Thursday, May 15, 2025

 1 Trot, purse $17,000  5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 1

2 Green Mans Joy
4 Angelic
6 Kenogami Mat 
1 Eternal Embrace 

​I am going with the logical and predictable favorite on top but I need to see them all parade. 

1 Eternal Embrace  ​is the wild card in this bunch. She is a first time starter who showed enough in that qualifier to suggest she might have lots more speed to offer, if they want to race her all out first out. That is a big if as the stable driver handles instead of the catch driver and she gets the dreaded rail. They did list J Mac and he took the obvious favorite, so maybe that isn't a factor here. I have to see her parade.

2 Green
Mans Joy  ​was 2nd last time to a strong and powerful well means winner and avoids any types like that here. She is the one to beat off current form and ability. She is 0 for 13 though so the jury is out if she wins when she is supposed to. A good post here and J Mac so there should be no excuses.

3 Banks A Million   
seems to be a one speed type and because of that she is 0 for 15 lifetime, with only one 2nd place finish. She follows along well, but she just hasn't been good enough to pass the faster contenders. She would need all of them to make mistakes here.

4 Angelic
went faster last week, made the lead and opened up 3 lengths in the stretch but was mowed down on the line by one who looks to be pretty nice horse. She is one of a few who look plausible here, but her tendency to find a way to snatch defeat from the hands of victory is troubling when she generally brings a short price. I'd use her, but not confidently. 

5 Long Legs   draws better this time but even so shows a lot of gate breaks and needs to be handled carefully, so gets away back most times. Her overall speed doesn't play with the 3 to her inside, and as such I can't use her until she can leave a bit and go about 2 seconds faster. 

6 Kenogami Mat
  has made two life starts with two late breaks, and was sent back to the qualifiers 4 days later. This time with first time trotting hopples where he was sent out of there in 28 seconds to a big lead, and held that until the lane where he trotted in 28.2 to hold 2nd. Obviously the goal was to get around clean and show he can go speed with the hopples. Mission accomplished. Now, can he go fast enough to beat horses trotting in 56 or 57? In his first life start he trotted in 57.2 even though he made that late gate break. He has upside but he has to be seen, mostly due to his breeding. 

7 The Governor
   made a costly gate break last time and then just went around but didn't gain or lose from there. He is generally a slow starter and doesn't make any bold moves, but is capable of picking up slices by hanging around and passing failing ones late. Until I see more than that I can't back him with real contenders.

8 Frenchmoni Hanover
  drew the 10 hole last time and made some minor gains in overall time, but not enough that the connections didn't suspect she might need more help. She gets first time lasix here, and while she draws the 8 hole she can show some improvement leading to future starts. Either way, at some point she will have to start better to be a win candidate. I will watch this time but cant see where she is dangerous to the win contenders in this spot.

9 Delphi Hanover   
 in his last 3 starts for a purse was running before the gate pulled away and distanced by the quarter. He does seem to have some ability, but currently he just needs to grow up and show he can race horses and keep up. I will watch for some evidence of that, of which I have not seen yet. 

10 Stormont Calculus draws the 10 hole and shows no signs of being able to go fast enough to take down any of the contenders here, even if he drew middle of the gate, which he did not. Pass.

Recap.

5 -- Trot, purse $17,000    5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 1 

8 Southwind Caspian
10 Resolved
2 Buddies Dream
9 Happy Angel

A​nother race where I am going to the likely big favorite on top.

1 Hobnob Hanover  
 ​is not one I can back at 0 for 31 and no apparent excuses for that.

2 Buddies Dream   made a monumental leap forward from her first qualifier, where she was 22 lengths back in 2.01 flat to the 2nd qualifier where she sat 2nd and then came on late to hold 2nd in 57.1, back half in 57 flat for a trainer I have never heard of and who has no starts this year. She will have to be seen. Who knows what she actually is.

4 P L Stevie    ​trotted forward when asked in the 2nd qualifier after following along and going quicker in her first one. Now she races for a purse and will have to trot much faster if she is to win at first asking. I have to see her, but I doubt she does that. Her mother was a very good mare, so I'm sure there is something there to watch for as she likely tries Sire Stakes foes in a month or so.

5 St Pats Princess
​  shows nothing to suggest she is a WEG horse or even a competitive Grand River type yet. Nuff said until she shows that.

7 Hadley      
​seems well short of this field currently and I will have to see lots more to get in her camp. Pass for now until I see that ability.

8 Southwind Caspian    
​couldn't hold off the well meant winner last time but easily beat the rest. He went fast enough to beat these and he leaves well, and has shown some class when asked for it. He has a big shot at a likely short price.

9 Happy Angel    ​was 2nd best last time to an easy daylight winner who led all the way. She started well enough to get that trip and then moved into 2nd as another contender blew up on the last turn. Post 9 here changes that variable, but she bears watching and these aren't the toughest and most reliable bunch.

10 Resolved   
unfortunately draws the 10 hole here as she showed signs of coming around last time, lowering her overall time and coming a snappy 56.2 back half. Spotting the field 10 lengths, as she has done in her last 2 is not a recipe for success. She has potential going forward but this does not look like a good spot to break her maiden. 

Recap.

6 Trot, purse $18,000    FILLIES & MARES NW 2 RACES 

3 Wells Fargo
1 Ivy Lynn
9 Oceanview Rumours 
6 D A Dream Girl

T​his race seems wide open and there should be lots of action. I think it sets up for a price horse, all of which I have picked and it could be any one of those. Tough race. I couldn't pick one I liked and the favorites looked okay, so I passed.

1 Ivy Lynn  ​wasn't good enough in the SBOA and comes back to overnights here. She was a bearcat in the making when she started out last year, but tailed off badly. Maybe she finds her way against this kind. She has rebound potential for a price.

2 P L Sapphire   ​got the right trip last time and pounced in the stretch in good time. It gets tougher and deeper here. I'm inclined to play against her if she brings a short price. She is a bit bossy, and if she gets jammed up in a hole she might self destruct.

3 Wells Fargo​   raced better last time and got 4th money, but still, her slow starts put her in a hole she cant dig out of. She needs to get up closer early and on the move before the stretch. She gets a new driver this time, and maybe he takes a different approach. 

4 Film At Eleven
​ after two second place finishes at this level came first up last time with the trainer driving and backed away. She gets a different catch driver this time, one this barn does well with. Others look better but she has a shot if she reverts back to her good form. 

5 Lily Lace   
was a solid 2nd in her return race to the currently untouchable Zette Athena, who she avoids here. She looks primed and ready to contend with these and if her ML is correct she is solid value.

6 D A Dream Girl   
​trotted a sharp mile last time to close in 27.1 after sitting out of it in slow fractions. Now that she isn't facing maidens anymore she will have to start leaving when she draws good posts like this to be more of a contender. I suspect she can do that and is a player this time if she does.

7 Kankoon​  got her time down significantly last time, so that was a positive. Now she has to find another two seconds. I suppose with her breeding that is possible, but I like others here until she does more.

8 International Love​ showed some improvement last time adding trotting hopples, kept trotting and took her overall time down with a good last quarter. She has upset potential here if she can be towed into it and the leaders go too fast on the front end.

9 Oceanview Rumours   comes back after a long winter rest. She won 7 of 9, taking a record of 55.2 in a leg of The Harvest and banking 44k. She has been prepped with 2 qualifiers, the second one much faster and clearly a tune up to have her ready to race right away. But she draws 9 hole here, so that makes it tougher. Nevertheless, with her resume she has a shot with these right off the shelf.

