Plan extra time due to soccer at MetLife 7/26 (games at 4pm & 7pm). Use Paterson Plank Road entrance and stay to right at toll plaza.

Race Reviews

Race Reviews For July 25, 2025

Race Review by Brett Sturman

1

Race

HHorseComments
1EA MUSHUAside from last week from the outside post she always draws support at this level; tired late off a brief first-over bid two back.
2MISS YOU JOANNCame 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.
3BABY DOLL JENBeaten 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.
4MARE OF THE CITYNo moves at all from post 1 in her most recent and that was almost a month ago; passing.
5JUST RENEEMakes 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.
6WIGGLING JENNALooked 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.
7SHIAN DELIGHTComes from Saratoga with the highest TM rating of these but was as low as $7,500 two races ago; goes first start for Czermann.
8CUTTING HUMORWasn't bad two back when making her first start in three months but then didn't fire last week; would need a complete turnaround.
9WON'T BACK DOWNInvolved in a fast race at Pocono two back and then towed around at Philly last week; probably fits more than the seasonal record indicates.
10PRINCESS GLYDANAHasn'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

HHorseComments
1SUGAR PACKETNearly 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.
2LEADING LADYQualified 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.
3EMMA MYSTERY CCLGood 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.
4WHATARACE HANOVERUseful 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.
5LIPSTICKWent 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.
6NIGHTCAP MEARAS SBroke 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

HHorseComments
1SOUTH OF HEAVENHis 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.
2STOLEN ARTFirst 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.
3ROCKINWITHTHEBESTWell 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.
4GAIUS CRASTINUSNo shot last week but made a good inside push two back before being caught by a couple of the closers; rates a shot.
5SERGEANT WALTHe'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.
6UILLIAMRecent three Meadowlands tries have been in the MADC ranks but is yet to be close; will be a longshot once again.
7THE BIG RAGOONo moves in either Meadowlands try since arriving from Ocean and will be another big outsider.
8VEL BIG BRUISERTook a shot with him last week on the drop and gave way quickly off soft enough fractions; have to be off him tonight.
9PACK YOUR BAGSAn isolated second at 70/1 two back but that was when he started from the rail; much different story here.
10COLE ON THE BEACHFeel 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

HHorseComments
1HOOFBEATS DE VIEOutraced 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.
2SNOWMAN HANOVERCame wide last out but couldn't sustain the momentum as #7 was long gone; lands another favorable draw.
3DROP THE MICNot 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.
4MUSKINGUMRight 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.
5SAINTS PRESERVE USNot 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.
6BANK BOX TREASURENice trot on both ends of his mile last out to draw clear and gave game chase in race prior to that; in good form.
7C KAN TROTPounced 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.
8WOW LOVEIn from Vernon and to Crissman; makes just his fourth start back since December.
9PARODYThat 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

HHorseComments
1MY WISH CAME TRUEGapped 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.
2URBAN RENEWALGave pretty good chase last week through the stretch to the winner who got the early jump, game uncovered winner three back.
3KNOCKIN OUT1:52.4 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.
4TRY LINEWas 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.
5TELITONTHEMOUNTAINBelated rally as the beaten favorite last week to close in behind #2; lone 3YO continues to close for shares.
6FRAZIER HANOVERStill remember that May 30 race where he blazed the way and held well; first start now since June 14.
7ROCK ON LINEContinues to close but not fast enough to threaten for the top; at the mercy of the pace once again.
8GOTAFOOLISHDESIREI'd have a hard time playing off those NW claiming lines in PA but maybe he'll appreciate the move here; looks to close.
9DUNSAN HARRYNo 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.
10DUCK INTO THE NITEInside 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

HHorseComments
1BACARDIPrevailed narrowly over rivals to both his sides when last seen here in this class four starts ago; Todd McCarthy down to drive again.
2BIG CHARLIE MORANOver from Tioga where he tired but two back nearly shocked at Philly albeit in a lesser class to where #1 has been; post helps.
3CRAIGIEBURNWent 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.
4ZAPPAWasn't bad late last week when coming off the cones in the stretch to close; strong late surge against #1 four back.
5ROCKET MAN HILLHasn'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.
6VOCALIZEMakes his first start since October and may need a start to reacclimate; involved in a fast Q a couple back.
7VELOCIRAPTORFrom 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.
8BUDDY EARLComes from Yonkers where he makes his third start for Johnson; won here last year in a decent 1:53.1.
9CRYSTAL FASHIONHad 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.
10VINNY DE VIEGood 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

HHorseComments
1GLAMGapped 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.
2ABBEY BLUE CHIPHad 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.
3SOUTHWIND CHASKADelivered 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.
4WALDON FASHIONHas 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.
5SPARKSOutfinished 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.
6LUCILLE WALNERThought 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.
7PATRONAWas 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

