Race Reviews
Race Reviews For July 25, 2025
Race Review by Brett Sturman
1
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | EA MUSHU | Aside from last week from the outside post she always draws support at this level; tired late off a brief first-over bid two back. |
2 | MISS YOU JOANN | Came very close to clearing by the quarter last week but wasn't allowed to do so; can easily forgive that one but has still come up short at the level in races prior. |
3 | BABY DOLL JEN | Beaten 2/1 favorite was in outicked in the stretch when last seen three weeks ago; once flew against similar in a race nearly two months ago. |
4 | MARE OF THE CITY | No moves at all from post 1 in her most recent and that was almost a month ago; passing. |
5 | JUST RENEE | Makes third start back on the year so there could be some progression forward but still seems hard to suggest from the two recent Philly lines. |
6 | WIGGLING JENNA | Looked like a winner two back following the inside run and then bit of an odd trip last out when parked and tried to belatedly advance; maybe. |
7 | SHIAN DELIGHT | Comes from Saratoga with the highest TM rating of these but was as low as $7,500 two races ago; goes first start for Czermann. |
8 | CUTTING HUMOR | Wasn't bad two back when making her first start in three months but then didn't fire last week; would need a complete turnaround. |
9 | WON'T BACK DOWN | Involved in a fast race at Pocono two back and then towed around at Philly last week; probably fits more than the seasonal record indicates. |
10 | PRINCESS GLYDANA | Hasn't been in serious contention in three races since arriving from Ocean; would be hard to see it happening from out here. |
Top Contenders: 6-9-1-2
Driver Choices: D. Miller 7 over 8
2
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | SUGAR PACKET | Nearly gave it away late two back and then did so last out when caught off a favorable trip; still boasts the fastest timed mile on paper though. |
2 | LEADING LADY | Qualified nicely with a 1:56 mile two weeks ago to win going away for Takter; some big names in the pedigree such as Maven if you go back a few generations. |
3 | EMMA MYSTERY CCL | Good progression over the course of the baby races and then last week when she tracked the move of the pocket pulling horse and surged by; should always be close up. |
4 | WHATARACE HANOVER | Useful debut as a 26/1 chance when she angled off a four-hole trip to best the rest while being a few lengths down to the top three. |
5 | LIPSTICK | Went from 45/1 on debut to 2/1 last week and got the trip but was outkicked by #3; late gains in race prior to that but now moves outside. |
6 | NIGHTCAP MEARAS S | Broke on debut so it seems like an uphill climb from the outside but there's only six horses so we'll see; second dam is Passionate Glide. |
Top Contenders: 2-3-6-1
Driver Choices: Gingras 2 over 1
3
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | SOUTH OF HEAVEN | His qualifier at Tioga from 6/22 is actually his best line on view and that alone would give him a chance; imagine he'll be up close early. |
2 | STOLEN ART | First start for Clark last week when coming down from Vernon and actually had good late pace from a wide spot to pick a bunch off late for 4th; can build from that. |
3 | ROCKINWITHTHEBEST | Well beaten in last two at Tioga and had bad posts in the two races prior to that here; at least lands a more reasonable starting slot. |
4 | GAIUS CRASTINUS | No shot last week but made a good inside push two back before being caught by a couple of the closers; rates a shot. |
5 | SERGEANT WALT | He'll be aided by the midpack post after being used early two back and then too far to come last week; was even money against similar three back. |
6 | UILLIAM | Recent three Meadowlands tries have been in the MADC ranks but is yet to be close; will be a longshot once again. |
7 | THE BIG RAGOO | No moves in either Meadowlands try since arriving from Ocean and will be another big outsider. |
8 | VEL BIG BRUISER | Took a shot with him last week on the drop and gave way quickly off soft enough fractions; have to be off him tonight. |
9 | PACK YOUR BAGS | An isolated second at 70/1 two back but that was when he started from the rail; much different story here. |
