Hi there! No time for preamble today! Right to a loaded eight race card!
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
The last time Queen Anna T (#2) ran in claiming company she won by over 6 lengths. Garnet And Gold (#1) went off as a deserving short price and proved the favoritism correct with a win by almost 4 lengths, and sports the highest last-out Beyer Speed Figure of the field. There are a lot of bettable longshots here so I’ll fill my trifecta out with the 8-1 Miss M M (#7), who came in a rush from the back to win at a $5k tag last time out with a speed figure that makes her competitive against the favorites.
Race 1 selections:2-1-7
RACE 2 – Claiming $15,000 Post Time: 3:57
This race looks to have some pace to it, so I think the smart play is with Billy White Shoes (IRE) (#5), who came from way back for a close win last time out, and he gets meet-leading rider Gaddiel Martinez. John Ennis is a trainer who ships with intent, so I think Underappreciated (#6) will not be so on the board, but looks to be rounding into top form with back-to-back wins on turf in higher-tagged company. Yoheda Money Maker (#2) has run in the money in both starts at this distance and makes a logical case for third.
Race 2 selections:5-6-2
RACE 3 – 1 mile 70 yards, Allowance Post Time: 4:24
I’m loathe to fade a horse on a win-streak and Nuts And Bolts (#3) fits the bill off the claim for Darien Rodriguez, who has a spectacular $4.11 ROI off a 22% win rate with horses off the claim. The last time In Her Glory (#2) was at Presque Isle Downs she looked very professional in a loss by a nose in the Presque Isle Debutant last September. I expect to see her look strong again. La Panda (#6) makes a stiff rise in class but off the strength of two straight wins
Race 3 selections:3-2-6
RACE 4 – 5 ½ furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 4:51
The news is clearly out on the success of Fair Hills as Michael Trombetta’s Lucky Lucky Gingin (#4) is a short 5-2 on the morning line. Trombetta has a 20% win rate with 2-year-olds, making this one a deserving favorite. Chef’s Kiss (#5) has worked very well over the tapeta with her last half-mile work clocking in at 48.2, a sharp look for a 4-1 horse. Silver Shamrock (#7) draws Gaddiel Martinez for the ride, which will make her a live selection based on rider alone. Her works also look better as she’s gone longer.
Race 4 selections:4-5-7
RACE 5 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $25,000 Post Time: 5:18
Go Simple (#1) was a victim of Hit That Review dropping to the tag and I think will look good against the field he’s against today. Patriot’s Bluechip (#3) will also look to return to that race’s form after getting nosed by the #1 last time, and the esteemed Antonio Gallardo climbs aboard for the first time. Buck’s Howl (#4) didn’t disgrace himself against winners last out and I think teaming up with Israel Rodriguez will work out.
Race 5 selections:1-3-4
RACE 6 – 1 mile 70 yards, Starter Optional Claiming $13k Post Time: 5:45
Just in case anyone was wondering, Van (#2) is still a monster even after changing jocks from Gallardo to Martinez. I don’t doubt his trip or his speed figures. The only horse on paper to compete with him is Starship Empire (#1) based on the 76 Beyer Speed Figure he received last time out, not to mention he’s 22-for-25 lifetime in the money over this distance. If anyone remembers the West Virginia Derby undercard, they’ll remember a 1 ¾ mile race rained off the turf, where Captain Creed (#7) led before fading to a distant second. I have faith that stamina is still there to lead this field around the Presque Isle tapeta.
Race 6 selections:2-1-7
RACE 7 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 6:12
I don’t see a problem with Cherokee Chatter (#5) as my top pick here after a tough third place last out. Lousie Brooks (#6) drops in tag today and should find a favorable, but challenging, group of runners here. Pleasant Dreams (#2) is a nice inclusion based on speculation, and her sire Social Inclusion throws decent tapeta horses, though most of them prefer longer distance.
Race 7 selections:7-6-2
RACE 8 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:39
Starlit Sky (#2) will have to prove herself in this large field but has some earlier pace to keep her out of trouble. The steep drop for Sugar Magnolia (IRE) (#3) makes her competitive. I’ve touted Channel Me In (#5) before in a race like this chaos becomes more of a given, so I’d encourage playing away from these three easy favorites here and hunting a price.
Race 8 selections:2-3-5
That’s all from me today! Please come by tomorrow for more Presque Isle racing!
