It was a good day of stakes action yesterday. I was able to tip a few winners including the Satin And Lace winner Lost And Found. Let’s get into some Tuesday racing.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Kicking things off with a state-bred maiden sprint. The Spieth duo of jockey Scott and trainer Aldana have had a rough time in Presque Isle this meet but I think Popcorn N Peaches (#3) will turn it around in this race. Though there are horses here that beat her in the past, I’m sticking with her because that last race should be the one she needs to finally be fit, as this horse hasn’t worked since May. Mayhem (#4) does look like the likeliest option after her second place finish last time out but front runners faded Monday so I don’t think I’ll use her for the win. Twirlaway (#2) put in some fast works but did no running last time out. Hopefully retaining Huber Villa-Gomez for another ride will help this filly find her stride.
Race 1 selections:3-4-2
RACE 2 – 1 mile 70 yards, Maiden Claiming $15,000 Post Time: 3:57
If the speed figures are right, T’Ray (#6) should be due to break his maiden today, with Beyers that far and away outclass the field. Wetlands Willy (#3) was very close last time out and drops back to the tag again today. I like seeing the nice 3-furlong work clocking in at 36.4 seconds. Worth speculating with the 12-1Talkin Tough (#2) who did no running last time. He switches barns and jockeys and has a nice work over 3 furlongs, hopefully his second start bears more fruit.
Race 2 selections:6-3-2
RACE 3 – 5 furlongs, Starter Optional Claiming $10k Post Time: 4:24
Pick your poison in this one, with many horses keen for the lead on paper. The safest pick here is Vinsanity (#6), a horse on a 3-win streak and Israel Rodriguez aboard, a jock as hot as anyone with the Satin And Lace Stakes win in his back pocket from Monday. Shy Da Runner (#5) is the only horse that’s close in form with the #6 and these two should be well-clear of everyone else. Straightouttadutton (#2) has done well in limited attempts at the distance and Randall Russel has been firing lately, so I could see this horse getting up for third.
Race 3 selections:6-5-2
RACE 4 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $8,000 Post Time: 4:51
Triple Start (#2) has been in excellent form and I don’t see him slowing down right now after back-to-back wins. He will need to watch out for Revolutionnaire (FR) (#5) who drops from the allowance ranks to the claiming tag and gets the always-sharp Antonio Gallardo in the irons. Enjoy The Music (#4) naturally slots into third, getting Gaddiel Martinez and running in the money 6 times in 7 starts at the distance.
Race 4 selections:2-5-4
RACE 5 – 1 mile 70 yards, Maiden Claiming $10,000 Post Time: 5:18
Saint Solomon (#4) ships from Finger Lakes and should find a good spot for himself here, and his sibling has done decently in routes on the synthetic with 3 runs in the money over 4 starts, though no wins. Gleaming (#5) looks like a good bet here, dropping back to a lower tag with some experience at route racing. Gallardo and I Plead The Fifth (#7) were close last time and I expect this horse to be competitive again today.
Race 5 selections:4-5-7
RACE 6 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $25,000 Post Time: 5:45
It’s weird seeing Hit That Review (#5) at 9-2 compared to Disposable Income (#6) at 9-5 on the morning line when the #5 was only a half-length off the #6 horse. While Disposable Income is out of a higher percentage stable, I’ll stick with the experience of the #5 over the #6 here. Go Simple (#1) has worked very well up to racing return, two works back he ran a half-mile in 45.3 and last work he went 5 in a minute flat. He’ll certainly battle for a spot in the money.
Race 6 selections:5-6-1
RACE 7 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:12
If Beyer Speed figs are to be believed, then Botita (#3) is in great form right now, and I think another effort akin to her run on July 20th is in order. Mike Allen is riding very well, and it wouldn’t shock me to see this duo in the winners circle.Thunder Cane (#6) hasn’t had it easy, but Gaddiel Martinez keeps coming back to the saddle, leading me to think this horse hasn’t shown his best yet. Miss Thalia (#2) took a step back last time out but Taylor Kingsley will get the ride, a switch-up I’m willing to bank on for third here.
Race 7 selections:3-6-2
RACE 8 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:39
I’ll take Princess Charming (#6) to close the card in her first tilt against winners. Scooter Davis is in contention for the training title and I don’t hate the switch to Rosario Montanez. Sweet Carol James (#7) gets some class relief in the tag drop here and should be competitive with Victor Severino getting back in the irons. Rock Tune (#1) is coming off a competitive tilt at this class and gets the rail draw with Walber Alencar filling in for Martina Rojas.
Race 8 selections:6-7-1
Mike Allen had a great day with multiple wins alongside Israel Rodriguez’s two-win day which included the Satin And Lace Stakes. No one trainer had a particularly outstanding day, but congrats to Britany Russel for the big stakes win. See you tomorrow for more Presque Isle handicapping!