10 Trot, purse $18,000    FILLIES & MARES NW 2 RACES 

2 Ys Queen Beth
7 Clarissa W
6 Royal Moon
9 Beersnsunshine Deo

​Mixed bunch but the 2 seems to have an edge if she can what she did last time.

1 Baden Baden
​ was very good at 2 making 96k but has not shown anything so far this year to suggest she competes against these. She has to improve to get me interested.

 2 Ys Queen Beth   
​stormed home in 27.1 last time to score the upset against maidens and now has to move up. She won in 56 flat then, and with any more speed she can take these too.

3 Th Monica  didn't look good parading last time and raced poorly. She was good at 2 but has not come back sharp. For now, she is a pass for me unless I see a turnaround.

4 Lisbo​n a 375k yearling didn't race at 2 but won her first three starts at 3, all at a price, before racing poorly, then coming up sick. Now she comes back here almost 3 weeks from that sickness. She will have to be seen but I am inclined to pass on her here.

5 Ibelieveinangels     
was solid last year, getting 2nd money in the Grassroots final. She has come back good, but has not stepped forward yet. She would have to trot in 55 and change to likely take this race and I don't see that from her yet. Maybe she will race into shape, but that is for later. 

6 Royal Moon
​  has to move up without winning as she won at Flm. She looked really good last time but now she needs more speed. She has a shot, but she is facing a saltier group here. I prefer others in this spot.

7 Clarissa W  
 ​showed speed last year but didn't win in fast time. She seems solid and consistent, but she might need one with these. She is a contender, but I wouldn't take the short price on her this time.

8 Kadiddle​  draws outside again and very bad starts from outside posts have limited what she can do at this level. She is one to watch as she might do if she can get back to the middle of the gate. Not tonight though.

9 Beersnsunshine Deo    ​finished well last time but draws the 9 hole here and slow starts have been an issue for her. I cant see her against this group from this post.

Recap



Monday, May 12, 2025

May 12

2 -- Trot, purse $28,000 ​   PREFERRED 2.

3 Top Mast
7 Locatelli
4 Osceola
2 Perfetto

​Have to see them, but I am inclined to play against Quebec Hanover and use Osceola only as a cover. Both look very chancy for short odds. Both of the two iffy ones parading good, so I took a pass on this race. 

1 Dealin With Dewey​ has taken to avoiding the better ones at this track by going to various B's and using his class to trounce them. That worked at Buffalo, London and Flamboro, but at this track he now has to face Preferred types due to the money he earned at the B's. I would think he is hunting a small prize.

 2 Perfetto   ​at one time would be the solid favorite in with these, but he isn't at the peak of his career anymore. He couldn't hold off Nasey last time for 2nd money and that is an indication that he would have a hard time beating whatever contenders dont self-destruct. He can however get 3rd or 4th money on back class and stability. 

3 Top Mast​  couldn't touch the top 3 last time but trotted his own mile in 52.2 for a solid 4th. He can beat these if he stays the same and the two chalks make mistakes or aren't as good as they sometimes are. He looks like the value play in here with J Mac.

4 Osceola  wired in 52.1 two back, and that is sandwiched by two tries where he made breaks and took himself out of it. McNair loses Logan Park so he is back aboard and he seems to do well with him. Still, he is risky. He has to be seen parading, although last time he looked good but then ran while moving into contention on the last turn. Steel to alum up front shoeing change. Maybe that will help him avoid making a break.

5 Quebec Hanover​  will generally show you how sound he is in the post parade and going to the gate. When he is right, he handles these. When he is not he can trot without running. Have to see him. Good race to against a favorite if he looks like he will make the gate but go off stride.

6 Phoeni​x has taken 3 in a row and is very sharp right now, but this is an entirely different level he has never shown he can handle. He seems at least a full second short of the better ones in here.

7 Locatelli avoids the top shelf types like Logan Park and Gaines Hanover and other than Osceola, who is prone to make breaks, the rest are in his wheelhouse. He has a shot in with these.

​Recap

Perfetto looked like a million bucks parading and scoring out. Osceola went off 2-5, kept it together and was tons the best. Quebec Hanover looked okay to the gate but when it pulled away he was on a full run. Top Mast followed the winner the entire way and did what he could, but he is no match for that one at this point unless that one makes a mistake. The rest of them finished in a pack for 3rd to 6th other than Quebec Hanover who was not on the screen. Shoeing change seemed to be enough to keep the winner trotting.

4 -- Trot, purse $24,000   NW $15,000 LAST 5 STARTS.  AE: OPT. CLM. $70,000. 

8 Myretirementdream
7 Myfriendjose
9 Mars Hill
2 Nasey 

​Tough race where trip will likely decide it. If I was playing a pick 4 or 5 I would be 6 or 7 deep. Couldn't make up my mind so I took a pass. Hopefully the 8 doesn't win and make me regret that.

1 Pennteller Hanover​  didn't have the answer last time after being impressive taking two straight one level below. He gets the rail here and will need more. I still don't see evidence he is ready for that yet. Maybe one day. He is bred to be good. So far, he is only so so good.

2 Nasey  seems to have one style, and that is earning him a good living at this track. If he keeps up this track he is likely to earn 120k this year. He leaves, he sits, he waits and then he brushes late. That got him 2nd money last time when he found room between horses. He is possible but he will need room again. 

3 Sparks Fly​  dropped and popped last time but now he is right back up where he seems to have trouble. He is likely to be close up again, but he would need a lot of others to have issues to win this race. Not tonight for me.

4 Spartan General​  sits so far back he needs a lot of flow and trip luck. He was flying late last time but starting as far back as he does means that doesn't always work as he just got up for 4th. He is capable and he could produce, but his style is troublesome.

5 My Buddy Sam   ​didn't have any answers last time and seems like maybe he has hit the peak and is back down where he used to be. I cant see him contending in this spot off what I saw last week.           

6 Eden Onthehill​ was noticeably good last time and got 3rd money, but these are far tougher and it seems a big task for him to go much farther forward, which he would need to do. I like others better in a deep race.

7 Myfriendjose​ is sharp right now taking 2 in a row, the last in better time than some of these are currently racing. These are tougher, but he is getting better. One of many off the right trip who could get it done.

 8 Myretirementdream​  seemed over his head in the Graduate and he draws the 8 hole here again, although these are more his type. He has some longshot potential if he can pick up live cover to carry him to early stretch and the leaders come back to them. That is a lot to ask, but not mission impossible.

 9 Mars Hill   ​was flat last week although he did close in 26.3. He now draws the 9 hole in a somewhat soft field for this class. He has an outside shot if he can get in a good cover flow, but he looks like one who might need a class drop and a better post would help as well. 

10 Willowtime  tried the best in his last 3 starts but was not competitive. He was a very good 2yo, not as good last year but still decent, but he is slumping now. He draws the 10 hole on the class drop but his form is way off and even if he had a mid pack gate post I still wouldn't like him in his spot. He has to show some form reversal I don't currently see.​ He loses Roy to the rail horse.

​Recap

All paraded okay. Myfriendjose wanted the lead, but when challenged he quit right away. Mybuddysam turned for home on the lead but they went 52.1 and that is too much for him. Pennteller Hanover had every chance at 2nd money but hung a bit late, although he is adapting and going faster. Nasey was a solid 2nd again, but no match for Spartan General who sailed by them easily and was a clear easy winner at the tote board as the lukewarm 5-2 favorite.


