Race Reviews

Race Reviews For June 20, 2025

Race Review by Brett Sturman

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	NEVER EASY Z TAM	Toured the track last week on arrival and now moves all the way inside for a switch to the amateur driving ranks; TM rating is competitive.
2	BACKSTREET LAWYER	10YO continues to rate as a longshot and still seeking to hit the board for first time this year.
3	CAPTAIN TERMINATOR	Enters from Pocono where the barn is just 3 for 72 here on the year, but one of those wins did come with a 18/1 horse two weeks ago.
4	JUST BETTOR	15YO's career mark came 11 years ago; long career. Would need to show more than he showed last week on arrival from the rail.
5	ARNIE'S ARMY	Took a shot last week as a big longshot and was parked for his efforts; not hopeless but does need a trip.
6	SOMESURFSOMEWHERE	Raced five days ago at Philly and hasn't been close on any recent tries at the bottom level here.
7	FERDINAND A	Continues to fire and that could be dangerous in a field like this; that speed could go further here.
8	PAPRIKE BLUE CHIP	Just seems like he's been overbet in his last pair and now moves outside; would continue to let him beat me if he can.
9	SAILOR'S SHADOW	Was well supported here three back in a race won by Our Corelli, who came back to win last week; would like even more if not for the post.
10	PACK YOUR BAGS	Seems like he would need a pace meltdown from out here; was close five back.

Top Contenders: 7-3-9-5

Driver Choices: Stillwell 2 over 5 | Goldin 1 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	COUNTRY DANCING	Hard used through fast fractions two back and had no chance last week against the slow pace from post 10; needs to show something from this spot.
2	WIGGLING JENNA	Hasn't been competitive at this bottom level in awhile, but does get further post relief to help things a bit.
3	MYSTIQUE GIRL	6YO is just 1 for 61 lifetime and continues to rate a longshot; landed a third place finish five races back.
4	MARE OF THE CITY	Was a winner at this level four back and faced better in two of her last three; not the most imposing field.
5	VINTAGE GAL	Down from Monticello and most recently Tioga and she's been here in the past; Beckwith down to drive could be a positive sign.
6	GIDGET LAUXMONT	Returns after two tries at Philly but wasn't close in prior tries here; one of the outsiders.
7	SANTAFE'S MJ	Rallied three back when second, but has been beaten by a combined 30 in her last two; similar outside post.
8	SWEET MOVES	Yet to hit the board in 8 starts this year and is another generally dismissed as a longshot.
9	EXCITING TIMES A	Didn't threaten last week and now moves outside to post 9; did rally against better three back and that could mean something in this field.
10	BEE AWARE	Offers a massive price if you go with the second start off the layoff angle.

Top Contenders: 1-5-9-2

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	MASTER MIKI	That $15k claimer was a level too high last out at Philly; lands the rail but this amateur race looks more difficult than recent ones in PA.
2	HES A SWEETHEART	Has been used hard in her last two but did win three back when she had it more her way; let's see if she can save her when starting from an inside post.
3	ARTIST BEST	Back to the Meadowlands where he scored at odds of 20/1 in a time of 1:51 against a similar group four races back when making first start for the new barn.
4	GOOD ROCKIN	Far back last week and came wide and late as did a few other closers in that race; has faced generally better along the way.
5	SEIZE CONTROL	Surprised two back but couldn't replicate the feat last week; depends on the trip.
6	WHAMMER JAMMER	Delivered off the second over trip last week and accelerated away late for the easy win in the end; continues to close every race.
7	MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING	Followed the three-wide cover of #6 last week and continues to be in the late mix; another where the pace will help determine his fate.
8	SOMBODYITREASURE	Was claimed last week for $12,500 and goes to Leamon who is sporting a 5 for 12 record here; looks like speed is coming.
9	BLOODHOUND	Pushed the pace early last week and and wasn't bad late either; banished back to the outside however.
10	YER SO BAD	Popped last week at a big number and did so off a second over trip; would need luck from out here.

