Race Reviews

Race Reviews For April 27, 2024

Race Review by James Witherite

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	MEET THE CREEPER	Closed boldly to just miss last week, much as he did five back. Likely fresh here, but trip-dependent.
2	YAYAS HOT SPOT N	Was worn down by #4 in their duel behind #9 last week. Late regression in past lines concerns.
3	SUNSHINE'S FINEST	Gets a mild cut back after improved staying efforts in his last two. Credit sustained press 3 back, too.
4	MARTY MONKHOUSER A	In pursuit of #9 last out, he won the duel for second on the turn but ultimately tired. Kinder trip a must.
5	GAZOO	Circled four-wide to pass horses in the stretch last week after stalking to hit the board 2 and 3 back.
6	MY WISH CAME TRUE	Rode cover into the ticket in his last three, and now he gains Verruso. Pace pressure afore is likely.
7	ROCK JAGGER	Rises mildly after pressing to victory last Friday. This guy's settling into a groove. Capable stayer.
8	JUST A ROCKET MAN	After sweeping a TM<71 series, he just missed from the pocket on the rise. Likely pressure catalyst.
9	WAY TO CLOSE	Threw down a :54 first half and had enough left at the line last week. Best when involved early.
10	FERDINAND A	Tired badly after being embroiled in a duel early last week. Class relief is offset by poor post draw.

Top Contenders: 7-5-6-9

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	GOOD ROCKIN	Yes, he seeks back-to-back wins, but he double jumps after having had the run of the race last week.
2	WHOLE LOTTA LOU	Cleared, yielded, was shuffled, and chased to save third last week. Now he drops and draws inside.
3	BB LUCKY BOY	Minor player at best at this level, be it from on or off the pace. Needs a lot more to go his way for best.
4	LYRICAL GENIUS A	Game second at 12-1 on the drop to this level. His middle move put him through a :27.1 second split.
5	BRUTALLYHANDSOME A	After chasing well for minors in high-level races, he got hung up in dull flow last week. Further relief.
6	BOBCAT BAY	Toiled 2 back after early exertion, but chased better from an earned pocket 3 back. Kind trip a must.
7	LITE N SWEET	Pressed a :27.4 third split before leveling off last out. Worse draw and tougher field demand more.
8	INTEREST FREE A	Uninvolved from rearward trips in two tries since rising to this level. Another outside post hurts him.

Top Contenders: 5-2-6-4

Driver Choices: Jordan Stratton: #5 over #3, #6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ON DAYBOO	Became detached from the top trio off the far turn last week, and cedes a significant class edge.
2	CAPTAIN BATBOY	Did the heaviest lifting last week before giving way in mid-stretch. Expect sharper coming right back.
3	VOUKEFALAS	Rode the pocket to a dead-heat win last week. Stakes success at 2 and 3 gives him the edge overall.
4	HANDLELIKEAPORSCHE	After a strong rookie season, he tanked at 3. So far this year, he's shown much better staying power.

Top Contenders: 3-2-4-1

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	MISTER SPOT A	Struggled for $15k at Yonkers, then dropped for a decisive low-level PHL win. Variables galore.
2	DONT JUDGE A BOOK	In from Pocono after a low-level win 4 back and a one-paced second since. Draw keeps him close.
3	BIG BAD BILL	Chased well last out after being outmatched in higher MADC fields. This feels like a lateral move.
4	TEXAS MIKI	Wired just easier two back before traffic did him in last week. Bounce theory? Needs clear road.
5	TWIN B RISENSHINE	Rises after a sharp bottom-level win on debut for Estrada. Likely pacesetter has lots of room to rise.
6	BAY CITY	Rallied from off the pace to win his last at PHL but cedes a significant speed edge to many here.
7	POSH ONTHE BEACH A	Worked around failing cover into a no-match second last week. Better trip can yield even better.
8	ABEL DE VIE	Got jammed up behind a fading first-over horse and still only missed second by 1L. There's upside.