6 -- Trot, purse $15,000    POP UP SERIES: NW $20,000 (F&M $25,000) 

5 Allsummerlong As
2 Peso Hanover
1 Crystal Baller
3 Market Banker

Took another pass on this one. Didn't really like or hate anything here and the value didn't seem to be there. For sure 8-5 on Market Banker is bad value.

1 Crystal Baller came late last time but too late. He is in the mix but he needs a lot of things to go right.

2 Peso Hanover made a solid winning move on the turn but the winner blew right by him. He looks good every week but seemingly doesnt get the job done. Maybe tonight things go his way. For a price he is usable.

3 Market Banker moved up last time off a win and was raced easy, coming late for 3rd money. He fits with these if he keeps the ball rolling but needs to work for it if the goal is to to win. 

 4 Eternally Hanover seems to alternate good starts like last time with breaks in stride. I missed that last time but I note it now. His price will dive sharply so he is bad value if he gets bet this time, considering how variable he can be.

5 Allsummerlong As strangely went off the favorite last time but did little and was never involved. The track was bad at that point and I could give her the benefit of the doubt for that. If the price elevates, which it likely will she could redeem. 

6 Valuable Miss draws better here but she appears to be a mare that was good at 2, pretty good at 3 but now has hit a wall. She has missed the ticket in all 12 tries this year only banking 4k. That indicates that she is a bit over her head with the contenders here. 

7 The Canam Banker started slowly last time in a class that doesnt stack up to some of these and had limited powers of recovery. His slow starts di​g him a hole he cant seem to overcome.

8 Gigondas   tried to wire them from the rail last time but completely caved in when headed. It doesn​'t get easier here. I cant see him.

9 Scintillating Tom  came up empty last time off a good following trip in a class he should do more. Now he will start from the 9 hole and he was no factor from the 10 hole last time on the page he had it. I like others this time.

10 Shadrack Hanover  did not impress last time in this series and was flat at best. He draws the 10 hole and I cant use him under all those variables.

Recap.

All paraded okay. Eternally Hanover, as predicted blew up as the gate pulled away. The speed all came from the outside, with hot fractions and the outer flow gradually passed them all in a slowing final quarter. Peso Hanover had every chance again but did not do enough near the line. Crystal Baller was a solid 2nd. Market Banker sat way back, picked up 3rd over cover, then just sailed by them all with minimal urging in a slowing last quarter. Valuable Miss finished well for 3rd to show some life. 

7 -- Trot, purse $21,000 ​  5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 3 (FM 5) RACES OR $50,000

6 Grambling Hall
3 Fadeaway Hanover
7 Hp Run Detector
1 P L Rainbow Dash 

Tough to go against the two favorites here as they both paraded good so I wont. 

1 P L Rainbow Dash   
comes off a winter break and last year she made 200k, almost 300k lifetime. She was qualified twice and the second was a sharp 55 flat with Highland Kismet winning that. She needs to be seen but she could take these down at first asking.

2 Debra  
​is 3 for 3 after sweeping the Ontario Spring series and now has been off 17 days and meets males on her return to overnights. She will have to go much faster here and these are deeper and tougher. No need to push her here as she gears up for the Sire Stakes.

3 Fadeaway Hanover  
has two wins and three 2nds in his last 6 and obviously is a player with these from a good post. Scott Young is on the 8 horse, so McNair picks up the drive. He is the likely slight favorite.                   

4 Gaslight Hall
​ got it done last time but now will need to go faster. J Mac is back aboard although Davis got the job done last time.

5 Flirty Dancer
​ broke and was well back the entire way last time, and that is 3 bad efforts in a row. She comes right back on 7 days but I cant see how she improves enough to beat these.

6 Grambling Hall​ left well last time, stayed in, then came up the rail for 3rd money to a very sharp winner and an improving 2nd place finisher. He is coming along and has a big shot here. 

7 Hp Run Detector​ moves up here off a win in his 2nd start back off a 6 month layoff. These are tougher but his good early speed is a plus and its not the most dangerous bunch. Shot.

8 Veracruz​ moves up here off a flat effort and now draws the 8 hole. No thanks.

Recap.

All paraded okay. Fadeaway Hanover in particular looked great and he looks to have a bright future. Hp Run Director blasted off for the lead and was let go by Grambling Hall on the give and go, although the 7 didn't want to give up the lead the driver made him. From there Grambling Hall opened up a big lead and held well late. Fadeaway Hanover took way off, followed good cover of Gaslight Hall then tipped off him when he stalled, and was a good 2nd by about half a length. P L Rainbow Dash came flying out of the pack for an eye catching 3rd, but had too far to come and not enough time to get there. Flirty Dancer behaved and was better, a decent 4th. Hp Run Detector was good to mid lane then gave it up. Veracruz was 3rd over but well back at the end. He needs class relief.

8 -- Trot, purse $15,000 ​   NW $6,000 LAST 5 STARTS. 

3 Truffles Too
8 Mister Magic​ 
7 Century Jaguar
6 Eyes Of Justice

Avoided this race as Truffles Too looked to have too much of an edge and went off 2-5 and just missed. Not really much to play here.

1 My Holy Moley   trotted in 55.2 last time in a return from a short layoff, which is faster than his lifetime mark, but that didn't get him any money, and now back in the same class he meets tougher ones. I will wait for now but he could be viable in the right spot going forward.

2 Like Chaos   
  ​looked home free last time in the stretch and then just stopped. I see no changes so I guess they just hope he is good, then bad, then can be good again. He is hard to back when he continues to stop in the lane.

3 Truffles Too
​ dropped a line last time and now gets the power class drop and its go time. He also picks up J Mac here and I would think he blasts and tries to take them all the way at a short price of 4-5 or less.

4 No Angel Like Me  
 ​seems a couple seconds short of the better ones here and has also missed a month. I like others in this spot.

5 Bella Cavalla
​ was flat last time and has been for a few weeks now. I cant back her again until I see something more positive.

6 Eyes Of Justice​ left well last time, let the leader go, and then came back at him late. Now he has to move up and face many better ones. I don't see this race going his way but he has a shot at a minor cheque. He took a new overall mark with that win.

7 Century Jaguar    ​makes the trainer change for the same connections as he simply does not perform. He is noted as one who sweats terribly in the post parade, even coming out that way. He is a big rangy type with speed. If he could learn to relax he probably is as good as most of these. Big if. 

8 Mister Magic
​ brushed to the lead last time by the one who eventually came back on inside him and beat him to the wire. He now takes a higher tag and moves up and draws outside. Still, he is as good as many of these if things go his way and he stays on stride. Possible price play.

9 Cadillac Moon​  left well from the rail last time and parlayed that into a solid pocket trip and 2nd place finish at this level. Right back but this time the far outside draw. When he tried leaving like that at this level from post 7 he got the lead then backed away. He likes the pocket ride but I don't think he can get it here.

Recap.

All paraded okay. Century Jaguar was quiet this time, and not washing out. They put a Pelling Pacifier on him for the new trainer. In the race he went back to last then came on late but was too far out of it. He has some appeal going forward. The two outside horses blasted off, then when they settled Truffles Too took over, looked clear but began to hang and let a drifting badly Bella Cavalla nab him right on the line. Mister Magic left then took his shot late but didn't have enough to pass the leader. He looks better down a level. Eyes of Justice stayed on for 4th but cant really go with the contenders here.

10 -- Trot, purse $18,000 ​  NW $9,500 LAST 5 STARTS. 

2 Djimon
5 Masstercraft
7 Southwind Domino 
6 Willys Home Run 

Mixed bunch with two stakes refugees and one who didn't perform last time but has strong ability when he does. Trip may decide it.

