It’s another day at Presque Isle, with only two more weeks after this left in the meet. Let’s see what this Thursday card has in store.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlong, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Triple Secret (#2) is on a two-race win streak and boasts leading rider Gaddiel Martinez aboard. Little Lamb Chop (#5) finished second and drops from optional claiming company, making him a strong contender here. Sugar Treat (#4) was 5th but only a length off the win last time. I’d expect a better finish here.
Race 1 selections:2-5-4
RACE 2 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 3:57
Electa (#4) had her best performance over the Turfway synth and the only question is how well she handles the 6 furlong distance. Prima Donna (#3) comes off a Kentucky Downs maiden try and while Kentucky Downs races haven’t come back the best on the Erie tapeta, Gun Runner progeny have fared well at PID. Rossaria (#2) has worked consistently up to debut, giving me confidence to slot her into third.
Race 2 selections:4-3-2
RACE 3 – 1 mile, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 4:24
Since moving to Brendan Kulp’s barn, Lady Of Lords (#1) has been in top shape, finishing in the top two each of her last three starts and running ahead of similar company last time out. Hale Bop (#7) ships from Delaware and trainer Ollie Figgins is a cool 1-for-1 in the meet so far. Ruby Hamilton (#3) is another Delaware Park shipper and could make advancements trying tapeta for the first time.
Race 3 selections:1-7-3
RACE 4 – 1 mile, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 4:51
I nearly overlooked Just Grey Z (#1) until I checked Justify’s sire stats on tapeta, where his progeny win 21% of the time in synthetic route races. That’s enough to make me slot this first-time starter into first here. Lucky Lucky Gingin (#5) is in the right spot to capitalize off a 2nd place finish but I think she’ll find herself outdone in this race. Sinking Coin (#4) showed improvement last time out, and while I won’t tout him for the win here, I will continue watching her career with great interest (that’s a Star Wars reference, for anyone wondering).
Race 4 selections:1-5-4
RACE 5 – 1 mile, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 5:18
The last time Beara Peninsula (#3) came through PID, it was in allowance company. She’s 1-for-1 at the distance and her speed figure from that race came back nicely. I use Too Loose Ta Trek (#5) reluctantly based on his all-weather performances in the past, but he has won two of his last three races coming into this. Baytown Storm (#1) needs to turn things around here, and I think this is the field to do it. She’s run last in each of her last two starts, but one of those was a Kentucky Downs optional claimer race.
Race 5 selections:3-5-1
RACE 6 – 1 mile 70 yards, Starter Optional Claiming Post Time: 5:45
Calvin’s Ride (#1) is the class of the field, losing out in a Saratoga race and two-back to eventual Power By Far winner John Dutton. Ready To Fly (#3) has been on a break since August and his last two runs were wins going this distance. Happyisashappydoes (#6) is a must-have price given his win last time out and Scooter Davis’s record with horses off the claim, boasting a 34% winrate with such horses.
Race 6 selections:1-3-6
RACE 7 – 1 mile 70 yards, Starter Optional Claiming Post Time: 6:12
I was disappointed with Starship Empire (#7) last time out in a race I was certain he’d win, but I’m willing to give him another shot here, considering how consistent he remains at this distance. Brilliant Journey (#1) is another horse who continues to run consistently at this distance and stays in this class. Passioned (#6) is 7-for-11 running this distance but didn’t hit the board in his only start on all-weather, so I tentatively slot him into third.
Race 7 selections:7-1-6
RACE 8 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 6:39
I’ll take Coastline Hottie (#1) to take the victory for the Scooter Davis barn off the claim. Sparkling Silver (#5) was second last time out and makes the slight drop in tag from the $6,250 level. Equinamous (#2) has hit the board under Taylor Kingsley in their last two starts, and I think they should compete for a spot in the money again here.
Race 8 selections:
See you next week for more Presque Isle Downs action!
