It’s a route-heavy card today so let’s get started with this Wednesday card.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 3:30 p.m
While it’s usually not a good idea to bet a first-time starter at a short price, I think the works legitimize Big Red Toby (#5) with a sharp half-mile turned in 48.1 seconds. Cosmic Connection (#1) had a nice run on the rail to get second and draws the rail this time, so I think this horse might be rounding into competitive form. Sealand (#2) is commonly found in third place, and I see no reason why he shouldn’t run there again.
Race 1 selections:5-1-2
RACE 2 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 3:57
The race seems earmarked for Triple Secret (#7) and Gaddiel Martinez, finishing within a length and a half of the winner last time out, but will have to face multiple class-droppers in this race. Jasmines World (#6) is one such class dropper who comes from a $25k tagged race and has tended to do her better running later in the racing season at Presque Isle. Equinamous (#2) was much more comfortable at this level last time she ran here and gets a weight allowance with rookie jock Taylor Kingsley.
Race 2 selections:7-6-2
RACE 3 – 1 mile 70 yards, Maiden Special Weight Post Time: 4:24
I’m going to try and beat the morning-line favorite Isadora Duncan (Ire) (#6) with Time On The Run (#1) because I think this horse will enjoy the synthetic surface with multiple siblings placing on the tapeta in many of their collective starts. Not This Time also has great stats on tapeta routes, with a 17% win rate with progeny on synthetic routes. I still think the #6 will get to second based on sheer class, shipping from the New York circuit for Bill Mott. Call Me Babe (#4) has run distant third-place races in her two starts at PID, so it wouldn’t shock me to see her there again.
Race 3 selections: 6-1-4
RACE 4 – 1 mile, Maiden Claiming $7,500 Post Time: 4:51
Trophy Husband (#1) was only a half-length off the win last time out and I expect a repeat performance under Israel Rodriguez. Grab The Spark (#5) hasn’t ran since the first of July in a race that came back rather classy with 3 of his 5 competitors running in the money in their next start, with two horses winning their next starts. Mr. Impatient (#4) is dropping to a lower class and should be able to hit the board off that class.
Race 4 selections:1-5-4
RACE 5 – 1 mile 70 yards, Allowance Optional Claiming Post Time: 5:18
Unless Make The Boys Wink (#4) falters, I don’t see how she loses this race especially after 2 solid half-mile works clocking in just over 47 seconds. Miss Brightside (IRE) (#3) will be the first to pick up the slack if the favorite should make a misstep with two quality Beyers of 68 and 69 in her last two starts.
Race 5 selections:4-3
RACE 6 – 6 furlongs, Claiming $12,500 Post Time: 5:45
She’s Lit (#2) has the edge here with the combo of top rider Gaddiel Martinez and leading trainer Randall Russel (something I completely missed happening was him breezing past Kevin Rice and Scooter Davis, I was preoccupied with the industry being in full meltdown for the month of August). Starcry (#6) will take on winners on the tapeta for the first time after breaking her maiden at the end of last meet and making two starts over the dirt at Mountaineer and has a solid record on the all-weather. Jayana (#5) ships from Gulfstream Park and has the highest last-out Beyer of the field, making her an interesting spot play here.
Race 6 selections:2-6-5
RACE 7 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $8,500 Post Time: 6:12
I remember tossing Drunk On Sake (#8) before and it coming back to bite me, especially considering he’s won multiple races in his last several starts. Not making that mistake again. Hard Mission (#4) has been a battler and finishing in the money consistently even when up against horses like Van and Faster. Hold Your Applause (#3) came out of a tough race against Triple Start, who’s come back and run second since then, and should be a tough customer again for Tim Girten’s barn.
Race 7 selections:8-4-3
RACE 8 – 1 1/16 miles, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 6:39
Article (#2) was run off his feet by Ramblin Betts last out but still battled his way to second place, and he’ll need that tenacity to win in this spot. Speaker’s Lobby (#7) is dropping in tag but recent form appears to be declining. Twist N Twirl (#1) has hit the board in every start he’s run on synth, and gets a high-percentage rider in Antonio Gallardo.
Race 8 selections:2-7-1
See you next week for more Presque Isle Downs racing!