1 Yank My Halo​ caught an unusually tough bunch for this class and in this case is more likely to sit and look for a slice. I like others but he has upside in the weeks to come if he draws the right field.

2 Djimon​  never really fired last time at 1-2 on the class drop and comes right back here.  He is the type that can be good one week and not so good the next week. Maybe he comes through this time at a better price.

3 Made Of Magic
​ ships in from London off the short layoff, but doesn't look viable at this level against some tough customers here. Lets see how he does to assess where he stacks up going forward.

4 Macallan
​ draws much better here but he is still facing 53 trotters when he is more of a 55 trotter and possibly 54 when he is really good. I like others for now, but his leaving ability gives him an outside chance with these. He does drop but he meets some stakes refugees this time.

5 Masstercraft​  is another Graduate casualty of Paquet and others and dives into an overnight like Willys Home Run. Trevor picks up the drive and he has done well with him before. He has a shot coming from the middle of the gate in a light field.

6 Willys Home Run tried the Graduate to start her season, and made a strong bid in Leg 1, getting the lead only to fade late. In the next leg and final she met Paquet and like many is no match for him. She seems right at her limit in 53 and change and that might be enough here as she drops into an overnight.

7 Southwind Domino ​ can be a bad actor but JJ seems to be able to get him to perform as he did last time. He generally doesn't leave great from the outside but since he has shown bullying tendencies I suspect JJ wont fight with him and let him blow out of there and see what that gets him. He has a shot if that works and he can work out another pocket trip.

8 Victor Invictus  was vet scratched sick two weeks ago and returns to the same class with the 8 hole. This is a tough bunch for him and he is better a class lower. Pass for tonight. 

Recap.

All paraded okay. Macallan looked exceptional in the parade and left hard, but in the end isn't good enough to contend with the better ones here. He might be good in the coming weeks. Djimon reversed his form immediately as he is prone to do as he moved to the lead and out sped and out classed them in the lane. Masstercraft was a solid 2nd but no match for the winner. Southwind Domino took back this time and was only good enough to brush for 4th. Willys Home Run was a shade hot in the parade, then made a hard push at Djimon on the last turn but ducked back into the pocket, then backed through the entire field. She isn't right currently.

12 -- Trot, purse $11,000 ​  NW $3,250 LAST 5 STARTS 

3 Radio Lab
1 Deliciousstone Dk
2 Mystic
7 Buck Dancer

If Radio Lab shows up and behaves he should crush this bunch.

1 Deliciousstone Dk​ made a late break last time to spoil his chance but otherwise has kept trotting. He retains his 20k claiming tag and that allows him to keep playing with many of these non performers, which he crushed a month ago and beat on the line two starts before that. Is he still the same? We shall see. He is worth a play if the price floats up.

2 Mystic​  dropped last time but didn't pop, as he is very variable in terms of the nights he shows up. If any of these is to step up and take Radio Lab its likely this one. JJ gets the steer as obviously Borth would go with Radio Lab. This is the type that JJ can motivate to try.

3 Radio Lab​ takes the class drop when he trotted in 54.4 last time which would easily take this mediocre to non performing bunch. If he passes the post parade test he looks very tough to take down by this group.

4 Quick Fix     ​returns from almost a 5 month layoff and will do so without lasix and a new trainer. He is another that has to be seen. 

5 Okeanos​  has missed almost an entire year off a lame scratch and he has had many of those. He has to be seen.

6 Talk Show Host  has horrendous form and doesn't look competitive here or anywhere else currently for that matter.

7 Buck Dancer​ has blown a lot of short prices lately when it position to win. This isn't a tough bunch, but neither were the ones that beat him last time. I will shop elsewhere.

 8 Floyd The Freak   ​comes back to this track with better form than when he left to this bottom condition. He did draw poorly and that could be a factor here. He has not won a race in the last two seasons and only made 5k total. He seems in deep here.

Recap.

Radio Lab looked iffy parading. The rest were okay. Buck Dancer was stumbly as the gate sped away, possibly tossing his head then ran off and took himself out of it. Okeanos looked okay but then took off running as well. As did the rail horse who was out of it after that. Radio Lab cut the mile but looked weak as they turned for home. Mystic stalked him then angled and blew right by him. Quick Fix got up for 2nd, but only because Radio Lab had nothing left.




May 5

 1 -- Trot, purse $21,000   5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 3 (FM 4) RACES

4 Grambling Hall
6 Tregaron
7 Rising Interest
5 Myfriendjose

1 Flirty Dancer  was never involved or close last time and comes back to the same class. She was a good Sire Stakes horse but now that she has aged she seems in tough with the conditioned mixed classes. Pass for now. She has to step up.

 2 No One  beat these types at Flm twice, but at this track the class is way tougher. He did draw poorly both times but gets inside here. He has upside going forward but has to show a bit more overall speed to be considered a win candidate as the better stock is now off holidays.

3 P L Robert G  raced well last time and got the job done at nw2 in good time, but these are tougher and just a shade faster. I will give him time to adapt to these and watch him for now.

4 Grambling Hall  has returned from a winter layoff and met some very tough customers. Logan Park and then Paquet in the qualifiers and then Paquet and other proven ones in the Graduate series, with expected results there. Borth sticks with the one he has been doing well with, so L. Roy takes over and he has done well with him before. He will add Lasix here and his win time last year suggests he can win this if the lasix puts him over the top. If his ML plays out, he is excellent value.

5 Myfriendjose   has shown gate speed before and reverted to that style again last time, blasting off, taking the pocket, popping that and winning in life's best time, which is better than any of these have achieved before. However, he has been wildly inconsistent over his career, and can he come right back and do what he did last time? He has to be seen.

6 Tregaron  gets his regular drive back here, and he has gradually raced into shape and form. Two qualifiers and a race, taking his time down each time to get where he is a contender with this bunch. He is still short a few lengths of winning this but he can show that. He left the gate well at 2 and maybe its time to show that again now.

7 Rising Interest   improved dramatically last time, taking his overall time way down and the back half was snappy as well. Now, can he duplicate that? He got 3rd in the Gold Superfinal last year, so you would think he can. Could be good value as others look like they will get bet. He was on the left line parading and then drifting out badly in the stretch, but he was going forward doing it. He has to be seen again.

8 C Kan Trot  throws the kitchen sink at us here. Ships in from the B tracks, gets the driver change to J Mac and adds lasix. She was not good enough when here last in nw2 and this is nw3 with the 8 hole this time. I would think this is a test drive to see how the changes work.

9 Wearing The Green  was parked to make the lead from the 8 hole last time then was no match for the winner and gave up 2nd as well. As he is prepping for the Sire Stakes, I would think taking back and racing him a bit easier is the plan here.

10 Stonebridge Glee   goes 2nd start lasix, but he also moves up a class without winning and draws post 10. He needs at least 2 seconds to go with many of these and I don't see any evidence of that so far.

Recap.

Tregeron was wildly overbet as the 6-5 favorite, took back and only closed with the pack, never really dangerous. He seems like he is taking his time to get his season going. Parading he is a bit of a mild head tosser. Flirty Dancer seemed nice and quiet parading but began to jump around and toss her head as she went to the gate and went on a continued run. Rising Interest left out hard but was parked to the quarter in 27.1 and then cleared by the 3/8ths and cut it from there. MyfriendJose left out, let the leader go, pulled pocket on him shortly before the 3/4 pole and then cleared and drove away in the stretch. PL Rogert G was second over and raced very well, 2nd best to the easy winner. Grambling Hall left out, sat in, followed and trotted up the inside to hold for 3rd. Rising Interest faded down the lane but didnt drift out this time. Tregaron was 3rd and 4th over, but was never gaining or keeping up and was flat at best. No One pulled first over but faded in the lane. Stonebridge Glee was back of the pack the entire way and didnt keep up as they picked up the pace.Flirty Dancer was distanced off the early bad behavior. 

