I picked three winners across three cards and 26 races last week. Not the best time to be cold. Nevertheless we press on with roughly a month and a half to go in the meet. Let’s try to turn the fortunes around with this Monday card.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Chips Legacy (#1) will be on the pace and taking the shortest way around the course on the rail, making a strong case for his 5-2 morning line. Summerfest (#6) has, in the distant past, run better efforts in the autumn months so I’ll slot him in here. Two races back, Thalberg (#2) ran against a good field that came back very nicely with the top four horses hitting the board in their next start. I expect him to run a game effort again.
Race 1 selections:1-6-2
RACE 2 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Claiming $7,500 Post Time: 3:57
Hot Gamer (#3) comes off the claim for Ron Potts and retains Gaddiel Martinez, and just worked a nice half-mile in the 47 second bracket. I want to like Groovy N Gray (#2), clearly a horse in need of class relief, but what happened with those last two works? I’d ask DRF for a clocker report but after seeing recent news, probably never happening. Ennereilly (#8) was only a length and a half off the win, a much improved effort from her previous races and she could make that jump to breaking her maiden.
Race 2 selections:3-2-8
RACE 3 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $8,500 Post Time: 4:24
Showdown King (#2) and Rosario Montanez have been unstoppable in their two starts together, winning both. They reunite today, but the question is how the duo handle the slight class and claiming tag raise. Enjoy The Music (#1) will want a similar trip but promises to be a shorter price with leading jockey/trainer pair of Gaddiel Martinez and Randy Russel joining forces once again. Bermuda Run (#3) is worth speculating at the price, as he’s never touched tapeta before and there isn’t much in the way of telling how he’ll handle it.
Race 3 selections:2-1-3
RACE 4 – 1 1/16 miles, Starter Optional Claiming $17k Post Time: 4:51
Silver Front (#6) is the play for me, getting outclassed in a Delaware Park allowance and having never tried the tapeta. I remember a time last winter where it felt like every Coal Front progeny that touched Gulfstream’s all-weather track won handily. I’m banking on that being the case here with the #6. Tigre (#3) is also interesting coming out of Colonial Downs. He was close last time out in an 8.5 furlong turf race. Happyisashappydoes (#1) turned a consistent workout time and his last start he was beaten only a length.
Race 4 selections:6-3-1
RACE 5 – 5 ½ furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 5:18
I’m Heading East (#4) faces similar company to her last race, beaten third by a neck in a three-way photo finish. Mrs. Manicotti (#1) was second in that race, and Taylor Kingsley is scheduled to ride again. I like seeing the consistency in jockey when other horses are changing theirs around. Queen Wiggy (#7) makes her return to the Erie tapeta for the first time since ’24 and is teamed up with Antonio Gallardo, who rode her to a win back then.
Race 5 selections:4-1-7
RACE 6 – 6 furlongs, Starter Optional Claiming Post Time: 5:45
Paschal Moon (#4) will not have it easy in this race, but I think his affinity for the surface shows with 4 wins in 6 starts, including one last time out. Outhustle (#6) has won three straight and should be the class of the field, I just think the magic runs out here for him and rider Mike Allen. City Tripper (#3) had a tough race last time out against some classy horses including the soon-to-be Power By Far Stakes winner John Dutton, so there’s some class to be shown here.
Race 6 selections:4-6-3
RACE 7 – 1 mile 70 yards, Allowance Post Time: 6:12
Keeping in mind this is a state-bred race. Standpoint (#6) has performed well in state-bred company, and while I think this race is closer than it appears on paper, I’ll pick him to win. Chill Boss (#7) has hit the board in 4 of his 7 starts at the distance, as competitive as any other in this race. Drunkle (#2) has to raise class from the claiming ranks but he’s shown the ability to go the distance and his speed figures make him a competitive third choice.
Race 7 selections:6-7-2
RACE 8 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:39
While he did catch a biased track last time out, Starship Belmont (#5) should take a relatively easy lead and be able to wire the field. Dominant Stranger (#6) is on a four race runner-up streak, and I don’t see that changing today as she faced the #5 who beat her last out. Nelida (#7) has made a lot of improvement since the meet started, winning her last start. I think she runs against tougher today but she should hold her own.
Race 8 selections:5-6-7
See you tomorrow for more Presque Isle racing!
