Unfortunately Tuesday’s card was called off when a storm hit the area after the 5th race. If you take one thing from today’s article, it should be to bet my second and third choice horses, who have been far better than my win picks. Races 1-4 were taken by either my second or third choice. Larger fields will certainly make their mark today, so let’s jump right into this midweek card.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – Maiden Special Weight,Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Big Run (#1) seems to be the only real competitor at this level here, with two 50+ Beyer Speed Figures in his first two starts. The only horse running comparable numbers to that is Sealand (#7), exiting the same race Big Run finished second in but finishing 2 and a half lengths back of the top two. Warriors Mission (#4) should finally look like himself after a tough run last time out. It took him several starts last year to get fired up, and he retains Antonio Gallardo, which is always a good sign.
Race 1 selections:1-7-4
RACE 2 – 5 ½ furlongs, Maiden Claiming $7,500 Post Time: 3:57
Shiva Parvati (#6) gets Gaddiel Martinez in the irons, and showed better form on the Penn National turf course than she had on the dirt in three starts. Switching to all-weather may be what she needs to break through. I’ll Stop Talking (#4) comes to the tapeta from the high-class trainer Mike Maker, and her highest career speed figure comes from her second career start over the Turfway Park synthetic course. On a hunch, I’ll throw in first-time starter Hawkeyejet (#8) to flash a bit of early speed in this race.
Race 2 selections:6-4-8
RACE 3 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 4:24
Who am I to doubt Linda Rice? She drops Nuts And Bolts (#2) into this field fresh off back-to-back wins, and with her claiming tag slashed in half, I would be a fool to play away from her. Wickedthiswaycomes (#5) makes for an interesting second choice coming out of the allowance ranks, especially as a horse that could push the pace up front. Hits Different (#6) has speed figures that make her competitive in this spot, and should be competitive again in this class even though multiple horses drop from tougher company.
Race 3 selections:2-5-6
RACE 4 – 1 mile, Allowance Post Time: 4:51
A state-bred allowance marks the halfway point of the card. The blinkers go on Inmate (#4), a move that’s proven to help the Ron Potts barn with a 50% success rate. This son of Maximum Security also changes jockeys to the high-percentage rider Israel Rodriguez. Standpoint (#5) should be strong again after running in the money in both of his starts on the Erie tapeta. Jes See Me (#3) faded on the lead last time out, but I’d expect him to be in better form this time out while switching to Antonio Gallardo in the saddle.
Race 4 selections:4-5-3
RACE 5 – Claiming $8,500 Post Time: 5:18
In the trip notes for Goodie Goomer (#5) it notes that the irons were lost but still won by over 3 lengths. Imagine if Israel Rodriguez keeps it in the irons this time. All Jokes Aside (#7) has turned his best speed figures on the synth at Turfway and should be quick returning to tapeta, especially at the 12-1 morning line. Enjoy The Music (#2) has turned very consistent speed figures and I don’t foresee her taking a step back.
Race 5 selections: 5-7-2
RACE 6 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 5:45
Is this the race Drunk On Sake (#8) returns? Only time will tell, but I know I brought him up in the race he scratched out of last time, and I think he can sustain this good form that got him a win last time out. Royal Luck (CHI) (#2) hasn’t finished out of the money since dropping to this level, a line of class that gives me confidence to include this horse in my picks. Ramesses (#6) is dropping from an $8,500 claimer, and returns to a level he’s more comfortable at. He should be a threat in this race.
Race 6 selections:8-2-6
RACE 7 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:12
On Reserve (#3) is a curious horse, winning at the $12,500 tag but falling back in the ranks at this lower company. With a post closer to the inside, hopefully she looks better when not pushed to go wide off the turn. Triple Secret (#7) definitely needed a start in her off the layoff, and Randall Russel has an excellent record with horses two races back from a long break. Diptique (#1) has run two excellent speed figures in her first two starts over the tapeta, which tells me she’s found her preferred surface. Getting a start off the layoff will definitely help.
Race 7 selections:3-7-1
RACE 8 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 6:39
Bartulia (#4) makes the class drop here from a $25k optional claimer where he’s run against very stiff competition and he’s also 7-for-9 running in the money at this distance. Secretary Of War (#8) has been close twice and Gaddiel Martinez gets the call again, a good sign for this horse. The fittingly-named Third City (#7) is still coming up to speed but should be threatening in this race after a 47.4 second work over a half-mile.
Race 8 selections:4-8-7
Juan Arrigada’s barn picked up two wins off the rain-shortened Tuesday card, and in the jocks standings, Antonio Gallardo is the new leader with two more wins to his tally, tying then passing Gaddiel Martinez for the lead. Third-place rider Israel Rodriguez made some noise as well with two wins on the card, eyeing Gallardo and Martinez at the top of the heap. I hope to see you back here next week for more Presque Isle handicapping!