2 -- Trot, purse $36,000   PREFERRED.

4 Osceola
6 Gaines Hanover
3 Logan Park
7 Fashion Frenzie


 1 Locatelli  competes hard and earns a good living, but at this level he doesn't have enough against the top contenders.

 2 Top Mast  is a young horse facing older foes who has worked his way up to the Preferred, but doesn't look ready to compete for the win. One day maybe. Not currently.

 3 Logan Park    gutted it out over Gaines Hanover last time, barely and under heavy pressure, but he has bigger fish to fry and some of these are close to taking him down. I will go against him tonight. Although he has done it before, to my eye he wasn't as good without lasix last time and he tries that again here. I guess he has to be used to that as there is no Lasix in Sweden.

 4 Osceola   made a break in his return from his winter off, then dropped and popped on a bunch he has more class than. Now back up at the Preferred, if he were to stay flat, he has the ability to win this. I will call him for the upset based on the chance the top 2 battle and get softened up.

 5 New Rules  has raced hard all year and has 141k to show for that. He seems to be just tailing off a bit and the competition is tougher and deeper now. I like others.

 6 Gaines Hanover  is a fast and consistent classy horse who whipped most of these last time and gave Logan Park all he could handle the start before that. He was a bit sore on his left hind parading and scoring out last week, and that is a bit concerning. Didn't bother him in the race though.

 7 Fashion Frenzie  missed a month between starts last time but was still a solid 2nd to a dominant winner he meets again. With some horses, this one included, having space between starts helps. Nevertheless he is capable when he is good. I still like 3 others more than him here.

Recap. Gaines Hanover went off as the big favorite, which was a bit of a surprise, and also that made Logan Park more playable and a good value winner in the end at 2-1. Gaines Hanover was again a bit wobbly all over parading, more a mechanical issue than soundness but when he races you dont see it as much, for now anyway. Fashion Frenzie continues to look smoother when he parades and his attitude is excellent. He is heading towards winning form. Logan Park was all out to win but the time was fast and Gaines Hanover is a tough customer to hold off. Fashion Frenzie led early, then was out trotted by the top 2 but a clear and solid 3rd. Osceola looked good until he turned for him then got scrambly and made a break. Didnt look unsound and its likely a foot issue or some kind of minor interference. He will get it together eventually. The rest were never involved or dangerous. Top Mast was best of the rest and he is adapting. New Rules is flat and tired at this stage.

4 -- Trot, purse $24,000   NW $15,000 LAST 5 STARTS

3 Ghostly Casper
2 Mars Hill
5 My Buddy Sam
4 Nasey


1 Spartan General  generally starts very slow as he has to be handled carefully to avoid him jumping it off. On his best day he is good enough to beat these, but those days are not consistent anymore. I view him as more of a bit player here against some tough class droppers.

 2 Mars Hill  a homebred who was bought back at the sale for 325k but never did enough as a young horse, although he shows flashes. Now, he makes his 2nd start back as a 4yo and second start for McNair after a solid tightener in the Preferred. On the drop, he is possible but will have to be seen.

3 Ghostly Casper  gets to avoid Logan Park and Gaines Hanover here on the move out of the Preferred, where he was solid behind those ones. A repeat of his last likely makes this 800k winner the victor in this one. He is the one to beat. I would not single him though. 

4 Nasey  moved up to this level without winning but was a solid 2nd in fast time to Osceola. One of many in here who are dangerous off the right trip.

5 My Buddy Sam  is a late bloomer who seems to be getting better as he ages. He has good tactical early speed for this level and can carry it if he gets the right trip. He has a shot if the trip gives him that chance here.

 6 Pennteller Hanover
  is a big ticket yearling who didn't pan out. Now, he seems to have his act together as he rises up the ranks as an aged horse. This will be a much tougher test as he meets some salty veterans here who have faced and beaten much tougher than him over the years. This is where I get off his bandwagon.

7 Perfetto  is closing in on 1 million earned, but he is older now and has lost a few steps. He beat these 3 back but the speeds are now picking up and that is an issue at this stage of his career. He didn't do enough last time at this level and I will look elsewhere until he gets more class relief.

8 Truffles Too  seems like he could use a class drop but he earns consistent enough slices at this level to prevent that. Combine that with the 8 hole here, and he is likely to aim for another 3rd or 4th.

9 Macallan   drops out of the preferred where he was way over his head but while he was 2nd at this level down the page, that was from a much better post. I cant see him with a back of the bus start taking all of these down. Pass.

10 Dahlquist Hanover  draws the 10 hole here and that really hurts one like him who likes to be near the front. Another day.

Recap

Spartan General gapped the gate a couple of lengths, was raced near the back and then made a nice late rush to be a fast closing 4th. He looked good relative to how unsound he used to look. Pennteller Hanover gapped the gate a bit but then went forward, was in the pocket but didnt have enough to finish with the better ones of these. He will need to adapt. Ghostly Casper brushed to the top at the half and then was just too much class for this bunch. Nasey kept to the inside trip then split horses late to get 2nd. Perfetto was reluctantly first up and held well considering. Mars Hill appears to need another class drop but was otherwise okay. The rest are in too tough with this bunch and werent viable. 

6 -- Trot, purse $15,000      NW $6,500 LAST 5 STARTS

3 Bella Cavalla
2 Like Chaos
4 Radio Lab
6 Market Banker


1 Cadillac Moon  was 2nd at 36-1 last time to Market Banker, whom he meets again. That was at the bottom, and these are tougher. At this level two back he was well up the track. I think he is way too class dependent to be used here.

2 Like Chaos likes the front but is prone to fading if pushed. Last time he got a 2nd quarter breather and beat all but one. I guess he is playable if he gets his way, but as the likely favorite, I would think he is bad value.

3 Bella Cavalla  gets the positive driver change here for her second try in a row at this level. She has always been one that knows how to win when spotted correctly. I will put her on top here with all of that in play.

4 Radio Lab   has bagged 46k this year already, and that isn't nothing. It indicates who he has faced and how well he has performed. Part of that also indicates how much wear and tear he has endured this year on a horse that has never looked very sound. He is likely to take some play here in a race where many look over their heads. He will have to be seen. I'm inclined to try and beat his short price.

5 My Holy Moley  returns off a 3 month layoff with a satisfactory qualifier. He gets to drop a level here but the slower winter conditions he faced are not the faster ones he faces in the late spring. I will watch him for later, but I'd think the bottom is where he is more viable if he can maintain decent form.

6 Market Banker  won at the bottom last time with a sit in trip and one brush at the end. That won't play with some of these. He hasn't yet shown as much overall speed as many of these.

7 Devils Arch  comes off a short rest and qualified okay. He looks to need at least one start to get back in the swing of things, and that might come at the bottom based on his low earnings this year. I will watch for that.

8 The Canam Banker  draws poorly here and loses Trevor to his own horse. He looks like one who would be better if he found the bottom nw condition.

9 Century Jaguar had to qualify after two breaks in a row at long odds. He did that and now draws the 9 hole. Not for me tonight, but one to watch as he races on.  

