2025 MEET STATS: 261 - 876 / $1,457.60 (-$294.40)
BEST BETS: 46 - 85 / $153.70 (-$16.30)
BEST BET: ALL OUT HANOVER (2nd)
SPOT PLAY: LOUS THE ATTITUDE (8th)
Race 1: $60,000-$75,000 Claiming Pace
(1) SLING SHOCK gets the call due to the slight tactical edge he gets by virtue of drawing the rail, where the four inside horses will dominate the wagering. Gelding gets Buter back in the bike, who won with the Adamczyk trainee three of the last four times he drove. (4) VICIOUS beat #3 last week, lost to #1 the start prior. Can Bartlett make the front tonight? (3) TRENDY TEEN makes his fifth start for the Stratton outfit after the $60K claim and his last two starts have been solid; he was timed in :26 3/5 in his final quarter last week.
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Race 2: 3-5YO NW2 races or $38,712 LT Pace
(1) ALL OUT HANOVER has raced well in his two starts at this level but was in against some tough ones. Tonight from the rail in a seemingly easier spot he can play bully. (2) ALABAMA LUCKY was no match for the top two last out and is sitting at just 1 for 20 lifetime but the Schnittker trainee will be close up from this spot and can pick up a decent share. (5) BETTOR’S DESIRE has closed consistently well in his last four starts and can do so again if there’s enough pace up front.
Race 3: NW16311 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) CAPTAIN MOORE A faced more seasoned foes last week after graduating from age-restricted NW lifetime races where he dominated in all but one start and may have gone his best race yet in a losing effort. Blackler import absolutely deserves top billing despite the post. (5) NIGHT HAWK gets some moderate class relief and an improved post; Burke trainee will be more involved. (3) YOROKOBI N also draws a better post and can save ground for a piece.
Race 4: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace
(4) COALFORDSNSHINE GB returned to Bartlett last week and powered off in a variant-busting effort; Daguet trainee steps up a notch in price but that may not derail her at all. (5) TOBAGO TIME was reclaimed by the Laterza barn after one start and rewarded her connections with a win. Veteran can go from on or off the pace. (1) STORMY SERENA finished second to #5 last week after setting a rated pace and she’s got the benefit of the rail again.
Race 5: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(2) THEMASKEDCRUSADR N missed a nose last start at almost 18/1 and now returns to Bartlett, who steered this Engblom import to a win the start prior as the chalk. Unfortunately he offers zero value here but figures to get it done. (4) MOOD CONTROL arrives from Canada and joins the Devita barn; he’s missed a little more time than the others and doesn’t have much form but the barn and venue change combined with the live Colin Kelly driving make him worth a serious look. (6) FEDERER was nowhere at the back in his last two but finished second in three of his four prior tries at this level for the Pelling barn.
Race 6: NW12021 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) SPECUALTING A dropped and was supposed to pop last start but was nailed on the money at odds-on. Price goes up tonight on this import who is getting one more chance from me. (1) ROLLING WITH SAM hasn’t done much recently but he does get major post relief and will be sitting closer to the leaders. (3) SWEETHOMEALABAMA N dropped and returned to Jordan Stratton for last week’s win; maybe that gets him rolling again.
Race 7: 3-5YO winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(4) OOGLEVILLE has been toiling in NYSS and Kentucky stakes action recently but the Engblom trainee returns to overnight action and faces some camera-shy rivals. 3YO gets Buter in the bike as Bartlett went elsewhere but that helps the price. (7) INFLATION PROOF is where Bartlett landed and the Oakes trainee has plenty of speed but is just 2 for 25 lifetime with a bunch of seconds and thirds. (2) COLLECTIVE WORKS A is the latest Down-Under shipper, this one into the Medeiros barn, and won for fun in that recently qualifier.
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Race 8: NW7771 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) LOUS THE ATTITUDE failed to get involved in his local return but that mile went in 1:51 and change, which won’t be the case tonight; picks up Kelly. (4) GINGRAS BEACH has never been a prolific winner but he’s been improved lately and Bartlett drives again. (6) SPLASH BROTHER has that good early speed which can put this veteran into good spots and he is always a price.
Race 9: F&M $25,000 Claiming Pace
(5) YUENGLING and (6) FORTUNADA are very similar in that they have both won their last two at the $20K claiming level and now step up in price but don’t face anything that scary in here. I think one of these sharp mares will win but I really can’t separate them. For stat-keeping purposes #5 is the top selection. (2) GINGER TREE LIZ has had more than her share of good efforts here over the last few years and she has some early speed and a good post.