Top Contenders: 3-6-8-4

Driver Choices: Baker 2 over 5

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	UBRAN RENEWAL	Rallied last week from a pretty hopeless spot to secure third; he's a tough horse to predict what you're going to get.
2	LYLEGROUND	Horse and barn yet to do better than any third finish; retains longshot status.
3	SERGEANT WALT	Had some pace to offer last week when mainly following the moves of a longshot winner; improved post could help.
4	MY WISH CAME TRUE	Was pretty hard used last week before being snapped at the wire by a 70/1 chance; consistenly in the mix at this level.
5	DEEDENUTO A	Nothing on recent view to recommend but he does drop to the bottom; still feels like a tough play on just that fact alone.
6	BRONSONS DELIGHT	Three wide around stalled cover last week and looked like a possible winner before flattening out a touch; rallies again.
7	IM A DIRECTOR N	Was to be entered Monday at Pocono but scratched maybe to opt for this spot; another that drops but wish those recent lines were more inspiring.
8	RAPTORS FLIGHT N	Had some room last week to the inside but only even pace; second start at the reduced level while moving outside.
9	MOONWARDS HANOVER	I liked him two back when he didn't fire and then last week launched a move from way back to just miss; needs to get involved but is a possibility.
10	ROCKINWITHTHEBEST	Is a 1:56 winner here this year and returns after a trip to Tioga; raced against better when last seen here in April.

Top Contenders: 9-4-3-1

Driver Choices: Beckwith 5 over 2, 10 | Ryder 9 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	FIRSTUP	Was bet like he couldn't lose last week and then raced as such; forced now to take a double step up but at least moves all the way inside.
2	DARLIN'S DREAM	Used early fractions to fend off pressure from a couple challengers last week to keep going and win; another who steps up.
3	YOU BEDA ROCK	Overmatched in her last two at Philly; catches a relatively competitive group for the class.
4	TESLA POWER	Was perfectly spotted last out but couldn't deliver late; may not have to be used as hard early this time from the mid pack post.
5	LYONS MIKI	Shocked when last seen three weeks ago when burst through in a blanket finish; should still offer a double digit price.
6	SWIFT SARABI	That 1:53.2 win from Philly four back would rate a chance in here; just feel that this group is tougher than recent foes.
7	DEFININGTHE MOMENT	Quarter-moved and went right down the road when arriving here from Canada three back; returns now after two races across the river.
8	ODDS ON SARA SARA	Delivered last out as a field she rated kindly against in a sharp time of 1:51.4; how does she do on the class hike?
9	POLKS IMAGE	Goes third start for the usually reliable barn and invades from the Meadows after showing speed; would think those same tactics are coming.
10	ROMA AMOR	Early speed generally gives her a chance and was a winner at this level four back; could be in for a tough trip though if #9 to her inside goes forward early too.

Top Contenders: 7-9-2-8

Driver Choices: T. McCarthy 2 over 3 | Beckwith 7 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	WINNPANZEE	Tried to come from way out of it two back and had no shot last week; finally a workable starting slot to see what she can do here.
2	HEY PORTER	Alagna trainee was second last out at Pocono to a Hambo hopeful; nothing wrong with either try back so far this year.
3	GREENMA	Another one who was second last out in a PASS event at Pocono to a Hambo contender; not worse than second all year and that :26.4 final Q catches the eye.
4	VOGUISH	Nearly shocked in the Goldsmith Maid last year and nothing wrong with the recent qualifier against #6; some others in here already have starts under their belts.
5	MARGARETA HANOVER	Exits the same qualifier as #4 where she was beaten a few lengths; a hesitant pass for tonight but wouldn't be surprised either.
6	R DUTCHESS	Came up just short on seasons debut last week as the big favorite in a race she was expected to win; still a top effort in 1:53 out of the gate.
7	LUKE'S BAR	Was trying her best to close last week right in behind #6; continues to have to come from behind.

Top Contenders: 3-6-4-2

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ROCKY J	Was game last week from post 10 where he fought the good fight in his first start from Canada and now lands the rail; doesn't seem like first win is far away.
2	SONO CONFUSO	Not bad on arrival last out and like #1 goes from almost all the way outside to the opposite; should be moving forward late.
3	PHELGON	Steps up after an amateur win in PA but he did beat a similar group here a month ago too; can do it with speed or closing.
4	SUNSHINE'S FINEST	Wasn't bad last week when challening first over from 6th; another that can score in here with the right setup.
5	DUNSAN HARRY	Liked him two back and he almost won in 1:52.4. Was up against it last week but this is back to a more reasonable chance.
6	STORM THE COURT	Showed speed last week and was loaded with pace while in all sorts of traffic; bit of an unlucky horse that seems overdue.
7	HYPEBEAST	A couple less than ideal trips of late and feel that he'll be heard from if given the chance.
8	HASHTAG MONEY	Did the parking two back through fast fractions and is better than how he raced last week; could be back to speed here.
9	ROJAN'S WAY	Tired last out at Philly when given every chance and you wouldn't think that bodes well now from the outside.