Recap

Century Jaguar and Like Chaos both paraded a little sore over their back end, Century Jaguar much worse. Like Chaos a bit hot parading, Radio Lab looked the best of all of them parading and scoring. Bella Cavalla was 8-5, which was horrible value, first over going nowhere and not really sharp at all. Like Chaos looked like an easy winner turning for home, but completely stopped. Either a bleeder or tie up horse. Radio Lab was buried a long way, free too late and then came on again with a solid finish but had too far to come. Market Banker was an okay 3rd but no real threat. The rest didn't really get involved or make any gains late. Devils Arch left well, followed, angled when the leader collapsed and then sailed home to an easy win. 

8 -- Trot, purse $18,000     NW $9,000 LAST 5 STARTS.

5 Veracruz
1 Sparks Fly
4 Djimon
3 Southwind Domino

1 Sparks Fly  takes the double drop here for Hensley and he is likely to be driven aggressively this time, as that is his preferred style. He looks to have some competition for the top here, and if he accepts a 2 or 3 hole inside trip he can pop in the lane and take his shot. One of a few who need the right trip.

2 Eden Onthehill moves up off a solid win from a pocket trip in good time. That makes him 2 for 35 the last two years and this level has proven tougher for him. I like others here.

3 Southwind Domino  takes a double class drop here off 4 races where he was double digit odds and not competitive. He will have to be seen, as his current form doesn't match his lifetime ability. If he bombs here, he gets to drop to the bottom class. He must be watched either way. I'm on the fence about him and want to see him parade for some clues.

4 Djimon  has come back for his 5yo season with a mixed bag of races. He broke in his first qualifier then followed Logan Park around for his second one, then to be tossed immediately into the Preferred at 127-1 and followed Logan Park and others around in that one. He used that as a prep when he dove back down to this level and was 3-5, put on the engine but was gunned down late. Last time, up two levels, he took the off the pace approach but could only manage 5th to some more very tough customers who would be 1-9 with this bunch. Now that he is race fit and back at this level he is an obvious contender, but no cinch.

5 Veracruz  drops out of the tough straight nw3 class, where he faced some tough customers last time. He was first over yet held well for 2nd to a winner that wasn't being touched. He dives here into easier conditions. From the right stalking trip, and a bit of racing luck he is a very attractive longshot play.

6 Yank My Halo   likes to sit mid pack and try to pick them off in the stretch. That worked last time one level below this. He is an infrequent winner and this level has posed some difficulty for him before. I wouldn't toss him but as a straight win candidate others look better than him. He would need a pace collapse scenario.

7 Serenity Cruise  was horribly over his head in his last and his finish indicates that. That was his first off a layoff and he gets to drop back to this level, but he is not as sharp as he was in the fall when he was viable with these. I would expect him to get a soft following trip here and aim for a minor slice. He paraded lame behind last time and raced like it.

8 Cold Snaps  was parked the mile last time a level lower than this then ran. She draws the 8 hole here and is very tough to make a case for. She needs to show better form. Perhaps when she drops the win off the page. She might be a good go against at that stage if she doesn't improve along the way. Not tonight for me.

Recap

Sparks Fly looked smooth and ready to rock scoring down. Serenity Cruise looked very suspect again in his hind end. Edenonthehill looked sharp parading and scoring down. On the bit but not pulling. Southwind Domino was acting up after the score out. Didnt want to turn the right way of the track. When he gathers speed, either in the post parade or leaving the gate you can see his hitch in his gait. Sparks Fly wired them, he was comfortable the entire way. Djimon half left, then went first up but was never really going forward. Cold Snaps made two breaks, looks to be some issue on the left front. 

10 -- Trot, purse $11,000     NW $3,000 LAST 5 STARTS.  OPT. CLM. $20,000.

3 Eyes Of Justice
4 Buck Dancer
5 Mystic


1 Mister Magic  a tough warhorse type. When he is right, he can easily handle these and has done so many times. However, he has been terribly lame at times in his life and now shows 2 breaks in his last 3 starts, which is what he does when he starts to feel the pain of that lameness. He has to be seen parading, but most likely I will play against him in this spot.

2 Jokic  was claimed then made two breaks in two races and had to qualify. He looks like a very poor risk at this stage unless some variables change. Pass.

3 Eyes Of Justice   has been racing week in, week out for almost an entire year and a half and it seems to be showing in how he finishes miles. He comes in for the tag here, so he gets to meet softer competition, and the odd time he can still bring it. He is usable on that angle for a bigger price, which is likely considering some of the others who will get played here. I'd want 8-1 or higher.

4 Buck Dancer  is fairly solid at this level, and in two of his last 3 he has raced well but been a beaten favorite. He has won 10 of 35 in the last two years, so at this level, he is a winner who has to be respected. Another though that the short price is an issue. He has also been the beaten favorite at this level in 4 of his last 5. He looks like bad value.

5 Mystic  is somewhat variable at this stage of his career, although he has always had that element to him. After a return from a winter layoff, he has been put on the front in two of his last three only to completely cave in. In the other, he accepted a stalking trip and finished okay, but seemingly outclassed by better ones.
Here he drops to the bottom and gets a very good starting post. If things go right he is logical, but his likely shorter price would push me to others.

7 Perfect Angel  ditches the condition chase for this bottom level nw class. Wisely, as she looked very much overmatched there. She has decent enough overall speed to play with these if things go right. Have to see her parade based on her breeding.

8 Talk Show Host ships back from Flamboro after 3 tries where it didn't work but was no better at this track. He is 1 for 34 in the last two years and draws outside. Can't make any case for him being viable.

 Recap

No noticeable horses in post parade or scoring down. Rain came, track was listed fast but looked muddy or sloppy. Eyes of Justice led to almost the half, let Mister Magic go, stalked him then was twisting and turning in the pocket, got up the rail when the leader drifted and outgamed him to the line. Jokic seemed fine until midstretch, seemed to shorten stride then jumped it off. Others werent really busy or involved but some closed with the pack. 

12 -- Trot, purse $15,000    POP UP SERIES:

4 Scintillating Tom
5 Crystal Baller
6 Allsummerlong As
2 Peso Hanover


1 Gigondas seems to have lost a few steps this year and the trainer change has not done anything to change that. J Mac picked another over him and he looks tough to back in this spot.

2 Peso Hanover has made the ticket in all of his last 5 starts but has not won in 8 tries this year. He seems to like to leave and sit the entire way. One of these times, that will get him the win. He is likely to be a short price here, so that is not good value when you put the trip scenario together with his price.

3 Shadrack Hanover on his best day can easily handle these, but those days are few and far between now. He looks like bad value in this spot with J Mac attached.

4 Scintillating Tom  takes on a more mixed bunch of aged foes here, and he has the early speed to get the right trip. McNair sticks. He looks to have a big shot.

5 Crystal Baller  is a solid, grinder, class mover type. He needs to fall into a better trip here, which isn't impossible so he has a shot.

6 Allsummerlong As  ships in from Flamboro off 2 wins and a 2nd. Before that she was racing okay but not great at the Big M, and was sold to the new connections who have stepped her up a bit. Now she returns to the big track. She is a reasonable longshot if she parades the part. Note her sire.

7 Eternally Hanover jumped off the gate last time and was distanced, something he has now done 3 times on the page. Currently others show more speed and have far superior form. He is not one I could back here.

 8 Upnaway Blue Chip  made a break and was distanced last time and shows many breaks on the page. His previous three with these types were ok. He loses McNair to another, and draws the 8 hole. Two of his previous breaks were at Flamboro, and his best when he stays trotting makes him a longshot chance if he stays at it. Post parade very important with this type. He looked iffy parading last time then ran in the turn as he was gunning out for the lead.

