Race Reviews

Race Reviews For June 06, 2025

Race Review by Brett Sturman

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	GLUTES HANOVER	Came on to be 3rd as a longshot against similar two back; hoping for similar in here.
2	JAVA JUKEBOX	That was a Breeders Crown finalist that he held off in that 1:54.4 recent qualifying win and trotted a :26.4 final quarter in qualifier prior; could be a good one.
3	BLOWN CALL	Looked like he was about to be swarmed when he broke last out; tough call with continued breaking habits.
4	SAINTS PRESERVE US	A winner from 4 out of 6 as a 2YO, still trying to find his better form through a couple of starts early in the season.
5	CHAT ROOM	Beat some high quality foes last year at Lexington; broke in first start back when he looked to be tiring; qualifier two back against Monserate was good.
6	GOOGOO GODDESS	Widest in the stretch last out to win going away against lesser in first start off the bench; could be more coming.
7	WINNPANZEE	Gives the Meadowlands a shot after two straight wins at Philly, doesn't seem out of it for Smedshammer.
8	TACKY SUGAR	Debuts for Melander after racing for Beachy as a 2YO; will go faster than that 1:57 qualifying win.
9	GRAND RESERVE	Makes her second start back on the season and gets stuck with post 9 after having the rail last out at Pocono; was third in the Champlain last year as a big longshot.
10	MAIDA VALE	Respect the barn but this seems like a lot to ask.

Top Contenders: 2-6-8-7

Driver Choices: Gingras 2 over 3, 5 | Dunn 8 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	LOCKED OUTA HEAVEN	Never threatened from an outside post in the NJSS; moves all the way inside now but still with a lot to prove.
2	TH SUMMER LOVIN	Comes off a nice race where she rode second over cover and just missed; will retain her longshot status but was only down a couple lengths against these two back.
3	WORKLIFEBALANCE	Gusty win to take them all the way and just last in the NJSS final; guaranteed to be part of the mix as usual.
4	PLEASE BE YOU	Makes second start following the sick scratch two back and could be tighter now.
5	BEACH BABE	Got the perfect trip in the NJSS final and had to settle for second in a nearly inseparable finish; would think she'll be leaving once again.
6	SHESGOTTHEJACK	Gave it an aggressive try two back but seems like she rates a longshot against these at the moment.
7	LONELY GHOST	Finds a tough group upon arrival here from Tioga; may not be an ideal spot.
8	RECKLESS ABANDON	Did her best to close into slower fractions last out as the 3/5 favorite and was gaining late but just not fast enough; rubber match between her and #3.

Top Contenders: 3-8-5-2

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CREATIN' HAVOC	Wasn't a factor in this class last out as a longshot; goes second start over the track.
2	CASINO MAGIC	Broke in two straight though one of those was on a sloppy-rated track; would like to see something positive over this track before recommending.
3	LIL' DAY DRINKIN	Raced inside and was evenly late in her most recent; was second at this level three back.
4	HURRIKANE WILLIE G	Generally does pretty well at this level and was hard used last out from post 9; looks like a driver change is coming.
5	MASSTER BLUE	Swung widest into the stretch last week and offered solid late pace to be second, will be rallying again.
6	ALLINDOTIME	Took aim against a 12/1 upset winner last week but couldn't get to within a length in an aggressively handled try; logical contender.
7	BANK BOX TREASURE	Move farther to the outside after having the pole in his last two tries; outside looking in.
8	KING CAST	Never involved last week as a longshot and isn't done any favors either from the post.
9	FASHION FOREVER	Was definitely closing into the top pair when dropped to this level last out as a big longshot; just needs to find a way into it.
10	EXPERT TUTOR	Took a shot against better three back and almost lasted; could be moving forward early here too.

