Race Reviews

Race Reviews For May 10, 2024

Race Review by James Witherite

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CLOUDBREAK	Early uncovered pushes were his undoing in four of his last five. Can the pole freshen him any?
2	PAN STREET USA	Stalked a battle two back and lifted to just miss by a head, but showed little otherwise this spring.
3	ATTA BOY DAN	Uninvolved last week off the sick scratch but showed stalking and closing power in early spring.
4	HARRY HANOVER	Passed tired foes out of the 10-hole last week. Before that, he earned minors in 3 of 4. Draw helps.
5	LINCOLN BOULEVARD	This guy moved forward late in his last two MADC tries, and now he finds an easier group of horses.
6	BILBO HANOVER	Fourth or better in four of five, all from a good ways off the pace. Bigger player with closer cover.
7	PERKINS	Looks to rebound from a break on arrival from Monti. He pressed a :28.3 third split two back, note.
8	CHIP WALTHER	Tried to swing three-wide around a failing #1 but tired turning for home. Wait for a clear turnaround.
9	KICK THE DIRT UP	Chased cover and stayed on OK to just miss third a level up. Outside draw becomes a bigger factor.
10	MARVALOUS ONE	Made all the pace last week at 3-5 and was only nabbed by his 10-1 pocket foe. Credit work done.

Top Contenders: 5-6-9-10

Driver Choices: Joe Lee: #5 over #8, #10

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	BETTE TINA	Deserves a pass for her two-wide push that lasted 7f on 4/26. Pole, week off should freshen her.
2	BULLVILLEKARLA	Circled to upset at 51-1 two back, but then went backwards off cover last week. Hard to gauge form.
3	LETS RYDE GIRL	Set or stalked the pace for second twice in her last three. Earlier lines prove closing ability, too.
4	TWO MORE DREAMS	Was forced with a major class hike on arrival and was last the whole way round. Similar scenario.
5	HERS HUNGRY	In from Fhld after failing to threaten in her last couple. Generally even; needs a way into the race.
6	OUR SHELL BELLE	Two weeks ago, she kicked home in :27.1 against rising young horses. Stalker-closer has some life!
7	LADYZAR	Pressed up the Philly backstretch in her last two only to toil late. Can she work a kinder trip here?
8	PHELGON	Back from Yonkers after hit-or-miss $15k lines. She's a level above where she competed this spring.
9	MISS YOU JOANN	Won her last two at Saratoga, and proved ability to do work last out. Moves laterally; draw hinders.
10	ROMA AMOR	Circled stalled cover last week and made loads of ground turning for home. Lots to like off that line.

Top Contenders: 9-1-10-3

Driver Choices: Todd McCarthy: #10 over #8, #9

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	R BAMA	First-time starter showed some staying ability in Qs, but looks like she still has things to iron out.
2	GRACEFUL DESIGN	While a maiden, she made six figures as a rookie on the stakes circuit. Spring Qs convey fitness.
3	SISTER DIANE	Two-move winner in the Weiss consolation looks to be trending upward. Expect her to perch handy.
4	KAROLINA SOLVEIG	Never involved on debut, and then broke last time. Will wait for clearer signs of improvement.
5	BELLE MEADE	After breaking in two Weiss legs, Norman put hopples on her in last week's Q. Assess improvement.
6	STELLA VOLO	Ended her 2yo season on a high note with two seconds at Corbin. 3yo Qs seem flat by comparison.
7	THE ROXBURY	Second Pinske trainee hit the board in 8 of 10 last year. Can press, stalk and close when at best.
8	WOMAN OF PASSION	Debuts for Pinske off two decent Qs. Raw speed feels ample for this group, but variables remain.
9	SISTER MARY MAUDE	5x winner took on stakes types consistently as a rookie. Her 3yo debut vs. tougher was mighty sharp.