10 | COLE ON THE BEACH | Feel like he's underachieved the last month but I'd be tempted to give him one last shot against these despite PP10; guaranteed to be leaving. |
Top Contenders: 10-5-4-2
Driver Choices: None
4
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | HOOFBEATS DE VIE | Outraced his odds here when second three back and winner of his race two starts ago came back to win next out; won this level last time he drew the rail. |
2 | SNOWMAN HANOVER | Came wide last out but couldn't sustain the momentum as #7 was long gone; lands another favorable draw. |
3 | DROP THE MIC | Not better than fifth in two most recent tries here but was moving his best late in the mile on 6/20; tough trip last out at Tioga. |
4 | MUSKINGUM | Right down the road from post 9 when last seen here three back; returns after a couple amateur tries elsewhere and it's back to Ginsburg now. |
5 | SAINTS PRESERVE US | Not an ideal spot last out at Pocono but was impressive here two back when attacking and steadily drawing clear over #7; remains lone 3YO in here. |
6 | BANK BOX TREASURE | Nice trot on both ends of his mile last out to draw clear and gave game chase in race prior to that; in good form. |
7 | C KAN TROT | Pounced and exploded off the perfect trip last week though he may have not even needed it; steps up and gets another shot at #5 from two back. |
8 | WOW LOVE | In from Vernon and to Crissman; makes just his fourth start back since December. |
9 | PARODY | That 1:53.4 mark taken earlier this year rates huge but he doesn't seem to have been the same of late; seems like a spot speed will be coming. |
Top Contenders: 5-7-6-4
Driver Choices: D. Miller 5 over 1
5
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | MY WISH CAME TRUE | Gapped a little on the inside last week and then perhaps some traffic when getting closer; was a good winner a month ago but will need to go quicker. |
2 | URBAN RENEWAL | Gave pretty good chase last week through the stretch to the winner who got the early jump, game uncovered winner three back. |
3 | KNOCKIN OUT | 1:52.4 winner here this year was caught against a pretty good group here two back and then closed last out at Philly; a case can be made. |
4 | TRY LINE | Was the first one three-wide last out but flattened in the lane; one of a few in here searching for first win of the year. |
5 | TELITONTHEMOUNTAIN | Belated rally as the beaten favorite last week to close in behind #2; lone 3YO continues to close for shares. |
6 | FRAZIER HANOVER | Still remember that May 30 race where he blazed the way and held well; first start now since June 14. |
7 | ROCK ON LINE | Continues to close but not fast enough to threaten for the top; at the mercy of the pace once again. |
8 | GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE | I'd have a hard time playing off those NW claiming lines in PA but maybe he'll appreciate the move here; looks to close. |
9 | DUNSAN HARRY | No real excuse last out as the 2/1 favorite where he missed second by about a half length; another that has his moments but needs the right setup from out here. |
10 | DUCK INTO THE NITE | Inside trip when last seen three weeks ago and now lands post 10; seems like a tough combination. |
Top Contenders: 3-2-5-7
Driver Choices: Sheridan 8 over 5, 6 | Beltrami 9 over 1
6
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | BACARDI | Prevailed narrowly over rivals to both his sides when last seen here in this class four starts ago; Todd McCarthy down to drive again. |
2 | BIG CHARLIE MORAN | Over from Tioga where he tired but two back nearly shocked at Philly albeit in a lesser class to where #1 has been; post helps. |
3 | CRAIGIEBURN | Went unchallenged in a wire to wire win two back and only lost by four when stepping up to this level last week; now moves inside. |
4 | ZAPPA | Wasn't bad late last week when coming off the cones in the stretch to close; strong late surge against #1 four back. |
5 | ROCKET MAN HILL | Hasn't been involved in his last pair but that race two back went in 1:52.2; maybe it'll be back to speed tonight. |
6 | VOCALIZE | Makes his first start since October and may need a start to reacclimate; involved in a fast Q a couple back. |
