Another Tuesday of action at Presque Isle Downs as August enters its final stretch. With 8 races of all-weather action on tap, let’s see what can be made of this card.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Cousin Ed (#2) will be a short price but a very likely one considering the short field and the back-to-back runs resulting in a win and a second place finish. Marinara Sauced (#3) is getting knocked a bit unfairly by the morning-line maker and will be the best bet in here, given how quick his Beyer Speed Figures were on the tapeta when he was here two years ago, though his better results came at the longer distances.
Race 1 selections:2-3
RACE 2 – 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 3:57
Michael Pappada keeps his winning horses winning at a 29% clip, and I would like to see Shannonia (#3) look good again after a come-from-behind victory last time out. Chubs Rocket (#6) is a horse I want another look at after looking even-paced with no turn-of-foot in a four-horse allowance last time out. Working with Martina Rojas for the second time might get them both on the same page. The other Pappada runner, Bet On Bret (#5) has run two races rated highly by the BSF system with a 66 last time and 63 two starts ago.
Race 2 selections:3-6-5
RACE 3 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $10,000 Post Time: 4:24
When Martina Rojas and Shy Da Runner (#2) are teamed up, they’ve finished second in all three of their starts together. With the drop to the guaranteed tag and the re-entry to state-bred competition, I think the #2 is a lock here. Valentine Bug (#1) should have your attention for second, as this 9-year-old certainly didn’t disgrace himself in his last race, a $25k optional claimer in June. He hasn’t worked under a 48.4 in his last three half-mile works, so the question will be if the works translate to the track.
Race 3 selections: 2-1
RACE 4 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 4:51
The $5k tag at PID can get contentious, but with how good Danefield (#1) has looked in his swan song 10-year-old campaign, I see no reason to go against him with David Delgado resuming his place at the helm once again. I want to be able to say Good On Ya (#4) could upset the applecart in this race with a penchant to sit a more forward trip but conditioner Michelle Winters is a rather chilly 0-for-22 at PID and this horse has been running behind Danefield when it matters most. Declaration Time (#7) has been shuffled all around the Mid-Atlantic circuits this summer and I hope that he gets a moment to breathe in his second start at the $5k tag.
Race 4 selections:1-4-7
RACE 5 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $8,500 Post Time: 5:18
I think Loaded Once More (#3) gets overlooked for having only one start on the tapeta, a distant second to the monstrous Time For An Angel (a horse regular readers will know is one I tout every time she runs). Her last run was a second-place effort and she offers enough of an unknown here to use her for the win. A Case Of You (#1) looks likely but leaves state-bred company for what could be tougher waters here. Ditto that for Little Lamb Chop (#2) who comes out of the same race as the #1, where she finished ahead of A Case Of You. Those form lines have funny ways of reversing themselves sometimes.
Race 5 selections:3-1-2
RACE 6 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 5:45
It’s very easy to see the 8-1 line and pick Third Degree (#3) if we throw out the clunker turf race last out. He’s also 3-for-4 winning at this distance and his start two back was a winning effort in this class. Grand Morning (#5) will make the early pace and even though the track was against early speed yesterday I still think a good-enough horse can still get a piece of the action in the stretch. Via Della Spiga (#7) looks interesting with the steep class drop, especially considering Israel Rodriguez seems to suit this horse based on the past performances.
Race 6 selections:3-5-7
RACE 7 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $13,500 Post Time: 6:12
Edwin Gonzales gets the call again for Sweet Nola (#4), and this pair has done well with a four length victory last time out at this distance. Valiant Enya (#7) should get a decent trip and will have many horses to pass, but I think the track plays to her favor should she choose to come from behind like she did last time. Mo Sense (#5) is an interesting choice with a solid record on the synthetic surfaces and should be a nice price as an underlay here.
Race 7 selections:4-7-5
RACE 8 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 6:39
Del Rayo (#3) has been steadily improving and gets a good spot here, if he runs like he has been it will be a winning effort. Finn McSorely (#2) has a lot of upside with rookie jock Taylor Kingsley and good numbers over the tapeta as well as a drop in tag. City Leader (#7) has finished third in four straight starts. No need to mess with consistency.
Race 8 selections:3-2-7
That’s all from me for today, see you tomorrow for more Presque Isle Downs racing!