Top Contenders: 8-5-4-2

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	HEZA REAL DIAMOND	He's shown ample raw speed in his last few. Pole keeps him handy on the rise from the bottom level.
2	WHAMMER JAMMER	Seeks a third straight win after circling and vaulting clear last week. Strong presser-stalker. Top call.
3	SEEUINNASHVILLE A	Backed up after moving off the pegs on the far turn last week. Regression in recent tries gives pause.
4	RANDOM HANOVER	Rode #6's cover into range before emerging for second .Before that, he pressed but was engulfed.
5	T DOG	He's only hit the board once in his last five. Absence from contention in bottom-level races a red flag.
6	MUSCLE FACTORY A	Pushed three-wide into the lead at this level last week before stalling. Credit the work he did.
7	MEMPHISTENNESSEE N	Has failed to hit the board in 11 starts in 2024. Improved some on debut for Jackson; trip help a must.
8	WARRAWEE YANKEE	Fourth or better in 5. Staying power off cover and raw speed noted; rises after staying on w/hot pace.
9	ROCK ON LINE	Like #2, he consistently sustains late gains to remain in contention. Outside post is his main hurdle.

Top Contenders: 2-9-6-8

Driver Choices: Joe Lee: #4 over #3

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR	Rode the pocket to second to #5 in his 4yo debut. Expect sharper second out from the NY champ.
2	ERVIN HANOVER	Back from Philly after a second win in three starts. Strong and versatile; draw keeps him handy.
3	STRENGTHFROMABOVE	Stayed even for minors in Borgata prelims. His last win, though, was at a level below the others' last.
4	BRUE HANOVER	Won three back from a cozy pocket, but has shown little twice since. Late regression is a red flag.
5	BINGE ON YANKEE	Cleared and held off #1 two back; since pressed to just miss. Amply fast and versatile; can take air.
6	MAC'S DELIGHT	Fall lines at Dover proved pacesetting and pressing ability. Recent Qs indicate fitness. Ready to go!

Top Contenders: 6-5-1-3

Driver Choices: David Miller: #5 over #4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	WARRAWEE TOTAL	Uninvolved from the tail last week, but stayed on for a one-paced third the start before. Pole can aid.
2	DA DELIGHTFUL	Pushed around live cover to win going away last out. Presser-stalker is enjoying good form of late.
3	MAYHEM HANOVER	Kept even with tougher at PHL in his last couple. Long stretch, class relief amplify staying power.
4	PRIMARY COLORS	Stayed on well from an earned pocket last out after mounting inroads off stalled flow. Ample ability.
5	C-BET HANOVER	A break derailed him on the rise to this level a month ago. Back from sickness; may need the start.
6	ARDEN MESSI N	Forgive his last from the 8-hole at PHL behind a hot pace. In March, he chased well vs. one level up.
7	GANDOLF THE BLACK	Powered clear of pressure 2 and 3 back; was pinned in last out. Clear sailing helps on the drop.
8	EXOTIC SAND	Rises on arrival from Fhld after stalking and lifting to just reach. Will have to work harder from here.
9	IT'S IN THE STARS	Failed to fire off stalling cover in this class last week. Outside draw demands more and better work.
10	CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR	Yonkers invader is stuck with the 10-hole, but he brushed and evaded just kinder 2 and 3 back.

Top Contenders: 4-6-3-2

Driver Choices: Dexter Dunn: #6 over #5 | David Miller: #2 over #7

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	STONEBRIDGE REEF	Has hit the board in four straight, including a pressing third to Jack's Shadow N 2 back. Big step up.
2	CAPTAIN CRUSADER A	Moves laterally after making inroads from astern in both starts since returning. Draw is a major help.
3	ONE EIGHT HUNDRED	It's been a year and a half since this former stakes prospect has raced, but April Qs indicate he's fit.
4	J M MANDAMIN	Two starts back from injury, and he made it back to the winner's circle! Credit his grit under pressure.
5	COLOSSAL STRIDE A	Returns from Virginia after a good second. Before that, he was on par w/#1. Best when prominent.
6	BIBLE THUMPER	Debuts for Calderone off two OK qualifiers the last in pursuit of stakes types. Variables abound.
7	LYONS STEEL	After early exertion last week, he gapped a late-developing duel and tired late. Mild step down.
8	CAVEMAN A	Stayed from an earned pocket on 4/13. All told, this is a race pitting returning class vs. current form.