7 | VELOCIRAPTOR | From pretty far back last week and was more or less moving at the same rate as a few others; won impressively in active mile four back. |
8 | BUDDY EARL | Comes from Yonkers where he makes his third start for Johnson; won here last year in a decent 1:53.1. |
9 | CRYSTAL FASHION | Had a couple chances near the bottom and it didn't work out; this group plus the outside post looks like too much for him at this point. |
10 | VINNY DE VIE | Good try despite not being able to reach last week against a sharp repeat winner; PP10 but he's one of the better ones in here. |
Top Contenders: 10-5-8-1
Driver Choices: D. Miller 8 over 9
7
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | GLAM | Gapped a little from the pocket but then closed late with a :26.4 final quarter into a leader that was slowing to just miss; encouraging debut. |
2 | ABBEY BLUE CHIP | Had it her own way last out but a couple got to her late and that was following a race where she broke prior; offers a higher price this time around. |
3 | SOUTHWIND CHASKA | Delivered on debut following an inside route and then surging once clear of traffic; impressive for the $15k yearling that only showed a single 2:03 qualifier prior. |
4 | WALDON FASHION | Has looked every bit the part of a good one through her first two starts; second finisher from her race last out came back to win next out. |
5 | SPARKS | Outfinished a touch from the pocket in her first start but still came home in :27 off soft fractions; will need to go a little quicker in here. |
6 | LUCILLE WALNER | Thought she was worth a swing last week following her first over try against #4 on debut but broke at the start; would be tougher now but could close. |
7 | PATRONA | Was set to make her first start two weeks ago when scratched sick; $460,000 yearling is a half-sister to the great Manchego. |
Top Contenders: 4-6-3-2
Driver Choices: Tetrick 3 over 2
8
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | MOTIVE HANOVER | Makes his first start since last November so will likely need one; chased class in the return qualifier and lands the rail, though. |
2 | IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N | Rolled widest from third over last out and swept impressively; that's now back to back wins in this condition at over 10/1 odds both times for this 15YO. |
3 | SEIZE CONTROL | Used a couple times last out include the first to go three wide before being outfinished; may be able to save his late burst now moving to the inside. |
4 | GEMINI EXPRESS | Faltered last week and that came parking out a challenger and tiring the week prior; tough to predict what he'll bring tonight. |
5 | YANKEE SPARKLE | Held for second last out to #2 and that came when being used early from post 9 into a :26.1 opening panel; was flying widest late two back. |
6 | WHAMMER JAMMER | Hammered all the way down to 1/5 last week and flattened after not having the easiest trip throughout; showed very sharp closes in all prior races. |
7 | MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING | Slick drive paid dividends last week to the tune of $56 where I picked him second that night. Continues to be capable of surprising; does move farther outside now. |
8 | MASTER MIKI | Parked out when challenging last week from post 10 but eventually led in the stretch and hung in there pretty well; second two back in a 1:51.1 mile. |
9 | ARTIST BEST | Moves outside but has fired in both starts since the Harmon claim and at long odds; hoping for some type of setup. |
10 | BLOODHOUND | Seems to be at the mercy of the pace from out here, plus it's his first start in over a month. |
Top Contenders: 6-8-5-2
Driver Choices: Slendorn 6 over 5
9
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | SANTAFE'S MJ | Closed very well last week on the driver change to McCarthy when squeezing out on the final turn with traffic; moves all the way inside now. |
2 | THANEEYA | Just evenly late last week after surprising in two prior wins at this level; may have lacked room for a moment though and is capable with the trip. |