9 Valuable Miss 4yo mare on the fringes. Draws the 9 hole here, and started slowly from there last time she had it. She tried it first up last time but that didn't work out either. She looks like a bit player looking for a slice.

Recap

Shadrack Hanover wasn't lame or overly sore parading, but he didn't look fluid either. 6,7 and 8 were all gapped noticeably off the gate. Gigondas attempted to wire them but Peso Hanover pulled pocket on the turn and had blown by him early stretch. Eternally Hanover was handled carefully, then off cover he shot out of the pack to take a measured win on the line. Crystal Baller came late to get up for 3rd. 
Gigondas caved in once headed and was well back. 


Saturday, May 10, 2025

May 10

3 -- Trot, purse $25,000
SBOA ELIMINATION: ONTARIO SIRED 3 YEAR OLD COLT AND GELDING

1 Galen Erso 
6 Cousin Halifax 
7 Artful Dodger 
5 Day

​If Galen Erso brings his A game, he looks like a pretty easy winner. Behind him it's fairly wide open. 
 
1 Galen Erso  seems to have a significant speed and class edge on this entire field, comes in ready as he has trotted in 55 and change and clearly  he should be able to trot in 54 flat if not faster. If he gets away clean and avoids any road trouble he looks tough to beat.

2 Manforce    was raced aggressively in the Ontario Spring Final but he gave it up in the stretch. It would appear he is steady but has one brush that needs to be used tactically. I'm sure JJ is aware of that and I wouldn't expect a big move until they turn for home. He is still a maiden facing some who have won high end stakes and 3 races lifetime. He looks like a bit player here.

 3 Fast Snap  drew poorly last time but made steady gains for catch driver J Mac and nabbed 3rd money. He loses J Mac here and gets the trainer back in the bike, and he can be very aggressive at times. I would expect him to blast out of there and look for a pocket trip to the lane. If that plays out he is in the mix for 2nd money assuming Galen Erso is by himself. He has only had 4 life starts and seems to be improving. He now needs another level if he is going to play with these big boys.

4 Green Monster   is a homebred out of the big money winner Bax of Life. He took his two wins in 59 and 2 minutes, and so far has not shown the speed to go with many of these. Last time he made a break. This looks to be a very tough spot for him.

5 Day   is a homebred who has had mixed results at best, not shown the speed or class of a few in here but did trot in 56.1 in his last start of his 2yo year when the hopples went on to finish 2nd. He needs to be seen as he could be one of those that just puts it all together after a winter off. 

6 Cousin Halifax  was fairly impressive at 2, being 1st or 2nd in all 6 starts until he last start in the Grassroots final when he made an early break to be way out of it. He returned last time with the 10 hole and a new trainer, started pretty good and went in 56 flat to get 4th money. He has upside potential but Roy chose the 5 horse over him. 

7 Artful Dodger    was fast early last year then sold for big bucks to the new connections, and although he made the Superfinal​ he was parked the entire mile before backing through the field and he never actually won a race. ​He rectified that in his first start back in a sharp 55.4 then was raced easy in nw2 from an 8 hole start to pick up 3rd money in the prep for this. I would think he is aiming at the Golds again and this is a test to see where he is at, facing the rail horse who was one of the best in that class last year.

8 Rising Interest  is trotting in 54 and at the nw3 level, so that gives him an edge on many of these, on paper. On the track he seems to drift late and has trouble finishing. Post 8 start means he is likely to take back or see a lot of air. He was 3rd in the Superfinal last year, so he has a license to be very competitive with these, but he will have to be seen. He has been raced hard lately and at 2. That will catch up with him if it hasn't already. 

6 --Trot, purse $25,000
SBOA ELIMINATION: ONTARIO SIRED 3 YEAR OLD COLT AND GELDING TROT.

3 Chicago Hall
1 Lookatmegoamigo
7 Fleetwood Mac
6 Getthegreen

Wide open race where anything can happen. How many stay on stride and who does that will be key. Not enough value overall to take a shot against the 6.
 
 1 Lookatmegoamigo   ​got a 2nd at the Gold Level last year and tried much tougher in the Wellwood, where he got 5th money, the Champlain where he got 4th money and the Mohawk Million where he was inside the pylons and distanced. He was okay but nothing special in his return tightener for this race. He will have to be seen but others look better.

 2 Flanagan Sunshine    ​made a break last time but before that was a solid wire to wire winner in 55.3. His leaving ability is a plus but he is just one of many in a contentious race on paper.

 3 Chicago Hall​   will lose J Mac to a seemingly better one. Off the right trip he still has a shot here as he shows flashes of being of this caliber. Timing his one move is key. JJ is good at doing that. 

 4 Call Me Parker    ​is a maiden after 14 starts taking on some proven winners and some who have competed well at the Gold level. Its hard to see him with this caliber of horse. Maybe as the summer goes on, but right now, they are far advanced from him. He does have a shot at a good slice though, as he is a good follower, and has already banked 56k deploying that style. 

 6 Getthegreen  kept good company last year and was 2nd in the Gold Superfinal, although he never broke his maiden. He took care of that in his return, wiring in 56.1 by open lengths then made a break in nw2 as the 3-5 choice. He has shown breaks last year at 2, so he will have to be seen as he made his latest break only 8 days ago. 

 7 Fleetwood Mac  is still a maiden although he has tackled tough company and trotted in 55.3 twice in recent defeat. He is in tough here but he does have a shot as there are no standouts in this bunch.



Friday, May 9, 2025

May 9

1 -- Trot, purse $18,000 5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 2 (FM 3) RACES

10 French Vodka
5 Go Blue
8 Landing On Time

Will the two standouts on paper stay trotting? That is the question for which I don't have the answer. It starts with watching the post parade. If they can be beat, there are two clear choices to do that. Didn't like the post parade of Landing on Time and not willing to take a short price on Go Blue, so pass for me. Extended Session paraded okay but didn't make the gate.

 1 Royal Life picked up decent slices in the local series but now faces open company, many who have done well in high end stakes. Yet another you are likely to see at Grand River when it opens, which is just a short distance from where the connections train and live. For now, he appears to be a bit player at best.

 2 Ten  broke his maiden in late winter at 1-5 by pulling pocket early and trotting to an easy win. His last two at Flm have not gone well and he returns here, but now the fields are deeper, faster and tougher. He will have to show a lot more.

 3 Irish Dreamer an aged horse, seems like he can follow around in 56 but not threaten those that can do more. He is another that would be better off at Grand River when it opens.

 4 That Dude  seems like a nice enough horse but maybe this time of year he would be better off at Georgian or Grand River. Many of these seem like they will trot right now in 54 or slightly slower. He seems stuck in the 58 range. That wont cut it with these.

 5 Go Blue made the grassroots final last year and banked 37k. Since returning, with a new trainer, he has been 3rd under the line 3 times now, last time starting from post 8 and promoted to 2nd due to early interference. He has the overall speed to go with the better ones here. He has a shot if they blow up, don't show up, or don't put the effort out to win this time.

 6 Sushi Bar    broke his maiden here by stealing a very soft half. That makes him now 1 for 22 over the last two years, and he has shown to be no good at all against this class, even as it was easier when he first tried it. He looks hopelessly overmatched against these and likely heads to KD as soon as they open. He would be much more dangerous there.

 7 Extended Session  a 220k yearling with a lot of ability and just as many breaking issues. He is very chancy coming off a break in his last qualifier and being distanced. As such, he puts the trotting hopples on for this. He will have to be seen. He was good here last year when he was good.