Top Contenders: 2-4-3-1

Driver Choices: Tim Tetrick: #2 over #4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	ATOUGHNUTTOCRACK	Qs earlier this month were good. Pole keeps him handy; David opts on. How much has he matured?
2	WAY TO GO CAPTAIN	Only 2-for-11 to hit the board, but that includes a two-move mile in his last Weiss. Clear road helps.
3	ROYAL DESIRE	Pressed for second on debut, then was too far from range to threaten last week. Loses David.
4	MY FAVORITE DALI	Gave futile chase to #9 in their Q last week, but stayed even. A lot is dependent upon trip here.
5	ITS SATURDAY NIGHT	Governor's Cup runner-up ramped up beautifully at the end of his 2yo season. Massive class edge.
6	TENACIOUS HANOVER	Wired N1l foes a fortnight ago after closing from midfield in his first two starts. So far, so good!
7	MCCRUNCH	After an early break last out, he pressed on before tiring. Tons cleaner over this oval. Can bounce.
8	CARIBBEAN SPORTS	No threat yet for Cassar, although he stayed even with a quickening pace in his last. Needs trip help.
9	PRINCIPLE INTEREST	Hit the board in his first three but lacked in KC splits after. Back after two respectable Qs; draw stings.
10	T H TYSON	Minor player in late stakes was sharp in his lone Q coming back. Outside draw limits tactical arsenal.

Top Contenders: 5-6-7-10

Driver Choices: Gingras: #7 over #2 | A. McCarthy: #4 over #8 | D. Miller: #1 over #3 | Zeron: #6 over #9

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	SOUTHWIND GENDRY	Overcame a mildly stalling #2 to nab him for fourth last week. Expect sharper from him second out.
2	JILLIBY DYNAMITE A	Even but no threat behind #5 on arrival last week. Is he more acclimated after that mile? Assess.
3	AMERICAN DEALER N	Worked for early control on the rise last week, only to be headed by #5 in mid-stretch. Game mile.
4	CHASE H HANOVER	Back after 3-1/2 months off. Local qualifiers convey fitness; winter Meadows lines prove early foot.
5	MAXIMUS MIKI	Seeks a third win in four starts after riding the breeze to the line last week. Can take air for days!
6	JACK'S SHADOW N	Won his last two with strength and grit, but faces a major step up. Was short vs. similar at Dover.

Top Contenders: 5-3-1-6

Driver Choices: None

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	NATIVE CHIEF	He's hit the board in three of four now, and at over 30-1 in his last two. Useful exotic inclusion again.
2	BAILEYS ROCK N	Good showings in the TM<71 series paired with an inside draw encourage. This isn't much tougher.
3	HELLO ROCKY	Circled three-wide off the home turn and charged home to reach. Rises; McCarthy opts to stay on.
4	TRANSFER THE ERA	Like #1, he's cracked the ticket at big odds a couple times recently, but isn't trending as consistently.
5	CLAYTONS BETTOR N	Dueled, yielded, and re-emerged to be elevated to second last week. Among the fastest in the field.
6	CAMLACHIE CHROME	Gains Dex after pressing and closing for minors in MADC fields. Can clearly sustain long bids!
7	ROLLINWITDAPONYZZZ	Rises amid improving form and success when setting or pressing the pace. Possesses early foot.
8	DYNOMITES PEAK	Passed tired foes late last week after riding an earned pocket to second at odds-on. Draw troubles.
9	THE OPENER	The outside draw is no help, but he gets a cut back in class after ending up even at best vs. TM<77s.

