Tuesday was indeed wild, but my predictions for the races didn’t reflect my opinions on how the day would go. There’s money to be made on this early Presque Isle Friday, so let’s get started on this special 12:30 post time Friday
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 1 mile, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 12:30
Duck Hunter (#2) moves from one Rice to another but I don’t think that slows him down. His last start was a big step up in distance that he handled really well, and I think shortening 70 yards makes all the difference for this front-runner. His biggest challenge will be fending off Rachael’s Wagon (#1), who lost only by a head last time out. This time, the gelding loses the bug with Taylor Kingsley off this horse, adding a few pounds to carry for the Klimt son. I’m not giving up on Youreawizard Harry (#4), who ran in the money both times at 8 furlongs, including his only win.
Race 1 selections: 2-1-4
RACE 2 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 12:57
A lot of what Bravo Kitten (#6) had trouble with could be chalked up to jockey error and a tough field, and top rider Antonio Gallardo gets back aboard. The duo have had two starts together, both second-place finishes. Inanna’s Quest (#1) looked better in dropping to the tag and conditioner Katy Cheeks has seen her barn look much improved in recent weeks. Kitten’s War (#2) will be a part of the early pace with Gaddiel Martinez aboard and should hang around to run in the money.
Race 2 selections: 6-1-2
RACE 3 – 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $25,000 Post Time: 1:24
This is as tough a 6-horse race as you’ll find at Presque Isle. The Boy’s Warrior (#3) looks to be the class of the field, with the strength to win stakes races and an undefeated record on the Erie tapeta. His last work over the dirt at Penn National was quick as well, clocking in at 47.1 seconds over a half-mile. Wicked Genius (#1) adjusted well with a third-place finish in his first start on the synth and improvement is expected as he drops to the tag in this race. Rocket Dragon (#5) comes into this race with the highest last-out Beyer Speed figure of the field, and his record at Presque Isle is excellent with an undefeated 2-for-2 at this distance and a 7-for-8 in-the-money record.
Race 3 selections: 3-1-5
RACE 4 – 5 ½ furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 1:51
I still believe there’s magic in Fair Hills, and H. Graham Motion ships in Sushi Party (#4), a half-sibling to stakes winner Cruise The Nile. Ron Potts is live with any 2-year-old runner, and Matowy (#3) worked 4 furlongs in 46.3 seconds. Bowstring (#6) comes in for owner Godolphin and gets Israel Rodriguez in the saddle, one of the sharpest in the colony.
Race 4 selections:4-3-6
RACE 5 – 5 ½ furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 2:18
Hightail Fox (#6) has this race to lose, with 5 straight finishes in the money, but loses regular jockey Victor Severino. Party At The Beach (#4) is in a similar predicament. After finishing his last two races in second, he switches jockeys to Walber Alencar after Mike Allen was aboard previously. Paul’s Guitar (#3) scored his only win at Turfway Park on the synthetic, and finally returns to a surface he likely prefers.
Race 5 selections: 6-4-3
RACE 6 – 6 ½ furlongs, Allowance Post Time: 3:05
Correto (#1) looks like she could lose a few Beyer points and still run with multiple stakes-placings making up her resume. It’s very possible Wherever We Are (#7) has run herself into form, and if she runs like she did on the 29th of July, she could romp through this field. Golden Thread (#3) comes from Eoin Harty’s stable and comes up from Turfway, with her only finish at this distance a second-place effort.
Race 6 selections: 1-7-3
RACE 7 – 6 ½ furlongs, Allowance Optional Claiming Post Time 3:32
Huber Villa-gomez has unlocked the potential of Shadow Factor (#1) and the two paired up last out for an impressive win and getting the gelding a career-high Beyer of 82 for their effort. He also worked a 47 and 4 second work over 4 furlongs the second day of the month. Certain (#6) was bested only by a neck, and keeps Antonio Gallardo aboard as conditioner Scooter Davis has a ridiculous 41% win rate in allowance company. Big Vince (#5) is a must-watch price at 10-1 as he returns to tapeta, the surface this horse clearly wants to be at with 6 in-the-money finishes in 7 starts on the synthetic.
Race 7 selections: 1-6-5
RACE 8 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $16,000 Post Time: 3:59
Pedital (#4) turned her best-ever BSF last time out and gets Martina Rojas in the irons again. Hardly Ready (#7) faces winners for the first time and hasn’t finished worse than second on the Presque Isle synth. She also gets a rider shift to Walber Alencar. It would be nice to see Carlos Barbosa figure out Knicks Factor (#6) in their third start together, as this filly has shown ability in two other starts.
Race 8 selections: 4-7-6
It should be a great day of racing in Erie to get the weekend started, so definitely go out if you’re in the area! See you next week for more Presque Isle Downs handicapping!
