Best Bet - (6) STORMY HALL GB - Race 9
Spot Play - (8) BETTOR TRIX N – Race 4
20-cent Early Pick-5 – Race 1 - 2,3/1,2,3/2,9/2,5,8/1 - $7.20
20-cent Late Pick-5 – Race 7 - 2,3,4/3,4/6/2,3/1,3,7 - $7.20
20-cent Early Pick 4 – Race 3 – 2,9/2,5,8/1/4 - $1.20
20-cent Late Pick 4 – Race 8 – 3,4/6/2,3/1,3,7 - $2.40
Race 1 - (2) SMOKE N REACTOR N looks to make it two in a row against slightly tougher conditioned company. Inside draw gives her distinct advantage. (3) TABLES BIG SECRET has been overcoming the post draw well of late, now moves inside and looks to be an Exactor factor. (5) KAYS SHADOW has gotten a perfect trip two weeks in a row, she will be a part of the pace.
Race 2 - (3) HOLD THUMBS N won in 1:57 against this group two starts back. He should rise to the occasion again here. (1) CAUGHT IN A DREAM didn’t get the best trip last out before tiring through the lane. Look for him to rebound tonight from the rail. (2) INTIAL CONCEPT gets Kelly aboard for the first time, that alone makes him worth a look underneath.
Race 3 - (2) CAL HANOVER looks to drop and pop for trainer Richard Moreau after some decent efforts against tougher company. (9) JOEYS KIDD gets a decent draw this week and Kelly is back in the bike who clearly gets along well with this gelding. (7) WESTRIDGE WARRIOR is the deep closer of the field; will be on the move late.
Race 4 - (8) BETTOR TRIX N did well while racing stateside at Northfield Park, including defeating the great Blue Ivy who has done well in the Matchmaker at Yonkers. She is versatile and can race from anywhere. (2) THE BANDIT QUEEN N gets some much-needed post relief and adds Lasix for the second time. I see her improving this week. (5) MANHATTAN NIGHT has two successful attempts against this class.
Race 5 - (1) WHO CUT THE CHEEZ is the first racing foal out of the dam Lady Hill. She qualified well in preparation for her first career start and could provide value. (4) SHEZ IN CONTROL will most likely take money off the long layoff with some class relief. She will be close, but I think she could use this tightener. (2) BOCHNEEZBA was a beaten favorite last week where she just did not advance. Worth a look for underneath.
Race 6 - (4) GUCCIOS OFFICE puts the hopples back on this week after not having the best luck returning from the layoff. He draws into a good spot here coming off a strong qualifier. (9) CLOUD NINE HANOVER makes his first start since August of 2019 for trainer Fred Bourgault. Qualifier should have tightened him up for this effort. (3) NORTHERN TAILWIND has been as consistent as they come of late. He has speed and should be a part of the early scrum. (7) STORMONT DUNDAS draws tough tonight, that’s my biggest concern for this gelding. If he can get off the car, he could make the ticket at a price. (8) SPEND THAT MONEY looks to improve following a break in London.
Race 7 - (4) KATAPARKA gets some major class relief for trainer Mitchell Teirney this week. He did well against tougher company, if he can continue that form here, he should be successful. (3) WINDSONG GRAYSON made a big move going up the backstretch last week and nearly turned it into a victory. He will be closer with the improved post draw. (2) L WEATHER B made an uncharacteristic break last out, he is normally close to the ticket.
Race 8 - (3) EARLYBIRD SPECIAL was a beaten favorite in her second start off the layoff, but it is hard to ignore the 17%-win percentage currently sported by the Auciello Stable. (4) VIVA LA DEO faces easier in her long awaited second career start. If she stays flat, she could produce at a price. (7) ONE FOR DEO is a speedy mare who shouldn’t be hampered too much from post seven.
Race 9 - (6) STORMY HALL GB beat this group handily last week with Sorrie in the bike; he is my single and Best Bet of the night. (2) SIRJAMESTHEGREAT has gotten better with every start, but not sure he can get to the choice in this field. (3) JUST ROCK HIM is another consistent horse who shouldn’t be overlooked.
Race 10 - (2) PACINGDOWNADREAM closed gamely through the stretch to win last week with Sorrie in the bike. Sorrie is back aboard tonight with a slightly better post draw; the pace scenario may work out well for her. (3) SHARE THE MOMENT made up a lot of ground throughout her qualifier and passed some horses in doing so. She gets a good draw and looks like a solid contender. (4) FLOSSIE N will most likely be the favorite, but I see her being overbet tonight.
Race 11 - (1) ARSENAL DE CHAFRA gets some much-needed post relief off a real confidence booster last week. He is a closer and should get off the gate well. (7) MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP would most likely be my top pick had it not been for the tough post draw. He will have his work cut out for him, but his closing kick helps. (3) DURHAM TOWN went to the top last week and just tired turning for home. Look for him to ration out the speed more tonight. (2) MACHCELLERATOR always manages to be close underneath, look out at a price. (6) JDCYRIL really got roughed up last week from post eight, could see improvement tonight.
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Michael Carter is the co-host of Post Time with Mike and Mike and also is one of the USTA Social Media/Publicity Coordinators. Carter got his start in the sport from going to the track with his father. Carter is the former announcer at Buffalo Raceway and worked at Northfield Park prior to working at the USTA. - JJ Zamaiko Photo
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