Top Contenders: 7-5-6-1

Driver Choices: Sheridan 7 over 1, 4 | Hernandez 3 over 9

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	MUSKINGUM	Had the rail a couple back when caught in a fast 1:52.4 mile for the class; may be able to do better these.
2	ICANFLYLIKEANANGEL	Comes here from Plainridge and Saratoga while making third start back from the layoff; may need at least another race.
3	IRISH COFFEE	Qualified in 1:55.3 with a last quarter of :27.3 and has been involved in some faster races on view; may only need to stay flat.
4	DROP THE MIC	Slow start last week from the rail but wasn't bad late; won here four back.
5	PARODY	Was a 1:53.4 winner here two back and then had no chance from a bad post from the same race referenced in #1; could show speed here as a threat.
6	DEE'S RED DELCIOUS	Third start back from the mini layoff but still may need to go a little quicker than those two Pocono lines show.
7	ROCKET MAN HILL	Was trying to get into it a couple back when he broke and this is a drop from what he's been up against of late; he can win.

Top Contenders: 7-5-3-4

Driver Choices: T. McCarthy 3 over 1 | Beckwith 7 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	REMY BROWN N	Qualified a couple weeks ago to the sports best mare but then broke in first start back at Philly; may need to reacclimate.
2	HIGH FASHION STAR	Similar to #1, makes her first start since early January and I'd need to see one.
3	DANDY'S MERCY	Set a fast pace last out at Oak Grove and we'll see how those miles translate here; sports a solid record from last year at 3.
4	RACING HUNGRY	A 1:50.4 winner five back and then a winner again next out, it's been a tough trip or bad posts since; chance here to race back to form.
5	ELEGANT A	Consistent mare was last here in early May when second in 1:51.1; nothing wrong with any recent race and should be coming on late.
6	HERS HUNGRY	Another whose recent lines look strong and did well in both her Meadowlands tries here last month; speed will be coming.
7	TAKE YOUR PICK	Wired #6 last out at Philly and beat decent mares here twice a couple of months ago; barn mate to #5 may take an early shot too.
8	LOUISVILLE GB	What kind of tortorous trip was that last out at Saratoga? Back to the Meadowlands where she was a 1:50 winner here two back; renews rivalry with #7.

Top Contenders: 7-8-4-6

Driver Choices: A. McCarthy 8 over 6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CRAIGIEBURN	That recent qualifier at Gaitway actually represents a new lifetime mark; repeat of that mile would suddenly give him a chance in here.
2	ZAPPA	Up from Harrington where he's just 1 for 18 on the year; was a 1:53.4 winner at Dover earlier in the year however.
3	BLUE BAYOU DEO	Well traveled of late and would need to go a couple steps quicker it would seem to contend for the top spots.
4	DOUBLE ACCOUNT	Hasn't been bad at Philly of late and fits on paper with most of these; likely rallies.
5	BACARDI	Did well two back against a 1/9 favorite and then things didn't work out at Yonkers; back to a more do-able level.
6	DISTANT DRUMS	Those two races from PA were very good and nothing wrong with Meadowlands try prior to that; interested to see if Tetrick sticks here over #7 and I may like regardless.
7	CRYSTAL FASHION	Can't recall seeing this 10YO career earner of $2.3 million in a class this low; we'll see if the drop spurs a turnaround in third start back this year.