Top Contenders: 4-5-6-9

Driver Choices: Ryder 7 over 2 | Beckwith 6 over 10

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	SKY LEGACY	Nearly pulled off the shocker last out at 36/1 and I don't think it was a fluke; will take a lot more action now in third start back.
2	NET WEIGHT	Is yet to threaten in his first two starts back against these rivals.
3	THE BRODSTER	Didn't make an impression against these last out and moves further to the outside.
4	TRAVOLTA HANOVER	An NJSS winner last out though it likely came against a weaker group than this; top connections.
5	MR WALNER FASHION	Scored a win at a square 4/1 in his start back but then was scratched sick; an obvious contender if ready again.
6	MY DEGENERATE	Took a lot of action last week and had his chance; nearly upset Hard Seven three back here in the Dexter Cup.
7	HIDALGO	I liked him a lot last year as a 2YO; was able to keep it all together last week and get past the big longshot late off a perfect pocket trip.
8	FLIGHTLINE	Finish from last out looks better on paper with all the late breakers; was backing up originally from the three hole.
9	GRANDE VIA	What an odd race he comes out of. Took aim at the leader who broke, inherited what would have been the win only for him to then break; race two back was solid.

Top Contenders: 2-6-8-5

Driver Choices: A. Miller 6 over 8 | T. McCarthy 5 over 9

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	DREAMLANDCAPPUCINO	Seems like a tough spot for a horse who hasn't won yet this year in a NW1 at Philly.
2	ODDS ON BROWARD	Was second to Manolete two back and that one put a scare into the big fave here last out in the NJSS final; move to the inside will help.
3	XPERT	A surprise winner four back when he kicked off the year, this is a big step up.
4	FLOOR IT FREDDIE	Was just even last out against lesser and now steps back up.
5	TOM HORN	Has been securing good early spots and has been leading to checks against these despite long odds; same strategy likely coming.
6	FURNEAUX	Similar boat as #1; a pass for now.
7	SMOKIN HOT SCOTT	Shows some decent fast quarters two and three back; hoping for a hot pace.
8	A GOOD QUEST	Outside post and would need to go a few seconds faster than he's shown.
9	SMOOTH DREAM	Had to earn it in his NJSS Final and remains perfect on the year through 5 races; not a great post but at least starts to the inside of rival to his outside.
10	TWIN FURY	Has had to race against Smooth Dream four straight times and hasn't been bad in any of those; would be a real threat if for any post other than
11	DO WHAT U DO	The second tier starting slot could make things tricky; likely retains longshot status.

Top Contenders: 9-10-2-5

Driver Choices: Tetrick 7 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ODDS ON SARA SARA	Handled the step up well last week with a good uncovered try to be second; logical contender from the rail.
2	QUITE BEACHY	Tough to say honestly how those Saratoga lines rate here; TM rating shows him as favorable for what that's worth.
3	PULL ME THROUGH	Steps up after a win as the heavy favorite; needed some urging through the stretch in that but had it wrapped up late.
4	ALMOST KAREN	Drops in class and was a 1:53.2 when last seen at this class four races ago; moves inside too.
5	VIRTUAL KISS	Enters from the 10 claimers at Tioga; barn is surprisingly just 2 for 68 here this year.
6	CATNAP	This is usually a level she can do damage in; a super game winner here five back though is generally dismissed in the wagering.
7	BLUEBIRD CRUSH	Received a sweet trip last week when she timely pounced and held on; steps up now.
8	LADYZAR	Returns after a trip to Philly that didn't work out; would need to show more than prior recent tries here.
9	ANNE BONNEY N	Unfortunately lands her second straight post 9 and she didn't get very far from this spot last out.
10	GIOVANA BY THE SEA	Makes third start at the reduced level; does have speed if driver wants to take a shot.

Top Contenders: 6-1-4-2

Driver Choices: Beckwith 1 over 2, 5

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	SPICY NICE	Retook from the two-hole last week before yielding in between calls but tired as the favorite; this spot looks trickier.
2	R JEZZY	Never had a chance from the outside last race against Champagne Problems; will have a more realistic try now.
3	DOMINANT FASHION	Even with the moderately improved post this is still a tough ask.
4	STASH SOME CASH	Landed Dunn on a stakes day at Plainridge last month and blitzed to a 1:53.3 mile; may attract play off that.
5	HALFADOZEN	Broke when yielding to the big favorite last out; still a longshot though capable of early speed.
6	MY HONOR	Closed belatedly last out in a useful first start back for Svanstedt; looks much more developed since last year.
7	C ME B ME	Was going to attract a lot of attention last week before the break at the gate drifted her up to 9/2; that Philly mile two back might be good enough.

