Race Reviews
Race Reviews For December 08, 2023
Race Review by James Witherite
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
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
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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