HHorseComments
1MOTIVE HANOVERMakes his first start since last November so will likely need one; chased class in the return qualifier and lands the rail, though.
2IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE NRolled 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.
3SEIZE CONTROLUsed 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.
4GEMINI EXPRESSFaltered last week and that came parking out a challenger and tiring the week prior; tough to predict what he'll bring tonight.
5YANKEE SPARKLEHeld 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.
6WHAMMER JAMMERHammered 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.
7MIDNIGHT LIGHTNINGSlick 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.
8MASTER MIKIParked 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.
9ARTIST BESTMoves outside but has fired in both starts since the Harmon claim and at long odds; hoping for some type of setup.
10BLOODHOUNDSeems 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

HHorseComments
1SANTAFE'S MJClosed 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.
2THANEEYAJust 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.
3BEE AWARECompletely 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.
4BLUEBIRD CRUSHWas on a speed mission last week refusing to yield and was just nailed nearing the wire; closed late two back after being buried.
5COUNTRY DANCINGSported a good rally when hiked up to this level off a win two back and returns from a Tioga trip; can close into these.
6VINTAGE GALIs 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.
7CHEDDAR SHREDDERCouldn't last on the lead here two back but was able to do so in an amateur race at Philly; is often handled aggressively.
8PHELGONWas gradually gaining towards the second spot when last seen here four back; has won 3 of last 4 amateur tries in PA.
9LADYZARHasn't had the smoothest of trips in either of her last pair since coming over from Yonkers; key drop.
10HOLD MY TIARAComes 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

HHorseComments
1TRUE BLUE HANOVERForced to qualify after scratching lame at Yonkers three weeks ago; looks like a tough spot in return even from the rail.
2REMY BROWN NGreat 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.
3ABSOLUTE POWERCrushed 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.
4BLUE POINTGood 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.
5GOING AWAYWas 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.
6BLOOD MOON AWas 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.
7STONECOLDTREACHERYAssume 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

HHorseComments
1NORDIC DANCER SProbably the least chance of the two others from Svanstedt in here but lands the rail; could be close early.
2SKILLFUL TACTICSSports a couple of serious looking baby races for Taker; $35,000 yearling looks to outrace his pedigree.
3ARDONNEFinished close to #5 on debut two back and then was always safely second last week behind the big favorite; tracks again.
4BRANDERSHas yet to show he can go with these and seems overmatched right now.
5MEGA SHARKDid 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.
6I'M KRONOS SSimilar 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.
7KINGMENExcellent 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.
8RAMBO 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.
9STEELWORKERS STORYHas now broke in both Meadowlands races and looks like a longshot for the time being from this post.
10DIABOLIC HILLRemains 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

HHorseComments
1BIG BAD BILLCame 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.
2WARRAWEE XCEEDSpeed 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.
3HEZA REAL DIAMONDUp from Philly where he's faced lesser; all recent final quarters are in just the :30 range.
4THE OPENEROn a suicide mission last out against better and paid the price; drops to the bottom along with a likely driver change.
5CAMLACHIE CHROMERaced better than I thought he would last out but still tired late off the first-over trip; need to see it.
6ROCKABILLY CHARMDrops back to the level where he won at of 5/30; likely needed his last following the six-week layoff.
7MOONWARDS HANOVERArrived on the scene late last week with his usual solid late pace; 13YO could reach one of these nights.
8OFFICER BLUE CHIPWell beaten in all recent Meadowlands attempts and retains longshot status.
9FLYING TIGERWas 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.
10CAPTAIN TERMINATORDraws 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

HHorseComments
1HUNTERS GALOver from the amateur driving ranks at Pocono; will need to go faster but he can take back and close from here.
2LANDIAHas 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.
3REAL MCCOYHasn't been close in any recent try and it doesn't look like there are signs that trend will change tonight.
4ALLINDOTIMESome late gains a couple back when taking the inside route; could use another ground saving journey.
5CAMPBELLINIWas down to 2/1 against these four races back but form hasn't been strong since including a distanced finish last week; needs more.
6FASHION FOREVEREvenly-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.
7RAGING HANOVERLooks to be only about a 50/50 proposition to stay flat, and even that may not be fast enough.
8HELPMEIMONFIREInvades 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.
9MASSTER BLUEPulled out a win in early June but has offered nothing since; similar profile to #10 in some ways.
10HURRIKANE WILLIE GLooked 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

HHorseComments
1GIRL ALMIGHTYLands the rail but hasn't been close since arrival; a minor share would be an accomplishment.
2GIOVANA BY THE SEAPopped pocket last week but was outkicked and tired; came on the change to Dunn too.
3CATNAPPicked 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.
4HOUSE BLENDHard 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.
5PULL ME THROUGHDenied #3 two back and closed from way back last week to not miss second by much in that rally; post gives options.
6TESLA POWERUltra 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.
7ODDS ON SARA SARAWell driven win last week and took off once past the tiring leader; capable of winning right back.
8ALMOST KARENTried 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.
9GRACEFUL GALAShowed 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.
10ROMA AMORNever 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