Top Contenders: 2-9-7-3

Driver Choices: Dexter Dunn: #8 over #5, #6 | Scott Zeron: #1 over #4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	THE OPENER	Has only hit the board twice this season, and he's regressed after only mild exertion in his last two.
2	BAY CITY	Even w/similar here two back, then improved from astern at Tioga since. Getting stronger, it seems.
3	MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING	Pressed to win at Freehold 3 back, but was since only even for minors in his last 2. Splits difference.
4	LINDY THE BRAVE	Rises after a sharp win on debut for Estrada, rolling home in :55.2 after losing cover and opening.
5	TEXAS MIKI	Made a mid-race push to the fore in the same event #4 exits, only to be eclipsed in upper stretch.
6	BUCKEYE EMERY	Got around a tiring pocket foe to save 4th on debut last week. There's ability; bigger player w/room.
7	MCCLINCHIE N	When in for $15k, he pretty much stayed where he landed all mile. Trip will dictate a lot despite drop.
8	DYNOMITES PEAK	Earned in 3 of his last 4 against just kinder. While he toiled late in last, he's stayed OK on the whole.
9	BEACHIN	Floated and pressed to an MADC win two back, then was outmatched since. There's enough upside.
10	HEARTLANDBANYSBRO	Had the absolute run of the race last week. Draws terribly on the rise, how much can Tim lift him?

Top Contenders: 4-6-5-2

Driver Choices: Todd McCarthy: #7 over #8 | Scott Zeron: #5 over #6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	STOLEN ART	Rose from a 16-1 upset to lift into third vs. similar. Late gains are improving; needs ideal trip for best.
2	KISSINBYTHEBEACHES	Back from a brief spell after leaving for position and toiling in his last. Kinder group and post await.
3	ELM GROVE QWIGGLY	Freehold invader stayed even in mid-level races there. Back with Sodano; Inglis has done fine, too.
4	IN NEVADA N	Since his 4/19 win, he's been outmatched. Last week, he pulled and regressed. Lacks ample speed.
5	MARTY MONKHOUSER A	Didn't lack from astern in a higher MADC race last week. Kinder trip and the gentle drop can aid.
6	MOUNT ROYAL	In from Saratoga after chasing OK for minors in $7.5k fields. Variables galore for him on arrival.
7	YAYAS HOT SPOT N	Returns to the Friday card after toiling late in traffic last week. Raw speed is ample; relief lifts him.
8	FINAL JUSTICE	Rises after closing into the ticket in his last couple starts. Retains Beltrami amid form uptick.
9	EASY CHECK	Traffic got in his way last out. Prior, he was a game third vs. similar, but he gets a worse post here.
10	WHATA TREASURE	Won well for $5.5k at Shenandoah two back, but regressed since. Who shows up? Post hinders.

Top Contenders: 7-8-2-5

Driver Choices: Tony Beltrami: #8 over #9

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	LOUNAR ECLIPSE	Compromised by traffic on arrival after breaking at Pocono. Let's see how he fares with clearer road.
2	CAPTAIN BAZINGA	Even but no threat on debut. That said, his :27 last quarter out of traffic is definite cause for optimism.
3	LAUGH SHOP	Never got involved in his career debut. Four of his rivals return from the same race; wait for better.
4	COURTSHIP	Was gathered in at odds-on after making most of the pace last week. Expect sharper second out.
5	STEELY KNIFE	Just edged by a nose at this level on debut, then kept strong vs. N4L types from on and off the pace.
6	ROCK THE CAPTAIN N	Pressed mildly and chased to hold third vs. minor stakes company on debut. Expect sharper 2nd out.
7	SHOCK TROOPER	Debuts off two good Qs after showing respectable ability in minor KY stakes at 2. Another w/upside.
8	NUMBER CRUNCHER	This guy flew home from the back in his 3yo debut. Proven stakes player can keep moving forward.

Top Contenders: 8-5-4-6

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ALWAY'S CLOSE	Tired late from an earned pocket at Philly on Saturday, but had to work to clear. Should be cozier.
2	CAPTAIN TERMINATOR	Fourth in four straight, all vs. similar or just tougher. Generally even; can improve with live flow.
3	DARK HORSE	Rode a cozy pocket for a one-paced second at Fhld last out. Improving; gains Zeron. Minor option.
4	PHOTOBOMBR HANOVER	Dug deep in defeat for $15k Sunday after a narrow defeat. This group shapes up as a bit kinder.
5	ROSE RUN URIAH	Dex's choice debuts for Crissman after success for $12.5k in Ohio. Forgive last given early exertion.
6	SEE YOU FRIDAY	Stalked and closed into the ticket in his last three at Freehold. Prior, he stayed OK in similar claimers.
7	CONCUR	Shared in a much tougher bracket twice in his last three. Presser-stalker drops amid good form.
8	ITS ROCKIN RANDY	Pressed well last week before leveling off late. Good second from an earned pocket two back.
9	SELECT FRIDAY	Reached for $12.5k at Philly four back, but has been a mixed bag since. Loses Dex; draws wide.
10	HURRYMIKI HANOVER	The big question: How will he get involved from the 10-hole? With flow, he has enough to share.