 8 Landing On Time  tried some very tough company at 2, banking 96k and holding is own. After a mistake with J Mac in the first qualifier, Zeron handled him himself and he jogged in 56.His 53.4 mile last year pops off the page against this bunch, and if he can keep trotting, even from the 8 hole, he has a big shot. Zeron now trains him up North as Linda Toscano did in Kentucky

 9 Tencaratgold  showed okay ability and speed at 2, winning once before being shut down after consecutive breaks in his last two races. While never close in either his qualifier or first start back, he did take his overall time down. Not enough to beat some of these, but its progress. From post 9 I see little chance for him tonight, but he has potential going forward.

 10 French Vodka was fairly consistent last year with a 1st and 2nd in the maiden class and then closing out the season with a second in this nw2 class. In that one he finished in a very good 55.2 and now returns off 2 qualifiers where he has gradually lowered his times to think he trots in 55 range, exactly where he left off. Since he drew the 10 hole I don't see them blasting off with him so I will wait and watch to see how and if he has matured. He can certainly hit the ticket though.

Recap.


3 -- Trot, purse $25,000 SBOA ELIM: ONTARIO SIRED 3 YEAR OLD FILLY TROT.

5 Lil Sweet
6 Shampoo Girl
7 Green Glider
1 Exquisite Taste


Very contentious race where I could make a legitimate case for all seven of them. Have to see them but there are a lot of moving parts here.

1 Exquisite Taste  was solid last year and made 82k picking up big slices but never won. She rectified that this year and now is 3 for 3 on the season, last time in 55 flat in nw2. These are obviously tougher but she looks like one going forward as she ages. If so, she can take this bunch down.

 2 Incantation
 was a solid Grassroots player last year but drew the 10 hole in the final and had little chance in that race, although she managed to pass a few to get 5th money. She has been okay so far this year in 4 starts, so she has a fitness edge on many of these, but last time at Flm in nw3 she drew the 8 hole and was parked the mile. She looks 2nd tier with many of these so I will pass and watch her. I would suspect she shows up in the Grassroots again this year and will be bet heavily in those.

3 Stormont Beautiful   came on late in the season last year and has been rock solid, first or 2nd in all her starts, including in the return race in nw2. She is a decent leaver and a fast finisher. She has a shot here if the two or three logical ones dont perform, and even if they do, she is in the mix to make the ticket.

4 Tellers Choice   was the Grassroots champion last year then took her shot in the Gold superfinal and nabbed 4th money. She was qualified 3 times and seems to be going forward, but whether she can trot in 54 is up in the air. She might be one of those who is right on the fence of Grassroots and Gold type.

5 Lil Sweet   banked 249k last year, winning the gold Superfinal in 53.4 which would certainly handle this kind. She is now in the barn of Susie Kerwood. She is another that will have to be seen parading. She looks very good on paper, but sometimes this type doesn't translate from 2 to 3. McNair sticks here, qualified her last time and drove her many times last year, including in the Superfinal.

6 Shampoo Girl    made one start in late fall at 2, and basically wired from the 10 hole, then was shut down. She had breaking issues last year and that seems to be the case again as she jumped it off in her 1st qualifier. She came right back and wired in 56.3, so which version we see is anyone's guess. I would think her good version is as good as any of these. Her breeding suggests high speed and possible soundness issues. She will have to be seen parading.

7 Green Glider
  raced last year with the trotting hopples and banked 40k being a solid Grassroots horse and and on the fringes Gold filly. She returned this year without the hopples with a poor post but closed well for 3rd. She draws slightly better here and she has a shot if she steps up a bit and others possibly regress. She looks to have value.

6 -- Trot, purse $25,000
SBOA ELIMINATION: ONTARIO SIRED 3 YEAR OLD FILLY TROT.

5 Monalishi

6 Bright Green

2 Sprite Seelster

1 Roxie Hart

1 Roxie Hart    is 4 for 8 lifetime and seems to be improving as she ages, which was the case with her mother and her half brother Dealin With Dewey. Other than the big favorite she looks as good as any of these.

2 Sprite Seelster  can be very erratic at times, but she did make the Superfinal last year, didn't get any money but didn't embarrass herself either. She has changed hands this year, and in her first start she moved down some pretty good ones in 27 flat to get the win. She has a shot with these if the 5 doesnt perform. 

3 Ivy Lynn  ​started out like a bearcat last year then regressed badly and since returning this year has gotten even worse. I can't see her with this bunch. 

4 Nightingale   ​is a maiden facing legit Superfinal performers. On the trainer change she has come back to the races more vibrant, faster and not making consistent breaks. She still faces winners, but she is on the upswing for sure. Roxie Hart beat her twice when they faced each other, but that was then. 

5 Monalishi   ​qualified in 54.4 where she smoked them by 18 lengths, and trotted in 52.2 last year, competing against the best out there and holding her own and winning the Peaceful Way. She is strictly the one to beat if she makes no mistakes.

6 Bright Green   ​won the Harvest final in 55.4 in the fall and took down nw2 in 55.1 two weeks ago as she has raced herself into top shape to face this bunch. Now she will get the acid test of Monalishi and frankly she only needs to make the final, so how hard she is pushed here is debatable.

 7 Not Passable  ​makes a very ambitious leap from nw1, her first start and win just a week ago, into the very deep end of the pool, where even some who have won nw2 are in tough with the better ones here. She will also have to vastly improve her time. I like others.

8 -- Trot, purse $18,000
5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 2 (FM 3) RACES OR $20,000

9 Ungawa

6 Cover Band
7 Right Here Hanover 

1 Hp Lucas

Hard to love anything too much here. Favorites both look like they can go either way, and the next in line have potential but aren't consistent. 

 1 Hp Lucas    ​gunned out for the lead from the 9 hole long time and took them a long way. If he could do the same here but accept a following trip he has a shot here. These aren't the toughest foes he might find at this level. 

 2 Life As It Comes   ​doesnt look as good as many of these and probably is more of a B track horse at this stage. Off 2 qualifiers for his return, he will have to be seen and is more likely to hunt an inside trip for a small slice.

 3 Stonebridge Glee​ drew the 10 hole last time and just went around. That was his 2nd start on lasix and he was better the time before, although he did lower his overall time last time. In a race like this he has longshot upside. 

 4 Nickel And Dime     ​currently doesnt look viable and has the trainer driving here hoping to keep him going forward, which he has not done for a while.

 5 Stormont Cheerio seems currently to be a second slower than the better ones here and generally needs to do more to get a win at this level. At least he draws better here. He has some hope going forward if he can do better this time with a better start.

 6 Cover Band​ raced well on his return and comes right back here as the logical favorite. One of many though as nobody jumps off the page.

 7 Right Here Hanover    ​made a nice return to the races finishing in decent time. He has been prone to being inconsistent so there is that. He is a contender on paper. He has to be seen. 

 8 Stmikes Kerryblues  was reasonably good at 2, but mostly a fringe player in the stakes. He has returned this year with lasix but has only been a bit player. I think he will find a spot, but he hasn't gone forward yet. His type eventually finds a way to get it back. That time will come. Just dont think that night is tonight. Post 8 also makes that tough. 

 9 Ungawa  b​roke his maiden in his lifetime debut then took his time down sharply in start 2, racing from way back, then made a break last time taking him out of it. He has upset potential coming right back although the 9 hole makes that much tougher.

10 Wondrous Blue Chip   won in 55.2 last year then tried tough stakes horses, making a break in the first one then clearly miles over his head in the Mohawk Million, then shut down. He has not impressed in two qualifiers upon return and draws the 10 hole here. Cant see him tonight but one to watch going forward.