Never let it be said champions aren’t made at Presque Isle, as Heavy Pour won his fourth race in a row at Woodbine this Saturday in the Grade 3 Vigil Stakes under PID leading rider Gaddiel Martinez. Congrats to both them and trainer Tim Girten on the victory. Speaking of champions, it’s finally Masters week, and we’re approaching the biggest day in the Presque Isle calendar at rapid pace. Let’s get into
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 ½ furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Warrior’s Mission (#4) is the logical choice here following a second-place effort and facing most of the same company he did last time. I really want to forgive the first start of Big Red Toby (#1) considering he turned around after that race and worked another 5 furlongs in just over a minute. Shy Boy (#5) made a more forward trip against similar company last time out and could improve in his third start, though he adds an extra half-furlong.
Race 1 selections:4-1-5
RACE 2 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 3:57
The Golden Pal progeny have been wicked fast and Nestor Riverra has a 27% win rate with his 2-year-old runners, so I’ll take the 9-2 line on Golden Sips (#5). Miguel Clement ships back in Love Yours (#6) who was second in her first start, and lately the Girvin 2-year-olds have been live across the country. Clement ships with intent, so it’s worth keeping this horse in mind. Sinful Mischief (#3) was also second last time out in late July, and has trained up with some nice workout times including a 36.2 second breeze over 3 furlongs, something I always love to see before a horse comes back to the track.
Race 2 selections:5-6-3
RACE 3 – 1 mile 70 yards, Allowance Optional Claiming Post Time: 4:24
La Artista (#5) is the value play to go against the favorites here, with a win over this distance last time she was in Presque Isle. Stylet (#1) drops back in class after tries at stakes company and on dirt, and should find this short field more to her liking.
Race 3 selections:5-1
RACE 4 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 4:51
Every horse that ran out of the July 29th maiden race Yes I’m Jess (#1) last started in saw every horse run back in the money. Every horse that’s made a start since that race ran in the money next time out, so the #1 here is a must-bet at 10-1 on the morning line. I’m still a believer of Fair Hills magic, and it’s going to be a while before I stop believing. If Fuoco (#3) can emulate his 46 second work over a half-mile that he turned at Fair Hills on the race track, I’ll be justified. Ditto that for Mobius (#5), an Uncle Mo colt making his first career start.
Race 4 selections:1-3-5
RACE 5 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 5:18
This is the type of claiming race where things can get weird, especially in terms of form. I’m opting to be boring today and go with Lady Hamilton (#7) who will more likely than not hit the board seeing as she managed to do so 8 of her 9 PID starts. Runaway Breeze (#1) looks to be in good form, coming two spots behind the #7 last time out, and the horse between the two in third ran a winning effort last out. I’m keeping an eye on African Angel (#6) who makes a stiff class drop. It’s likely she’s just lost a step at 6 years old, but it should be worth considering the conditions she’d been running in up till this point, and I fathom there may be some relief found in this race.
Race 5 selections:7-1-6
RACE 6 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 5:45
Mistral Wind (#8) is 3-for-4 this meet in the win column, and there’s no reason she should slow down now that’s she’s reunited with Israel Rodriguez. Pedital (#6) found some traction with Martina Rojas riding last time out and the duo will look for back-to-back wins going 6 furlongs. Diptique (#4) bit off more than she could chew in a Saratoga allowance race, and could slot nicely into a show position here.
Race 6 selections:8-6-4
RACE 7 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $25,000 Post Time: 6:12
There’s no indication one way or the other as to whether or not Mr. Funtastico (#5) will take to the synthetic, as none of his siblings ever tackled the tapeta. He was able to win at Colonial Downs two starts ago on turf, and I’m willing to hedge on the 8-1 morning line here. Diver (#4) has never known a finish other than second running this distance and I see no reason that changes today. Yoheda Money Maker (#9) gets the widest draw and therefore might not take the attention he deserves on the board. He finished in the money in all three of his PID starts this year, so I’ll bet he shakes off a poor effort at Finger Lakes last time out.
Race 7 selections:5-4-9
RACE 8 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:39
Twist N Twirl (#2) is overdue for a win, and it’s possible in this large field he can sneak through. Race For Cover (#9) doesn’t look like an attractive pick with the wide draw but he has the highest ceiling and the lowest weight being a 3-year-old and getting Taylor Kingsley aboard. Frenchman James (#3) hasn’t finished out of the money in 5 starts at Presque Isle and I’ll bank on the trend continuing to close out my trifecta.
Race 8 selections:2-9-3
See you tomorrow for more Presque Isle Downs racing!