Top Contenders: 2-7-6-1

Driver Choices: Todd McCarthy: #3 over #8, #9 | Tyler Miller: #5 over #4

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	CONCUR	Stalked and chased for second two back, but failed to show up from astern since. A bit tougher await.
2	BEACH BOOGIE	One-paced third for $15k two back. Since, he passed tired rivals but didn't make that much ground.
3	GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE	Pressed his way into second in his last two at Pocono. Steps up amid renewed form; grit a big plus.
4	HOMESTRETCH WES	Posed nary a threat in three local starts at this level for Quevedo. Will wait for clearer improvement.
5	SHOOBEE DOO A	Cleared, yielded, sped off through he far turn and found the line on the drop to $20k. Most capable.
6	JUST PLAIN LOCO	Respectable minor player vs. similar last month. On a bit of a downswing since; shares w/kind trip.
7	HUNT FOR CASH	Debuts for Sodano after early exertion stung him and #5 sped off on the far turn. Best when up close.
8	NEEDHAM HANOVER	A race with likely speedsters in #5 and #7 could bode well for a presser-stalker. This guy fits the bill.

Top Contenders: 5-8-7-3

Driver Choices: Dexter Dunn: #4 over #3 | Yannick Gingras: #7 over #2

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	GEITA	Has yet to hit the board in 8 career starts. Likely overmatched again; there's just enough elsewhere.
2	CAVIART AINSLEY	Back for the first time since August after gait issues troubled her in Lexington. April Qs are OK.
3	BELLUCCI	Bongiorno firster was sharp in her 4/13 Q. Week-over-week improvement is big cause for optimism.
4	COCCO PUFF POWER	Rode the pocket and lifted to reach in her 4/20 Q. Another one primed for this debut outing.
5	WHERE'S LARRY	This gal didn't do badly as the pace picked up on 4/20. Minor potential given week-over-week gains.
6	LORRAINE J	Meadows invader held sway in 1:55.2 two back. Raw speed is ample; early positioning is a must.
7	CELCIUS	No threat from astern in lower conditions since arriving. There are a lot of unknows in this race.
8	OUR SHELL BELLE	Looks to rebound from a break at Pocono. Stalked and closed OK in lower-level races here before.
9	YOUCANCALLME DAISY	Has hit the board in 4 of 5 vs. similar at YR this season. Staying power noted; draw is main hurdle.

Top Contenders: 3-4-9-5

Driver Choices: Scott Zeron: #4 over #6

Race

H	Horse	Comments
1	BULLY BOY HILL	Debuts for Johnson off a winning Q. At this level three back, he made two moves and just missed.
2	TAILGATE BUZZ	Above his last winning level after even but non-threatening third-level lines. Needs ideal trip for best.
3	DOUBLE DEALING	Had enough to save third a level up two back; did more work to take second for $30k since. Drops.
4	PROMISE FOR LIFE	Returns from a long layoff via a single Monticello Q. Speed over four turns noted; may need the start.
5	PAPA DOC	Back to two turns after breaking in both Yonkers tries. In fact, he rallied to win at this level five back.
6	TONY SOPRANO	Never involved in either M1 appearance after Pocono wins for $25k. Others show more interest.
7	DRIBBLING BI	That wasn't your typical third-level trot last week. JL Cruze? Instagram Model? Massive class relief.
8	BIG CHARLIE MORAN	He's hit he exacta in all three starts since returning, from all sorts of trips, too. Useful inclusion.
9	DONATO PATRIOT K	Saddled with a wide draw, but I like the work he's done recently, especially in the JL Cruze race.
10	DYLAN THE GREAT	Stayed even in the same race #7 exits as the tempo really picked up. Outside draw yields taller task.

Top Contenders: 7-9-8-3

Driver Choices: Dexter Dunn: #7 over #5 | David Miller: #1 over #4