3 | BEE AWARE | Completely dropped anchor by the half last week but she's right back into go so I assume all is fine; rolled two back at this level. |
4 | BLUEBIRD CRUSH | Was on a speed mission last week refusing to yield and was just nailed nearing the wire; closed late two back after being buried. |
5 | COUNTRY DANCING | Sported a good rally when hiked up to this level off a win two back and returns from a Tioga trip; can close into these. |
6 | VINTAGE GAL | Is capble of making the lead very quick and promptly drops back down to the level of her win two back; figures to be prominent early again. |
7 | CHEDDAR SHREDDER | Couldn't last on the lead here two back but was able to do so in an amateur race at Philly; is often handled aggressively. |
8 | PHELGON | Was gradually gaining towards the second spot when last seen here four back; has won 3 of last 4 amateur tries in PA. |
9 | LADYZAR | Hasn't had the smoothest of trips in either of her last pair since coming over from Yonkers; key drop. |
10 | HOLD MY TIARA | Comes off a good inside trip and was getting closer late; not impossible from out here but needs a setup. |
Top Contenders: 9-5-2-6
Driver Choices: None
10
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | TRUE BLUE HANOVER | Forced to qualify after scratching lame at Yonkers three weeks ago; looks like a tough spot in return even from the rail. |
2 | REMY BROWN N | Great rally two back here after being locked in behind a tiring leader and then came back to win next out at Philly; that 1:51 win tied a career mark. |
3 | ABSOLUTE POWER | Crushed at Philly last out in 1:50.4 and at a higher class than #2 but problem is that race was over a month ago; 1:49.3 winner here last year. |
4 | BLUE POINT | Good trip and found her best gear late to win here two back when arriving and getting Dunn; back over here after a speed try last out at Philly. |
5 | GOING AWAY | Was 50/1 last out in race won by #4 but angled repeatedly after lacking room and had great late pace; loses the post edge but could play a factor. |
6 | BLOOD MOON A | Was much better in PA three and four races ago then her last two in NY; has won nearly a third of her races this year. |
7 | STONECOLDTREACHERY | Assume she'll take a lot of play of that 1:49.2 mile at Pocono from May and then giving the Dorothy Haughton a shot; likely odds-on choice. |
Top Contenders: 7-5-2-4
Driver Choices: Tetrick 6 over 1
11
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | NORDIC DANCER S | Probably the least chance of the two others from Svanstedt in here but lands the rail; could be close early. |
2 | SKILLFUL TACTICS | Sports a couple of serious looking baby races for Taker; $35,000 yearling looks to outrace his pedigree. |
3 | ARDONNE | Finished close to #5 on debut two back and then was always safely second last week behind the big favorite; tracks again. |
4 | BRANDERS | Has yet to show he can go with these and seems overmatched right now. |
5 | MEGA SHARK | Did well to close in behind the top two on debut when holding the third spot down; second finisher from that race came back to jog next out. |
6 | I'M KRONOS S | Similar to #8 as far as same barn and both came late with solid trot in their debuts after the leader was already separated; could be a lot of talent here. |
7 | KINGMEN | Excellent on debut at odds of 19/1 for Smedshammer when he tracked the move of the 1/5 favorite and nailed him late; catches some even better ones now. |
8 | RAMBO HANOVER | $385,000 yearling left and sat the three hole on debut before gamely chasing home the pocket sitting winner who had first run; serious contender. |
9 | STEELWORKERS STORY | Has now broke in both Meadowlands races and looks like a longshot for the time being from this post. |
10 | DIABOLIC HILL | Remains unbeaten for barn that's been getting some good press from recent successes; supremely confident handling last out but will get tested from this spot. |
Top Contenders: 6-2-10-8
Driver Choices: Gingras 2 over 1, 9 | Svanstedt 8 over 6
12
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | BIG BAD BILL | Came from a far ways back two races ago and then was bet all the way down last week but didn't fire when moved wide; needs better. |
