One more card, nine more races for the season at Presque Isle Downs. Let’s see what the final card of the year has in store.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Followill (#1) does have to transition to the tapeta for the first time but he made a quick jump into allowance company last time out and that race has come back decently. Disposable Income (#3) comes in with the highest Beyer figure and looks to have the most class in this field. Yes I’m Jess (#2) comes out of the same race as the #3 and given what the rest of the field looks like, I’ll slot her into third.
Race 1 selections: 1-3-2
RACE 2 – 1 mile 70 yards, Starter Optional Claiming Post Time: 3:57
Take Me To Church (#6) is the most talented horse in this race, and can win on synthetic tracks as her record indicates. Drunk On Sake (#4) is a horse I’ve enjoyed watching this meet at PID and I’m slotting him into second, because he’s only ever missed the board once going this distance. Triple Start (#5) hasn’t recaptured his magic from this summer when he won three in a row, but he always shows up at the end, and is only ever a length or two off the win.
Race 2 selections:6-4-5
RACE 3 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 4:24
Chilling Hassle (#8) tried to set the early pace on a track favoring closers, and his results reflect that. I’d expect a return to form in this race, barring track bias. Twist N Twirl (#5) scratched out of a race yesterday to show up here, and Tim Girten has an astonishing 37% win rate with horses running after a win. I like the race both the #2 and Moroder (#2) come out of and I feel good enough in the horse to take him for third.
Race 3 selections:8-5-2
RACE 4 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 4:51
Showdown King (#1) at 7-2 is a horse I’ll definitely want for the win here, though the pace setup may not be in his favor here. Enjoy The Music (#5) comes down in class and has had a remarkable career at Presque Isle, finishing in the money 32 times in 41 starts. I typically like seeing a horse get Walber Alencar in the irons for the first time, and Straightouttadutton (#6) has that angle and it will be interesting to see if Alencar goes forward or keeps the horse held back a bit, as Straightouttadutton has typically gone to the front early in his races.
Race 4 selections:1-5-6
RACE 5 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 5:18
Usually, I’d toss a horse that’s 5-2 and making their first start on synthetic, but Simone (#5) has the results on dirt to back up her pedigree where her dam won twice in three starts on tapeta and her sire Vekoma has a 25% progeny win rate on tapeta sprints. Chalant (#2) will be a part of the early pace and has hit the board in her three starts since debut. Does the 6-year-old Reppazz (#9) have a shot for third? Well, she’s out of a stakes-winning mare and sired by Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Ghostzapper, so I’m scratching my head as to why the trainer hasn’t put this horse on dirt yet. Hopefully tapeta serves a good middle ground.
Race 5 selections:5-2-9
RACE 6 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 5:45
Downtownritabrown (#5) scratched out of a race yesterday and I think this spot could fit her even better. She’s Lit (#9) has been on a great run of in-the-money finishes since joining Randy Russel’s barn and I think she’ll perform well again, keeping familiar rider Gaddiel Martinez. Princess Charming (#2) has been close to the victory several times this meet and she should put in a good run here.
Race 6 selections:5-9-2
RACE 7 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $16,000 Post Time: 6:12
Nuts And Bolt (#1) took four of her last five fields gate-to-wire and will be on the lead again here. Ruby Hamilton (#3) went 1-for-1 in her first Presque Isle start and could be tough to beat. Risk And Regret (#6) comes out of the same race as Nuts And Bolts, and should make improvements in her second start on tapeta.
Race 7 selections:1-3-6
RACE 8 – 6 ½ furlongs, Starter Optional Claiming Post Time: 6:39
One more time for Fadethenoise (#4) to finish first or second, as he hasn’t run worse than second since September of last year. Paschal Moon (#10) comes in turning the fastest last-out Beyer, numbers that make him competitive combined with the class drop. Top Recruit (#7) has gotten along better with Israel Rodriguez holding the reins and I think he could make another fine run today.
Race 8 selections:4-10-7
RACE 9 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 7:06
Channel Me In (#6) has really found stride these past couple months and is primed to add another win to her tally. Hale Bop (#5) took the early lead last time out and is primed to improve on that effort. Fur Elise (#1) took a maiden claiming field by 11 lengths last time, and while I don’t think she’s ready to win at this level I think she can hit the board.
Race 9 selections:6-5-1
Will I see you all next year for more Presque Isle handicapping? I’m not sure yet. To everyone who clicked on an article over the past few months, thank you so much and I hoped you enjoyed my writing!
