Only two Wednesdays of Presque Isle racing left, and this card has some intriguing fields to look over.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
This is a suspicious drop in class for Princess Gladys (#5) but in this light a field, she should be a lock for the win. I think Mrs. Manicotti (#3) proved she’s back in decent form after last race and the horse that beat her went up in class, while the #3 stays where I think she needs to be.
Race 1 selections:5-3
RACE 2 – 6 ½ furlongs, Maiden Claiming $7,500 Post Time: 3:57
Snowstorm (#6) was her closest to breaking his maiden with Martina Rojas aboard and the two reunite after another second place finish last time out (with Gaddiel Martinez riding). Loan Me A Dime (#3) will be on the pace and showed improvement dropping to claiming company last time out. Violin Fingers (#1) is as likely as any to get third here, unless someone takes a big step forward with their running.
Race 2 selections:6-3-1
RACE 3 – 1 mile 70 yards, Allowance Post Time: 4:24
Standpoint (#6) is a veteran of allowance company and has good records at this distance. Drunkle (#3) makes a return to allowance company after only finishing a length and a quarter back last time out. Hurricanes Ablowin (#4) is one to pencil in based on his last start in the Power By Far Stakes. Three of the four horses that have run after the Power By Far have won or placed second.
Race 3 selections:6-3-4
RACE 4 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 4:51
Lee The Cabby (#1) makes the most drastic drop in class here and has caught biased tracks in his last two starts. On paper, the only horse with competitive speed figures is Ipledthefifth (#2), also dropping in claiming tag in this race. Epic Summer (#7) has been consistent going this distance, hitting the board in all three of his starts.
Race 4 selections:1-2-7
RACE 5 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 5:18
I’m going back to the well of theories for this one, and taking the horses that have worked at Fair Hills. Souper Sweet Wine (#1) for Michael Trombetta turned a strong 36 second work over 3 furlongs and Trombetta generally does well with his 2-year-old runners. Two races back, Mitolean Dynamite (#3) finished last in a Saratoga maiden that saw 5 of her 7 competitors come back to run in the money, three of them winning. Her dirt works are really consistent, so it’s possible she finds the middle ground on the tapeta to her liking. I’ll round this race out with Akoya (#6) a first-time starter for Michael Stidham and owner-breeder Godolphin, on the basis of I tend to discredit Godolphin runners when they come to this level.
Race 5 selections:1-3-6
RACE 6 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 5:45
Thirteen G’s (#8) has to overcome the wide draw but his last-out speed figure looms large over this field. Underappreciated (#4) drops in tag and faced a biased track in his last two starts. Mr. Funtastico (#1) faced the #8 horse last time and I think he’ll be competitive to get in the money.
Race 6 selections:8-4-1
RACE 7 – 6 furlongs, Allowance Optional Claiming Post Time: 6:12
Vicky (#3) put on a show last time out, winning her debut by 6 lengths. Sinful Mischief (#2) has gotten better with every start and should be on the early pace. Liam’s Fancy (#1) is the class on paper but I have to question whether or not she makes the tapeta transition.
Race 7 selections:3-2-1
RACE 8 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 6:39
The pace presence on paper makes me lean towards Sydney Street (#6) to pick up the victory. His best race this year was in a 10-horse field where he kicked on from the back to win. Hightail Fox (#8) will look to close out the meet finishing in the money 9 time in as many starts, and I’m rooting for him to pull that impressive feat off. Diamond Dust (#2) drops in class and while this 10-year-old might be losing steam, I’ll slot him in for third here.
Race 8 selections:6-8-2
See you tomorrow for more Presque Isle Downs action!