2 | WARRAWEE XCEED | Speed and then was shuffled last week as the leader in front of him tired and did well to come back on for second; split two back and is playable from the inside. |
3 | HEZA REAL DIAMOND | Up from Philly where he's faced lesser; all recent final quarters are in just the :30 range. |
4 | THE OPENER | On a suicide mission last out against better and paid the price; drops to the bottom along with a likely driver change. |
5 | CAMLACHIE CHROME | Raced better than I thought he would last out but still tired late off the first-over trip; need to see it. |
6 | ROCKABILLY CHARM | Drops back to the level where he won at of 5/30; likely needed his last following the six-week layoff. |
7 | MOONWARDS HANOVER | Arrived on the scene late last week with his usual solid late pace; 13YO could reach one of these nights. |
8 | OFFICER BLUE CHIP | Well beaten in all recent Meadowlands attempts and retains longshot status. |
9 | FLYING TIGER | Was overmatched in most recent at Philly when making his third start following the layoff; did beat this group way back in March from an inside post. |
10 | CAPTAIN TERMINATOR | Draws post 10 for the third straight race; talk about bad luck. |
Top Contenders: 4-2-7-6
Driver Choices: Ryder 7 over 10
13
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | HUNTERS GAL | Over from the amateur driving ranks at Pocono; will need to go faster but he can take back and close from here. |
2 | LANDIA | Has picked up shares against similar towards the end of June but then was scratched July 11 and not close after at Pocono; draws a nice post for return. |
3 | REAL MCCOY | Hasn't been close in any recent try and it doesn't look like there are signs that trend will change tonight. |
4 | ALLINDOTIME | Some late gains a couple back when taking the inside route; could use another ground saving journey. |
5 | CAMPBELLINI | Was down to 2/1 against these four races back but form hasn't been strong since including a distanced finish last week; needs more. |
6 | FASHION FOREVER | Evenly-type rally in a race where the winner was long gone; at least reached into that dead-heat for third and is a possibility with a setup. |
7 | RAGING HANOVER | Looks to be only about a 50/50 proposition to stay flat, and even that may not be fast enough. |
8 | HELPMEIMONFIRE | Invades off a win at Hoosier and then a big one at an Indiana fair. Goes to Bongiorno and that angle has played well at times. |
9 | MASSTER BLUE | Pulled out a win in early June but has offered nothing since; similar profile to #10 in some ways. |
10 | HURRIKANE WILLIE G | Looked to be in better form in June and gave way when close up last week; looks like a longshot now. |
Top Contenders: 8-6-4-2
Driver Choices: Zeron 7 over 4
14
Race
H | Horse | Comments |
---|---|---|
1 | GIRL ALMIGHTY | Lands the rail but hasn't been close since arrival; a minor share would be an accomplishment. |
2 | GIOVANA BY THE SEA | Popped pocket last week but was outkicked and tired; came on the change to Dunn too. |
3 | CATNAP | Picked her two races ago at 19/1 where she missed by a neck; active through her mile last week also and continues to race better than her odds indicate. |
4 | HOUSE BLEND | Hard to see maiden coming up here and winning off those NW1's in PA; involved in a fast mile at Pocono five back the end of April. |
5 | PULL ME THROUGH | Denied #3 two back and closed from way back last week to not miss second by much in that rally; post gives options. |
6 | TESLA POWER | Ultra determined winner here three back at 33/1 in a race I picked her second; gets to drop a notch too on the return from PA and NY. |
7 | ODDS ON SARA SARA | Well driven win last week and took off once past the tiring leader; capable of winning right back. |
8 | ALMOST KAREN | Tried to follow the winning move of #7 last week and at least did well enough to get up late in a photo for second at 40/1; closes. |
9 | GRACEFUL GALA | Showed speed into that 1:51.1 mile two back at Pocono and then no shot from post 8 at Yonkers; what does she do here. |
10 | ROMA AMOR | Never involved and never close last out at 9/5 which was somewhat surprising. Not sure this spot is any easier and gets post 10; tough decision. |
Top Contenders: 7-5-3-6
Driver Choices: none