Top Contenders: 6-7-1

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	TOP GUN HANOVER	Was coming into the race last out when he broke but it's hard to say what the outcome would have been if everyone at the end stayed flat; can make amends.
2	YANNICK G KEMP	Had every chance in his first NJSS race but was outkicked late by a few; will at least offer a better price this time around.
3	HURRIKANESTPATRICK	Has broken in three of his last five including the qualifier; at least Dunn kept him trotting all the way last week.
4	GO AHEAD MAKEMYDAY	Another from that chaotic 12th race a couple weeks ago, had his eyes on a possible win and broke just as he did two back. Fast though, when right.
5	ZEUS DE VIE	Ambitiously spotted and would need to prove it.
6	MOUNTCASTLE	Showed improvement last out in second start back; however still yet to finish better than third in seven career starts.
7	SAFE TALK	Tough to make a case here, but always hard to dismiss Burke altogether.
8	TE QUIERO LINDY	Not bad last out when leaving to sit third and had late trot up the inside to nail second; leaving once again.

Top Contenders: 5-1-9-2

Driver Choices: Dunn 4 over 3

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS	Last year's divisional champ returned in style two weeks ago en route to a comfortable NJSS score; should be even tighter now and lands the rail to boot.
2	JERSEY SLIDE	Still racing his way back into shape in third start back; was a 1:55.3 winner here last year.
3	SANTA CATERINA	Well spotted and looked pretty good through mid stretch before tiring late in first start back; could last further now.
4	SOUND JUDGEMENT	Really encouraging first race back. Showed speed, was shuffled after yielding but closed with a ton of late trot in a fast race; could be in for a big year.
5	CONVERSANO	Was easily moving best of all in her NJSS race last out against #1; Lady Suffolk champion isn't without a chance if close enough.
6	GET IT ALL	Speed player but hasn't been able to last yet; was kindly rated in her most recent too.
7	DREAM WEAVER DEO	A bit outmatched last out on the big step up; gets another try but moves outside.
8	KENDRA	A top player from last year, she had the trip in her most recent but couldn't fend off the 1/5 favorite. Fits.

Top Contenders: 4-5-1-8

Driver Choices: Dunn 1 over 6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	S I P	Hasn't raced badly in four starts this year after taking last year abroad in Sweden; nearly shocked two back against Aetos Kronos.
2	OUTSIDE THE FIRE	Took aim last week against Lexus Kody and still came home in :26.3; just not as fast as the top pair were going.
3	LOVEDBYTHEMASSES	Former top trotter from a couple of years ago remains waiting to be heard from in the early going this year.
4	AQUARIUS FACE S	Found this level a bit tough last out from the rail; would need some luck.
5	SOUTHWIND COORS	Made a lot of money in his last four in the Yonkers Invitation races, he's not a stranger to this caliber of racing.
6	SIR PINOCCHIO	Tired a little from the pocket two races ago here in the Cutler but did well for himself to give chase to the favorite in the Maxie Lee; speed continues to put him in play.
7	ARI FERRARI J	Locked in all the way last week and free too late; otherwise probably would have won in a very good second start back.
8	PERICULUM	The best older trotter last year outside of Jiggy Jog and came back to win the Cutler last out at first asking; could be looking at this years divisional winner.

Top Contenders: 8-7-6-1

Driver Choices: Beckwith 7 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CHANNING	I thought that was a pretty useful first start back, racing right in behind the top pair in a 1:53.1 and didn't seem to be under much urging; prime position to shine.
2	PRECISE LANDING	Benefitted from a series of late breakers to get what you could consider a lucky win at a big price; aims for three in a row nonetheless.
3	MONI MAN	Comes in from Plainridge and Saratoga and needs to prove he can be a sire stakes player.
4	NIGHT PHANTOM	Was one of a few in here that finished close up by default; still trotted a faster mile than prior and goes third start for Norman.
5	ONAJETPLANE	An impressive 2YO from last year, hard to gauge how he'll come out based on those three qualifiers. Chased a couple of promising sophomores in that most recent one.
6	HERCOMESDAJUDGE	Just ran out of steam late as a couple others were getting closer too; has gone faster now in four consecutive races.
7	TACTICAL DYNASTY	Long way to the top two back in a race that went in 1:53.3 and has the class; will be involved.
8	GO BOOM	A 1:54.1 winner here last year at 2, he makes his third start back on the year but is likely to be coming from last.

