November 8, 2025

 Race 2

6 Massedonia
4 Sapphire Steve
2 Trix On You
5 Florida Guy

Seems pretty formful and logical in this one. The top 2 and then a few bit players and a couple who look wildly overmatched.

1 Tencaratgold  is a very slow starter and it likely only gets worse here starting off the rail when there are a few in here who are steady and can blast off. He does trot consistently in 56, but he didn't even win when he went to Grand River to find softer competition. It's hard to see him as anything other than a bit player with these.

2 Trix On You  is a hard one to figure out. He went bombs away in a grassroots here to break his maiden at 74-1 then doubled up 16 days later, both at this track and both in 56 flat. He came back on 7 days rest two more times, first with a first over move where he made the lead then caved in to be up the track, then a 10 hole start no show effort, both in 57 and change and 30 second last quarters. He was then off 5 weeks and returned back in nw2 to trot in 56 and change, but only a bit player as he was 6th most of the way and finished in that position, well beaten. He came right back 7 days later, drawing the rail, and he started slowly, as is his MO, and maintained that distance from the front the entire way, but trotted again in 56 and change and his own back half in 57.1. Now he is 16 days between races and returns again. He is hard to figure, and as we saw last night, that is something trainer Olsen seems to have with her stock. Classic Magic was great on Monday, and a flop last night. It seems the longer they are off, the better they do, then they tend to regress. This guy does probably need an entire second overall to compete with the top 2, but he is in the mix as a longshot. His inconsistency makes him bad value as a short price, and good value as a long price, which is the more likely scenario tonight. He will need trip luck to get him over the top, presuming he is the good version of himself tonight.

3 Muscle Spasm blew up the tote board with a front end score and Etsell driving two back in a maiden, then was not viable last time with a catch driver. Etsell will drive again tonight, and my experience with him is that when he puts a catch driver up and it doesn't go well, if he decides to drive him again himself, it is a test drive to see what he might need to do as a trainer to hand him back to the catch driver so he can compete. Coming into that win he achieved two back, he was a 3yo who had only made 3k lifetime, so obviously he has been a project and that venture continues here. Etsell is as patient as they come, so, I'd think he isn't really a win candidate here but one to watch for signs of righting the ship. Before he won, he showed two lines where he made breaks and another where he was inside the pylons. He has obvious issues, but there appears to be some talent there when he has good days.

4 Sapphire Steve  has been brought along slowly and patiently, which is what you would expect from an Old Pro like Hie, and now he arrives at this point of the season as one who begins to progress towards whatever he will be. He shows the fastest lines on the page, but yet there still seems like there will be more. He wasn't much last year but gained 5 races worth of experience. Returning this year to start at Kawartha he gained more experience and has gradually come to his speed. He is now an okay leaver and hopefully can get away in the top 2 or 3. Spotting the field 8 to 12 lengths at the quarter as he did in 2 of his last 3 is not generally a winning formula at this track. It should be noted though that he faced far tougher than he meets here. He shows no breaks on the page and very consistent final quarters. As well, he trots consistently now in 55, which plays with the other favorite in here. Phil Hudon returns and he knows him and also drives many for Hie. His dam was a very good horse for a few years at this track and I expect him to develop into just such a horse, which he now shows he is likely to do. He has a big shot tonight.

5 Florida Guy  is a steady 56 to 57 trotter at this stage who seems to have trouble finding a way to win. He won at very long odds at Georgian, but since he has been unable to finish the job at this track. He does finish 2nd a lot and that could happen again if one of the faves blows up or doesn't have it tonight. Hard to see him winning unless he can drop an entire second, which he doesn't show evidence of doing currently. He was 4 lengths back of Massedonia last time and I don't see him bridging that gap here.

6 Massedonia has 6 lifetime wins while the rest have 3 or less. He also is currently the fastest of the bunch and he is also very consistent. He shows no breaks on the page from many lines at 6 different racetracks. His last two at this track were both from the inside and now he gets to start from post 6, which suggests he can make his own luck and leave hard to avoid any traffic troubles. At Flamboro and London he was able to leave in 28, which suggests also he can certainly outleave almost all of these and be on the front if he wishes. This series is for nw 30000 as of September 30th. Since then, he has made 15k in 4 starts and appears far ahead of most if not all of these. None of any of this means he can't blow up, but if he looks the part, he is hard to go against. He was inside the pylons on September 12th, so there is some issue at some point and he must be watched for signs of that as he is likely a very short price here. As we saw with Sendi Ka last night every start is a new start with young trotters, although he is 3 and Sendi Ka is a 2yo filly. But, she also showed no breaks for many starts and took off running right after the start last night.

