HORSEPLAYERS’ HAPPY HOUR – 6/20/25
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
GP RACE 7: 7-5-4-6
#7 WIN WITH FAITH is a late runner who will need some pace help today. He was badly compromised last time out in a slow paced race at this facility, but has largely been in good form for quite some time. Expect a move forward with some pace to run at in the closing stages.
GP RACE 8: 7-5-3-8
The horse to tab because of subtle form improvements of late is #7 ROAR READY. He has been a solid customer over this oval and looks to be heading back to the good form he had throughout 2024. If he can get some pace help, he’ll be a serious stretch threat.
GP RACE 9: 8-7-6-5
#8 WELLNESS was off to a poor start last time out, then made a big wide, middle move before flattening out late. She’s dropping in class today and should be a major late threat with a better ride. Jose Morelos has been as good as any rider in this colony during the summer.
LRC RACE 2: 2-3-7-6
#2 HALO UNCLE is dangerous in this spot off a solid effort last out at this level. He was within range of a very strong pace in the opening stages and that took a toll late in that May 30 affair. If he can lay back and make one run, that’ll help him pack a stretch punch that generally plays well here during the day time thoroughbred meet.
LRC RACE 4: 4-6-8-1
#4 ROGUE SON presents the most value in this field facing weaker than he did last time out. He should get some pace to run at this afternoon and has performed well here in the past. The price he’ll offer up will be a fraction of what he’s gone off lately, but this is a softer bunch than what he ran into across town.
MTH RACE 4: 1-2-4-3
Stepping in the way of the on-rushing train that is Jamie Ness off the claim seems ill-advised, thus #1 MAGICAL WARRIOR gets the nod here. This kind of horse is generally the most dangerous off the claim, given that he has ample early speed, can use it from the rail and is in light with the bug on board. They’ll have to catch him for the money.
MTH RACE 5: 1-8-4-6
There really is only one rival for #1 ON THE PAYROLL, who will be a heavy favorite with Paco Lopez astride. That rival is #8 ATTACHED, who draws poorly on the outside coming in off a poor race. The former returns off a break and is simply faster than the competition in this field. She has enough speed to get early control and should be tough to catch if loose on the front end.
MTH RACE 7: 8-2-3-1
Monmouth Park has long been a “honey hole” for trainer Chad Brown, who has #8 COMPETITIVE MARKEThere coming back from a layoff. She was game in victory when last seen last fall in NY and now finds a soft spot for a return. The pace she showed in her maiden win is encouraging, as it will allow jockey Sammy Marin to keep her within range of the early running this afternoon.
BAQ RACE 7: 1-5-3-7
Trainer Linda Rice has long had excellent numbers with horses coming off wins and #1 WORK AWAY looks better than her rivals in this affair. She exits a smashing score against NY bred maiden claimers and should fit well here from a class perspective. If she has the speed to get clear, things will get very tough on her competition.
BAQ RACE 9: 8-2-4-5
#8 BAM’S BLISS KISS debuted on turf and ran a bang-up race, contesting a strong pace before giving way late. She is a candidate to improve back on the lawn, even with a copious amount of pace signed up. Being outside of the other frontrunners should afford Luis Rivera, Jr. the opportunity to stalk and pounce this afternoon.
