Another week, another Presque Isle Monday to enjoy! Eight races over the all-weather to keep us sharp in the quieter days when other tracks are quiet. Let’s see what this card offers.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Golden Candy (#6) may get the wide draw but he has the speed figures to be competitive here, compared to what he faces. Boudin (#2) comes in off a layoff and has a 46 second half-mile work under his belt in preparation for his first start since July. While his one synthetic try was lacking at Gulfstream Jonny Quist (#5) looks an interesting price for third here.
Race 1 selections:6-2-5
RACE 2 – 1 mile, Maiden Claiming $7,500 Post Time: 3:57
Hard to argue with the improvement of Fur Elise (#6) in her second start training under Ron Potts. Snookie Jones (#2) is a horse on the upswing after a 3rd place run in a field that I think will come back well in future races. Back Nine (#1) is an unknown on the surface but seems as likely as any to take to the Erie tapeta.
Race 2 selections:6-2-1
RACE 3 – 5 ½ furlongs, Maiden Claiming $25,000 Post Time: 4:24
Keeping with Ron Potts’ barn, Tegridy (#4) has some consistent works leading up to debut. Fun Time Lindsay (#1) drops to claiming company in hopes of an improved performance. Makea Liar Outtame (#5) picks up leading rider Gaddiel Martinez for the low-percentage Katy Cheeks barn for debut, something notable in a field this short.
Race 3 selections:4-1-5
RACE 4 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Claiming $7,500 Post Time: 4:51
I’d like to think Twirlaway (#7) showed some improvement in her first run at this level and should only get better retaining Rosario Montanez. Gorda (#4) is a half to a G1 winner in Panama and should get along on the tapeta, with his only turf start indicating a preference for the grass. I’ve Had Enough (#5) gets Taylor Kingsley and put in a nice 5-furlong work last week in the 59 second range.
Race 4 selections:7-4-5
RACE 5 – 1 mile, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 5:18
You can’t convince me that last race for Silent Diva (#1) wasn’t a workout for the real target here. She also gets Gaddiel Martinez back for the first time in a while, who has ridden her to wins before. Dominant Stranger (#4) is on a generational run of second-place finishes, racking up 5 in a row. I think it would be cool to see her get to 6 in a row. Nelida (#2) has hit the board consistently this meet and I don’t see a big run coming in from anyone else here.
Race 5 selections:1-4-2
RACE 6 – 1 mile 70 yards, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 5:45
I remember Minotaur (#4) from a rather disappointing effort at Saratoga and I think if he makes the surface change he’ll be good as gold in this field. Peak Performer (#6) comes out for the legendary Hall-of-Famer Shug McGaughey and has a string of runner-up all-weather performances. Mobius (#5) had a strong effort in his first race off some solid works and Michael Stidham ships with intent to Presque Isle.
Race 6 selections:4-6-5
RACE 7 – 6 ½ furlong, Claiming $8,000 Post Time: 6:12
Point Liam (#2) has his best speed figures on the all-weather and has been top two in both PID starts. Mackenzie’s Nova (#4) gets much needed class relief and is a price that has to be considered at 8-1 on the morning line. Goodie Goomer (#5) has never missed the board at the 6 ½ furlong distance and I see no reason he should start now.
Race 7 selections:2-4-5
RACE 8 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:39
Hits Different (#3) has been close every start this year and should look strong again. Nan O’Hara (#8) got a late-surging trip last time and looked very strong in her first PID start. Cole’s Valentine (#4) made a massive step up from maiden claiming to allowance company and should look a bit sharper here.
Race 8 selections:5-6-8
See you tomorrow for more Presque Isle Downs racing!