7 Kama  gets sent out here by very low percentage trainer Rogers, who only a year and two ago was a very high percentage trainer with what appeared to be very ordinary stock. Now, he is 2 for 65 on the year, one of those wins with this one in slow time at Georgian this summer. To sum up his chances tonight....when you get beat almost 10 lengths in a maiden where the winner was a previous 13 times loser, you don't beat the likely favorites in here, one of which already has 6 wins.

Race 3

1 Figment
6 Century Lucifer
5 Cold Creek Pantera
2 Dj Mustang

It is Figment's world right now and the rest just pace within it. He looks like a budding superstar, and the rest are just the supporting cast. He shows up, he jogs here.

1 Figment  is the definition of a slam dunk single in this spot. He would somehow have to beat himself or have some crazy road trouble issue. If he passes the post parade test I don't see going against him here. He is obviously being raced to max out his money now without really taxing him, with an eye to selling him for big money to someone like Burke or Pollack Racing and then going on to be a Saturday night horse at a place like The Big M. Keyes has used this playbook several times over the years, and his patience usually pays off. It appears it has here.

2 Dj Mustang ships in from the East Coast and into Cullen's barn and he has to immediately swim in the deep end of the pool that is Figment. He has a 54 record over Charlottetown, which is not nothing, but he is still a long way from showing he can go with Figment and even one or two others here. He is one to watch going forward, assuming Cullen can get more out of him and he becomes a 50 or faster pacer. Betterthancheddar's many times get better as they age. He could be one of those.

3 Parlay King  shows a fast win over Flamboro last time, but he was whipped twice in the Grassroots in the summer. He also shows a loss on the page in a straight maiden at this track. He is like many in here. He is a long way from Figment and more likely a conditioned claimer when the dust settles.

4 Im Victor  didn't beat much at Flamboro last time, but he did beat them, and he shows 3 wins and a 2nd in his last 4 at that track. I would suspect the offers are coming in now and since he was for sale in the summer that he will get moved soon. The goal is likely to make him look like he is a legit prospect with upside for this track and that would start tonight with a following trip where he can show a 52 mile and finish going forward. He has a shot at the ticket underneath. He is another who is likely on Burke's radar and could easily finish this series in Menary's barn.

5 Cold Creek Pantera  goes for trainer Walker, who has proven to do very well with their homebred stock, this one included. He shows consistent 52 speed, but the better one (ones) in here just are too much for one like him. I could see him being a very nice aged conditioned horse like some of his stable mates. In here, tonight, he is looking for a slice. Like others, he was no match for Figment in the lane last time. He has missed 4 weeks since his last race. 

6 Century Lucifer has banked 160k, which is not far off the combined total of all the rest in here. Most of that was made last year when he won 2 Gold races in early summer then others caught up to him. He gave up the high end Stakes chase early this year, and now is trying to find his place on the pecking order. That started with two easy scores at Flamboro and a very nice effort last time on his return to this track, pacing in 51.4 to nab 5th money from a bad post and where he paced a back half in 54.2. He shows a 50.4 mile on August 30th with a back half in 54 flat. That is what he is capable of, and if Figment for any reason does not have it tonight, he could take him. I don't see that happening, but it's not impossible.

7 The Tulsa King   a recent shipper from the Maritimes, he was a second level Stakes horse there, banking 24k where the better ones can make 100k. He took his time down to 52.1 in his first try here, so that is a start. I don't see him this time, but is being watched as he is likely to find a level. I could see him dropping out of this series and winning nw2 under the right circumstances.

Race 6

3 Shutter Green
6 The Bear A Cuda
7 Trix Up My Sleeve
8 Bank On Lucas

Several contenders, and thus, trip and who is better overall on this night will likely make the difference late. I am hoping for the trip and the price on my top choice.

1 Bonito Boy did not race at 2, and the times I have seen him he isn't a great mover, but neither was Radio Lab for these connections and he developed into a pretty nice horse. He ships in from Flamboro after hanging out at the Bs this summer and fall, where he shows 2 breaks in his last 3 lines and has a lot of speed to make up to go with this bunch. I don't like him here but I will keep my eye on him. He seems like a nice winter horse for this track when they thin out and slow down and enter his wheelhouse.

2 Green Monster   is only 2 for 25 life, but his connections generally take their time with them, and his dam, Bax of Life was a fantastic stakes mare in her day. He appears to be coming to his speed gradually now, and bit by bit I expect him to become competitive. Not yet though, and not tonight with these.

3 Shutter Green  was a good 2yo, banking 89k, but has not been nearly as good this season. He righted the ship however on October 20th, wiring a decent bunch which included Radcliffe by leaving hard, and setting honest and fast fractions, then sealing the deal. That 54.3 mile stands out on the page, and with his previous show of class last season, if he passes the post parade viewing, he is likely the value in this race if he can bring his ML quote. He appears to be peaking at the right time.

4 Charlie Cheeks   is a one time winner who took that win with Florida Guy the 2nd place finisher. