Race Reviews

Race Reviews For December 08, 2023

Race Review by James Witherite

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	SKYWAY BILLY	Back after a month away. Was flat in last, but shouldn't have as quick a pace to contend with.
2	BACKSTREET LAWYER	Draws more cozily than in his last five starts, none of which particularly inspired. Needs live cover.
3	MV OK PALACIO BR	Failed to fire last week but rode the pocket to a fast second two back. Draw can keep him handy.
4	FERDINAND A	Consistent MADC contender boasts leaving ability, raw speed and staying power. The one to beat.
5	KNOX THE FOX	Steadily passed horses two back, then made mild inroads 11/17. Can benefit from pressure afore.
6	CAVIART SAGE	In from Monti after posing on threat to bottom-level types there. Winless record this year hurts, too.
7	GOTTA MINUTE N	Wide draw hindered this guy last out, but he didn't lack late. Can sneak in for a minor with live flow.
8	SWEET MOVES	Earned minors in two of her last four via even finishes, but was outmatched in past amateur events.
9	MEET THE CREEPER	Improved second out, rallying to just miss P L Portia at 53-1! Roughie potential if trends continue.
10	STOLEN ART	1-for-37 this year and eighth or worse in his last five. Extreme outside draw spells continued woes.

Top Contenders: 5-4-3-9

Driver Choices: Joe Lee: #1 over #8

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CELCIUS	Doesn't lack for ability, noting her Philly win 4 back and effort to clear 2 back. Can stalk and share.
2	ON A WHIM	Good stalking efforts for minors at Saratoga and late gains here, too. Roughie option with similar.
3	UTE BLUE CHIP	Presser-stalker worked into third in a N3L at Philly two back. Can bounce on switch to two turns.
4	SANTAFE'S APPETITE	Made serious ground from off the pace in both starts for Lachance! Should be in striking range.
5	LET'S MISBEHAVE	Stakes-tested filly has hit the board in two-thirds of her 2023 starts. Extremely versatile, too. Strong call.
6	JUST MY MAMA	Fhld shipper closed to just miss three back, but into a slowing pace. Much tougher await on arrival.
7	RACIN FOR ROYALTY	Enjoying similar form as #5, but moving laterally from overnights. Credit her first-over win on 11/17.

Top Contenders: 5-4-7-2

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	MASSIVE MATTER	First-over bids carried him to lower-level Philly wins, and he lifted late on arrival. Stout group ahead.
2	IMA DIAMOND BABE	Rises amid renewed form and versatility. After closing at Philly, she battled under pressure here.
3	SEVENSHOTSOBOURBON	Too far to threaten on arrival last week despite mild late gains. This field shapes up as tougher.
4	SWAN FLYER	Returns from 2-1/2-month layoff off a sharp Q. Best when nestled close; figures strongly off the shelf.
5	BEER CHEESE	Break cost him last week at Yonkers; switches to two turns and drops but so do four of his rivals.
6	BALENCIAGA	Returns to a softer spot after encountering trouble in his last three. Clearly capable, but mind value.
7	BETTERINPINEHURST	Back to winning level after wide draws troubled in tougher Philly fields. Can both leave and press.
8	NEW RULES	Solid winner at this level 2 back worked hard to clear tougher and battled gamely. Strong right now.
9	SMART AS HILL	Since his series final win on 11/3, he's been outmatched against tougher. Wide draw hinders more.

Top Contenders: 7-8-6-4

Driver Choices: Braxten Boyd: #2 over #3 | Corey Callahan: #8 over #7

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	KATANA	Forgive his failed three-wide push at Rosecroft last out. This much kinder starting spot should aid.
2	DROWNS THE WHISKEY	One-paced from close in an $8k claimer four back, but largely uninspiring since. Watch and assess.
3	PACK YOUR BAGS	In three starts back from a 6-month layoff, he's not posed any threat. Wait for signs of improvement.
4	UNIQUE BEACH	Drops from $15k types at Yonkers, in which he was even. Trip dependent, but can press and stalk.
5	IN NEVADA N	Stalked cozily before fading last time, but stayed on better twice prior. Mixed bag of late, to be frank.
6	PAPRIKE BLUE CHIP	Uncovered pressing bids twice in his last three proved too tough. Kinder trip does a lot of good.
7	ROCKABILLY CHARM	Seems to have regained his stride in recent Freehold races. Improved finishing strength a big plus.
8	THNDRFRMTHETHRON N	Pressed into second in the slop and stuck around late. Consistent stayer capable of sustained effort.
9	HURRIKANEMYSHANNON	Chased from an easy pocket last out; gained belatedly earlier in the fall. There are bright spots.
10	TIDAL SHARK	Shuffled to last on 12/1 and still made 5L late. Before that, he overcame stalled cover mildly. Minor.

Top Contenders: 8-4-7-10

Driver Choices: Joe Lee: #7 over #1, #3

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	MISSILE	Gains in N5L fields at Philly are a plus. Forgive last due to mid-race traffic. Figures to be handy.
2	URNTROUBLE HANOVER	Breaks troubled this guy in the fall, and his 11/25 Q was uninspiring. Will likely need the start.
3	P CHICO	Consistent minor player at this level and tougher shows ability to sustain wide gains and not regress.
4	FASHION KEN	Hit or miss of late. Three back, he circled wide and flew home; last out, he lacked. Who shows up?
5	PINEWOOD HANOVER	Broke in 3 of 4, but has stayed on stoutly to share in tougher fields. Class drop and big track can aid.
6	SECRET OR NOT	Non-threatening in recent tries but has had enough to stick around for minors. Minor option w/cover.
7	BELIEVER	Rose to this level last week, cleared, yielded, and chased for a one-paced third. Trending upward.
8	KEYSTONE APACHE	Philly invader's gonna have to bring a lot more in terms of raw speed to contend; post hinders.
9	DRIBBLING BI	After a confidence-building win, he's back up slightly. Wide gains 2 back are promising. Can share.

Top Contenders: 5-1-7-3

Driver Choices: Braxten Boyd: #6 over #2 | Marcus Miller: #3 over #4, #7

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CLOUDBREAK	Worked to clear on debut for Erzene last week but gave way a quarter out. Others stay stronger.
2	TEAM MAC	Of the invaders, this one impresses most. Level finishes in fast miles over three turns prove fitness.
3	JERRYTONE	When handy to the pace, he's able to stay on. Potential for traffic trouble is my main concern for him.
4	CAMLACHIE CHROME	Excusing 12/1 in the slop, he's the strongest closer in the field. Strong sweeps 2 and 3 back entice.
5	CHEYENNE RYAN LEE	Stalked and closed for minors in Philly amateur races in 3 of his last 4. Can share with clear road.
6	WHAMMER JAMMER	Earned his first-over win three back and made serious late inroads last out. As sharp as any here.
7	LINCOLN BOULEVARD	Hit-or-miss on the whole, with good sustained gains two and four back. His A-game is enough.
8	ATTA BOY DAN	Back to a winning course and class! Two back, he pushed three-wide to clear and stayed strong.
9	TERRE HAUTE	Burke trainee stayed on OK in October lines, but others in this field pack more potent late kick.
10	SUNSHINE'S FINEST	Swept to victory three back, but was since too far from striking range. 10-hole's his biggest hurdle.

Top Contenders: 4-8-6-2

Driver Choices: Joe Lee: #7 over #5

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ABERDEEN SEELSTER	Rises on arrival after a one-paced third from a cozy tracking trip. Outmatched in previous M1 tries.
2	MONEYMAKEHERSMILE	Stayed even with tougher in NY consistently. Inside draw can land her close; clear sailing a must.
3	BOLT OF BEAUTY	Post and class relief combine for this 22-time winner. In October, she kept up for minors in for $50k.
4	WESTERN ROSIE	Post 10 was her biggest hurdle on debut for Stallworth, but she still gained after swinging four-wide.
5	LETS RYDE GIRL	Made improved ground on the step down last week. Another one who needs a way into contention.
6	ABUELITA HANOVER	Won at odds-on last out at Monti, but only managed a 1:59.3 score. Variables abound on arrival.
7	GET ANSWERS	Steps down after chasing tougher evenly. Staying power suddenly counts for a lot more here.
8	SECRET GARDEN	Finds relief via TM provision following a N3L win at Philly. This group is kinder on the whole.
9	CASH ROLL	Since arriving, she's put together increasingly strong late rallies. Can absolutely crack exotics.
10	SHEZAFREAKLIKEME	Too far from contention last out; folded on the point two back. Mixed bag not aided by post 10.

Top Contenders: 7-9-8-4

Driver Choices: Braxten Boyd: #5 over #1

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	GOOD DEAL	Enters off back-to-back wins, both from far off the pace. Lee's got options galore from the pole.
2	SEEUINNASHVILLE A	Can stay OK when insulated, but toiled badly on an earned lead 3 back. Needs a lot to go his way.
3	SHORTYS GIRL	Rises from MADC 1 events after closing for minors at big odds in four straight. Can crack exotics.
4	SPEED SNIP	Dayton invader debuts for Alvarez after even but lackluster miles in N2L fields. Big question mark.
5	T DOG	Vaulted four-wide and shocked at 11-1 three back and since made milder late inroads. Solid stayer.
6	BIONIC	No factor in his last three thanks to a logjam two back and failed parked bids otherwise. Hard pass.
7	ROLLINWITDAPONYZZZ	Rolled from the pocket to win a $15k series final two back. Month off, trip dependency give pause.
8	ITS SHOWTIME	Won with Cano from an earned pocket five back. Ability to work clear and stay involved impresses.
9	PRINCE MCARDLE N	Two-move winner last out sprinted off through the final furlong! Raw speed and form are tops here.
10	BARGAIN SHOPPER	Toiled from a cozy tracking trip last out; was torched from post 8 three back. Draw stings him again.

Top Contenders: 9-1-8-5

Driver Choices: Tony Beltrami: #4 over #8 | Jacob Stillwell: #3 over #10

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	LADY CHRISLYN	Circled the field to win at Monti in last, and she's pressed OK in prior outings. Rises amid strength.
2	BEACH MOMENT	Cleared, yielded, stalked a duel, and kicked away on debut. Another plum draw keeps her handy.
3	SHELTER IN PACE	Wide draw kept her out of striking range last out. Consistently fast last quarters helped by post relief.
4	DANDY IDEA	Debuts for Sheridan on arrival f rom Rosecroft. Generally finishes evenly; potential minor player.
5	DBLDELITEBRIGADE N	Moves laterally after passing tired horses for third at 23-1 at YR. Early exertion cost her twice before.
6	CHEVRONS BYPASS N	Dueled stoutly last week before #2 outkicked her from the pocket. This gal did tons more work.
7	CORSINI A	Towed into minors at this level since returning from a well-earned Freehold win. Needs flow for best.
8	HEY HEY DBAY	Never involved from the outside last out. Pressing and stalking bids in PA lines are a truer indicator.
9	FIRSTUP	Steps down mildly off failed bids, but draws outside in a field with ample stalking and closing ability.
10	NITE TIME DEAL	Last week, she cleared, yielded, pulled pocket and just missed at 22-1. Tougher task awaits.

Top Contenders: 6-3-2-8

Driver Choices: Corey Callahan: #3 over #4, #7, #8 | Marcus Miller: #6 over #9

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ERINWOOD YVES	Made 3L in the final quarter against similar last week. Minor player with similar at Pocono, too.
2	KOOTENAY SANTANNA	Never got involved from astern on arrival last week, but stayed even. Early positioning is key.
3	BARRIER	Rises after vaulting clear from the pocket in :27. Can continue to build; class hike main variable.
4	SOUTHWIND SAMBUCCA	After a strong N2L win 3 back, he showed better in his second try at this level. Can rally for a piece.
5	BET ON ALABAMA	Showed little from astern on debut. Midpack draw can help him show pressing/stalking ability better.
6	FLIRTIN JK	Two-move winner at this level last week drew away steadily in the final furlong. Lots to like right now.
7	TANKALICIOUS	Break cost him in his first start back since September. Watch and assess for potential improvement.

Top Contenders: 6-3-1-4

Driver Choices: none

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE	Drops from $15k company but has shown little late in his miles, from an objective standpoint.
2	SAMSUN OF A BEACH	Double drops after showing nothing from the back last week and toiling in traffic on 11/18.
3	TEXAS MIKI	Early exertion stung him when he was in for $7.5k last week. Toiled even from cozy trips before that.
4	CATCHMEONTHEBEACH	Spa shipper has hit a cold snap, but hit the board in nearly half his 2023 starts. Watch and assess.
5	MAXIMUM IDEAL	One-paced third after stalking the top group on arrival. Staying power is ample to share again.
6	PROVOCATIVEPRINCEN	35-time winner gets major relief from $20k claimers across the river. Current downturn gives pause.
7	MISTER HAT	Another one dropping from claimers, but has rallied some from astern recently. Threat with cover.
8	SPRINGSTEEN	Made two moves to push the pace before tiring last week. Earned minors vs. tougher before that.
9	BULLVILLE TERROR	Closed in :26.2 last week, but was too far off the pace to threaten. Another wide draw likely limits.
10	FIREBALL	Batavia shipper outmatched in tougher events when tabbed with wide draws. Variables abound.

8-5-7-9

Driver Choices: Brett Beckwith: #4 over #5

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	FASHION FOREVER	Rallied to upset at 9-1 three back; chased OK two back, and passed tired foes since. Improving.
2	SWAN CAPTAIN	Can class relief lift him out of a cold snap? In his last two tries one level up, he's finished evenly.
3	CALLE PALEMA	Drops again after lacking late from a cozy stalking trip. Others are showing better ability to do work.
4	HAZYSHADEOFWINTERS	Debuts on US soil after putting a lot together in her second Q. Cut back to a mile improved speed.
5	BUDDY EARL	Nearly lasted on an earned lead on the drop to N2L. Slides a little farther down amid improvement.
6	DINGLE	Moves laterally on arrival from Fhld after mustering mild mid-race gains. Surrounded by tougher.
7	PENCILS DOWN	Pressed and bid for second last out before leveling off. Drops again off markedly improved effort!
8	CHIPLOSIVE	Parried pressure to win at Philly on Sunday, but bottomed out in order to do so. Rises, draws wide.
9	MARION GONDOLIER	He's stuck around for minors in 4 of 5, mostly just above this level. Nine-hole's his biggest obstacle.

Top Contenders: 7-4-9-1

Driver Choices: Corey Callahan: #5 over #3, #7

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	GASCOIGNE ROCKS	Ships in off two seconds, but both were against beaten $5k types. Lots more variables in play here.
2	BLUEBERRY HEAVEN	Outmatched for $12.5k, but battled stoutly in defeat at this level two back. Lots to like off that line.
3	LET'S FOAL AROUND	Winner four back at Vernon has hit a downturn since moving to New Jersey. Others stronger now.
4	SMILEANDSAYCHEESE	Angled third-over, dove in up the backstretch, and hooked three-wide to draw off at Fhld last week.
5	SNEAK ON BYE	Won well for $6k three back, then was just one-paced for $8k. Will the big track help or hinder?
6	HENRY THE DRAGON	This guy circled three-wide from astern and made serious ground on arrival. Improvement noted.
7	ARCHETTO HANOVER	Stalked and lunged late to just miss last week. 36-time winner isn't lacking for staying power.
8	SPORTS HERO	Won for $7.5k last week after two instances of exertion. Pressed hard in a game defeat before that.
9	ILLINI DUKE	His 10-1 upset two back game from a cozy pocket. He'll have to do a lot more work from this spot.
10	FIRE LIGHT	Hasn't hit the board in his last four, and showed little from astern last out. Outside draw hinders.

Top Contenders: 8-3-6-4

Driver Choices: Brett Beckwith: #8 over #3 | Braxten Boyd: #7 over #2, #6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	HL CANDY TIME	Eked into second on debut but was too far from range twice since. Pole helps, but far tougher await.
2	FIGHTING FIT	Gait issues troubled this guy in Ontario. Q on 12/2 was OK, but he'll likely need to acclimate more.
3	QUEEN CABAL	Broke on 11/16 and hasn't raced since then due to sickness. Others come into the race sharper.
4	CANDY BOMBER	Chased respectably for third coming back last week. Expect sharper second out; speed is ample.
5	CHEZACTIC	Hit the board in 10 of 17 in '23 and has shown effort in N3L and N4L fields. Can press and sustain.
6	NARANJO	Broke on arrival after doing the same twice at Northfield. Others instill more confidence.
7	COAL CREEK	Rebounded from a break 3 back to chase for minors in last two. Moves laterally; can share again.
8	KNICKKNACK HANOVER	Drops after some OK showings at Philly. Largely dependent upon trip, but can boost exotic value.
9	ITS YOUR CHOICE	Won from an earned pocket in the slop on debut for Burke. Retains Beckwith; tougher post looms.
10	KOVU AS	Came back from sickness with a steady close into a no-match second at Yonkers. Draw main hurdle.

Top Contenders: 5-9-10-8

Driver Choices: None