Top Contenders: 1-7-5-6

Driver Choices: Zeron 7 over 3

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	XALAPA	Was making some late inroads last week in her second start on the season and is in a position now to move forward off that; not to be dismissed.
2	DEJA BLU	Daughter of Atlanta won well last out when making her first start since last year's Breeders Crown elimination; no reason not to like.
3	MISS BELMAR	Last year's Breeders Crown runner-up has now made $200k while still being a maiden; return race two weeks ago needed a little more.
4	WALSPEA	Was scratched sick when entered here two weeks ago but those Philly lines do give confidence; post will give her some options.
5	ADMIRING	Is yet to do better than 5th in two recent starts here following some success in the Weiss series at Pocono; another tougher spot.
6	DUSTY D LITE	Into the cover flow in his return race last out but still found himself ten lengths down at the end; may need at least another one.
7	KNGTSTLKRS PISTOL	Moved forward off those Oak Grove miles, was aggressively handled as a 10/1 price and nearly lasted in her most recent against #2; can threaten again.
8	R LADY W	Was well bet in some key stakes last year at 2 so she's to be respected; likely to be coming from the back in first start back.
9	TORRISI	Another that makes her first start back and comes off a couple 1:57 qualifiers; would like to see one first.

Top Contenders: 2-1-7-4

Driver Choices: Gingras 2 over 9

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	MUSKINGUM	Hard to tell what kind of move in class this is but at least going from post 10 to post 1 seems like a benefit.
2	GOOGOO EYES	Exits the same race as #1 but only had a slightly improved fate despite the better starting slot.
3	ALL TOO WELL	Right down the road last out from post 10, even a first turn bobble didn't stop him. That came on his first race in nearly two months; tackles tougher now.
4	COOL PAPA BELL	Tough seeing the former Hambo Hero in these lower conditions; couldn't reach against the 4/5 favorite last out three weeks ago but was still a fast race.
5	MONEY MATTERS	Plays the role as the beaten favorite in three straight races; was a 1:53.2 winner here last year.
6	BACARDI	Crushed lesser three back and won again two back before going to Monticello; would need to go a little faster against these.
7	PARODY	Was always confidently handled last week as an upset winner on the step up; playable again.
8	ROCKET MAN HILL	This is a drop overall from where he's been of late but will still have to contend with #4 who was clearly better last out.
9	LUKE'S BAR	Similar profile to #8, but perhaps a touch better. Still needs to figure a way to get involved from out here but it is possible.

Top Contenders: 4-9-5-8

Driver Choices: Beckwith 4 over 6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	DIVIDED WE FALL	0 for 21 on the career and this doesn't look any easier than those races from PA.
2	SWEET MOVES	Closed for a check last out but still waiting for further positive signs.
3	FIRSTUP	Drops in class for the fourth consecutive race and this seems like a now or never spot; should be showing speed just like she did two back.
4	BRIGHTEN YOUR LIFE	12YO lands the same starting spot as last time; hoping for some pace to close into.
5	MYSTIQUE GIRL	Left into a hot opening quarter last out and wasn't badly beaten at the end; easily her best race on recent view.
6	SANTAFE'S MJ	Closed belatedly two back and looking for similar here; still searching for first win of the year.
7	EA MUSHU	Angled out last week following an inside trip and just missed second to a 60/1 shot; in the thick of it against this group.
8	THANEEYA	Here's that 60/1 shot from above. Gave game chase last week to the 3/5 favorite and just held second over #7; speed coming again?
9	HOLD MY TIARA	Raced extremely wide last week around the entire final turn and was pretty good overall; has a shot at this level despite an outside post.
10	CRYSTAL COAST	Tough spot for a 3YO filly from post 10.

Top Contenders: 3-9-7-8

Driver Choices: None