteran figures to be stalking #2 and should have every opportunity to repeat. (2) YS SENSATIONALCITY owes me so much money that I've lost count and she'll have another opportunity to try wiring these. (5) LADYCORONA enters yet another new barn after being claimed again; she gives up a tactical edge to the top two choices but is good enough for a smaller share.
Race 8: F&M $25,000 Claiming Pace
(8) KAT was claimed for $20K last week and goes from a barn without a win to the leading trainer, and she picks up Bartlett. Obvious problem is the post but that helps the price. (1) YUENGLING has been right there in all recent and draws well again; hard not to include the Adamczyk trainee. (4) STORMY SERENA drops in price and gets a new driver. She's been competitive all along in $30's so she should clearly go well here.
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Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) TEXAS HOLDEM came out of nowhere with a huge effort last week and won easily. Schnittker trainee faces a serious class test here but a similar effort to his last should put him right there (4) ITZA DANGERZONE A was a bit lacking in the late stages while facing better in his North American debut but he switches to Bartlett and is certainly eligible for improvement. (5) QUALITY BUD has missed a little bit of time but this 12YO takes a much-needed drop in class.
Race 10: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) ROLLING WITH SAM drops down to the bottom conditioned level and moves back to the rail. The strategy by driver Kelly may be to try taking this rather dull field down the road, like he tried two back. (6) COVERED BRIDGE has clearly seen better days. Can he win this on memory? (3) DEALERS TURN missed a nose the last time Holland drove; certainly worth considering that angle.