Top Contenders: 6-7-1-4

Driver Choices: Herschberger 3 over 1 | Tetrick 6 over 2, 4, 7

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ITS MISS KITTY	Up from Ocean where she broke; still seeking first lifetime win.
2	GOOGOO EYES	Drops while moving to the inside and that combination has worked for horses with this profile; barn just 3 for 77 however so consider that too.
3	LANDIA	Closed okay last out and now makes second start at the reduced level; would still need to go a little faster.
4	WINNERESS	Scratched sick last week but right back in now; remains yet to do better than third in any start this year.
5	FASHION FOREVER	Continues to fly home from nowhere and last week she outclosed the entire field by over a full second with her final quarter; a lively pace would help her greatly.
6	FIX-IT-UP	Nothing to show in 9 starts this year but note the barn change here; exits the same Q as #1 in the race prior so maybe use that as a gauge.
7	ALLINDOTIME	Beaten favorite at this level last out continues to fire early but hasn't been able to come home in under :30; tougher call now.
8	BANK BOX TREASURE	All in all not bad last week as a 21/1 shot and has hit the board in 4 straight at this level; record indicates he could be used more underneath.
9	DOUBLE DEALING	Hasn't been close in his last few and the move to the outside won't help but this isn't the toughest field either; maybe.
10	MASSTER BLUE	Drops right back down to the level of his win two back but that came with the perfect trip and now it's post 10.

Top Contenders: 6-2-5-8

Driver Choices: Herschberger 9 over 1 | Beckwith 7 over 4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CHEDDAR SHREDDER	Was amazing to hang on and win two back but was a different story last week when her race went quicker; inside post will help.
2	MISS YOU JOANN	Returns after a fruitless trip to Tioga but she was a solid winner here three back when last seen at this level; one of the shorter priced contenders.
3	HOLD MY TIARA	Had great cover last out but wasn't as strong as some others late; does get closer at this level.
4	JUST MY MAMA	Becomes an automatic possibility when racing at this level; jogged against similar five five back and exits a race against a class dropping winner.
5	EA MUSHU	No shame last week in being second to the big favorite and she's another that figures at this level; will be in the mix.
6	PULL ME THROUGH	Didn't have a chance last out but like many in here drops back to the bottom where there's been recent success; they all can't win though.
7	BLUEBIRD CRUSH	Exits the same race as #5 where she was a few lengths farther back; worse post too.
8	BABY DOLL JEN	Great try two back and now promptly drops back to the level of that race; post for her is a killer though.
9	THANEEYA	Well earned win two back and is another that drops to a winning level where she's outraced her odds; maybe takes an early shot.

Top Contenders: 6-4-5-9

Driver Choices: Beckwith 5 over 2, 6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	JAVA JUKEBOX	Pretty impressive career debut and was further flattered when race winner Chat Room came back to upset against Empire Breeders Classic foes next out; her race to lose.
2	UNCLE BJORN	How about this one coming out at Philly and winning on debut with Jimmy Takter driving at odds of nearly 10/1; will need to go faster now.
3	GOOGOO GODDESS	Has been up against it to some faster foes in her last pair and could be a similar scenario in here.
4	CAVIART IVY	Similar boat as #3; makes second start back on the year and seeks to get closer.
5	KADENA	Breeders Crown finalist from last year makes her first start of the year for Melander; sprinted home in that recent qualifier.
6	TACKY SUGAR	Closed well in that same race as #1 and did so despite having to angle sharply to find clearance; very playable.
7	UNO	Tired late in the mile last week in her first start of the year where she probably should have been able to hold second; should be a bit tighter now.

Top Contenders: 6-1-7-5

Driver Choices: Dunn 5 over 6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CALL ME LIGHTNING	Lone 3YO in here looks like he would need to step up dramatically to compete even from the rail.
2	AWESOME TIMES TWO	Could be a sneaky play; definitely lacked room last week when racing in behind the winner in first start over the track and had pace once free.
3	GAIUS CRASTINUS	Tried speed last out and was involved in fast Q two back; needs to save that one move and it wouldn't be out of the question.
4	BETTER THAN SOME	Drops but still retains longshot status until more positive signs.
5	LINDYTHEFOURTEENTH	Hasn't been treated kindly at the post draw this year and maybe the move to the big track will help; still has earned just $200 on the season.
6	WARRAWEE XCEED	Not bad two back from third over but then broke last out when garnering some wagering attention; rallies.
7	SALVADORS SUN	Was a big longshot when last seen here two back and probably a similar fate tonight.
8	COLT FOURTY ONE	Wasn't bad here in April but recent form hasn't been as strong and the post may be his final nail.
9	ROCKIN ROGER	Came on belatedly two back and best he could do is take back and hope the race sets up for the closers.

Top Contenders: 2-3-6-5

Driver Choices: Beckwith 5 over 8