Top Contenders: 5-7-4-8

Driver Choices: Dexter Dunn: #5 over #9 | Todd McCarthy: #7 over #3, #6, #8

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	NEW RULES	Qualified OK last week, but making just his second start in 5 months. Late break on 4/25 gives pause.
2	THE AMERICAN EAGLE	This is effectively a four-level jump in class for him. He's moving forward, but this asks way too much.
3	VENERATE	Got the hops late last year, but still banked $180k in limited starts. Big class edge, but how fit is he?
4	SEA CAN	Brings a three-race win streak across the river. Can set or press the pace; raw speed is sure to lift.
5	CHAPERCRAZ	This guy gave stout chase to the "now" horse Lexus Kody in his last two. Extremely strong now.
6	STABLE GENIUS	Improved late out of midfield for minors in winners-over company. Consistently strong on the whole.
7	INTERVIEW FRA A	After open-length wins vs. lesser, he jumped to the 4/26 W/O and chased for third. Puttin' it together.
8	DELAYED HANOVER	Good second from an earned pocket when we last saw him, but that was a month ago. Tough task.

Top Contenders: 5-6-3-4

Driver Choices: Tim Tetrick: #5 over #1

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	FERDINAND A	This guy more than held his own in top MADC events in March, but was stung early in his last couple.
2	LOVETHEWAYYOULIE	Circled four-wide and made 4L last week after pressing and staying two back. Fresh with this draw.
3	MENLO PARK	Passed tired foes on debut after winning for $12.5k at the Spa. Another one who benefits from post.
4	WARRAWEE YANKEE	Fourth or better in five straight, and not against easier than he faces here. Versatile and strong.
5	QUEEN SUN RYSER	Rises after a 20-1 upset for $9k from a cozy pocket ride. Her staying power has been good of late.
6	MY WISH CAME TRUE	Stone-cold has hit the ticket in four straight. Benefits from pressure afore; there should be enough.
7	SKYWAY BILLY	Stayed on a lot better in his last couple despite wide journeys. Last week, he overcame stalled flow.
8	DANDY IDEA	Cleared, yielded, and just reached a level below last week. She's trending up, but tougher await.
9	ROLLINWITDAPONYZZZ	Pressed and tired off the home turn last week. That regression is compounded by a poor post draw.
10	WAVES OF FIRE A	Yes, he lifted to win in his last, but this major step up from lower claimers is exacerbated by post 10.

Top Contenders: 6-1-4-7

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	LOVE YOUR WORK A	Showed little from astern on the double jump last week. Effectively steps up again despite kind draw.
2	FULSOME	Uninvolved for $50k, but didn't lack for pace in high conditions last month. Class and post relief join.
3	CAVEMAN A	Drops below his last winning level after being outmatched in series action. Should be handy w/ease.
4	BRUTALLYHANDSOME A	Cleared from post 9, set the pace, and battled gamely after being headed. Draw offsets class hike.
5	REVOLVER N	Rode the pocket to a narrow miss for $40k last out, but that was a month ago. How sharp will he be?
6	STELLAR YANKEE	Chased evenly for minors in his last couple. Further relief can make staying power count for more.
7	BEACH VIBES	Passed tired foes at Pocono last week, but posed no threat. Five of his rivals drop in class, take note.
8	MAD MAX HANOVER	Pressed well two back; since chased a 1:48.4 mile for third. Now he drops from those strong efforts.

Top Contenders: 8-2-3-5

Driver Choices: Yannick Gingras: #2 over #7 | Andy McCarthy: #3 over #1

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CAHOOTS	Brushed and held vs. kinder 3 back, but has since toiled at Philly and Yonkers. Can the pole help?
2	PARKLANE TERROR	Missed the board in his last five, but gained mildly in his last two. Needs a lot to go his way here.
3	KNOCKIN OUT	Big class relief awaits on arrival from Yonkers. Has stayed OK of late; form hard to judge given drop.
4	THRESHOLD	Passed tired foes via :26.3 stretch speed on debut for Johnson. Steps down; expect tons sharper.
5	SOMIKI	Earned minors in 3 straight from varied trips. This represents an easier field, but others show more.
6	ALWAYS B BILLY	Pushed a :28.2 third quarter at this level two back before tiring; lacked entirely since. Mixed bag.
7	PASSA-GRILLE BEACH	Held for minors amid a string of April pacesetting efforts for $30k at Yonkers. On a downturn since.
8	MISTER SPOT A	Last week, he floated forward, moved first-over, and ground forward to win. Ramping up, for sure.
9	POSH ONTHE BEACH A	Chased #8's cover and gave a strong challenge late. Stalker-closer has hit the board in 3 straight.

Top Contenders: 4-8-9-1

Driver Choices: Todd McCarthy: #8 over #3, #5

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	PATTYCAKE MOOSS	Had the fastest final quarter in leg 2, but was stymied by the draw. The pole lands her closer w/ease.
2	ANNA'S WISH	Did heavy lifting in both prelims, only to be caught at the line both times. Credit the work she's done.
3	FADE OUT	One-paced from an earned pocket in leg 1; lifted boldly around mild cover in leg 2. Ramping up.
4	DONTKARENIFIDO	Like #1, she was compromised by trip in leg 2 after a strong front-end score before. Capable closer.
5	UPTOWN LADY N	Even for minors in her last couple, but lacks the late edge others here possess. Others suit better.
6	SANTAFE'S APPETITE	Swung three-wide turning home last week and worked to make OK ground. Minor player w/ideal trip.
7	HEAVENS SHOWGIRL A	Failed to deliver at odds-on in leg 1, then never showed up in leg 2. Many others have more upside.
8	SHELTER IN PACE	Made mild late ground in the first prelim after closing well in conditioned events. Can stay and share.
9	TWO PISTOL ANNIE	Yes, she won the 2nd prelim at 17-1, but had the run of the race. Will have to work harder from here.
10	CENTURY JAMILA	Lifted late into fourth in both prelims. Those gains serve her well from post 10, but it's a tough ask.

Top Contenders: 3-1-4-2

Driver Choices: Tim Tetrick: #3 over #8

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ALFAROMEO	Raced 2x as a rookie, but to no avail. Debuts for Bongiorno off 4 Qs. There has been improvement.
2	LAVISHNESS	Rallied well for second in his debut vs. Philly maidens. Expect sharper second out; loads of upside.
3	CRAIGEBURN	Breaks dotted his 2yo season and his 4/27 qualifier. Others are more primed for battle, it appears.
4	HILLOOKIN	Chased well in :27.3 in a debut that could have gone any way imaginable. There's definite ability.
5	CHASING CRYSTALS	Devoid of interest in both 2024 starts, both at this level. Likely outmatched again, I'm afraid to say.
7	SMART SCHOONER	Grand Circuit winner at 2 broke in his 3yo debut but resent to salvage fifth. Clean start is imperative.
8	LIFE ON THE BLUF	Ramped back up in November with a pocket win in the Garden State. Didn't lack late in his 4/27 Q.
9	WILD TICKET	He spent enough of last fall chasing Karl in vain. Much easier task awaits here off a winning Q.

Top Contenders: 9-7-8-4

Driver Choices: Tim Tetrick: #7 over #2, #8

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	COIN FLIP	Hit the board in 4 of 5 from a variety of trips. Debuts for Fusco amid display of form and versatility.
2	SUNSHINE'S FINEST	Even or better in recent MADC events. His late pace is good, but will it be enough vs. the pros?
3	BACKSTREET LAWYER	Has yet to hit the board in 11 starts this season, all against bottom-tier competition. Wait for better.
4	DIRGE	Made mild gains for $7.5k in his second start for Mollor. Slight bump awaits; lots of moving parts.
5	TWO FOR TRIPPING	Forged forward but failed to clear on debut for Estrada. Still, he held third. Right back with similar.
6	DESIRE'S CAPTAIN	Stayed on OK on debut for MacKenzie but couldn't overcome stalling cover. Back at the same level.
7	LAST SANE MAN	Failed to menace in the same race #5 and #6 exit. He's been in something of a cold snap lately.
8	RISKY BUDDY	In from Freehold after hit-or-miss $7.5k outings. The big issue he's facing is finding early position.
9	ROCKABILLY CHARM	Worked hard to almost convert last week, and pressed respectably the start before, too. On the rise.
10	SOMETIMESAWINNER	Comes in off a win, but he barely reached from a cozy pocket and showed little prior. 10-hole hurts.

Top Contenders: 5-6-1-9

Driver Choices: Yannick Gingras: #9 over #3 | Scott Zeron: #1 over #8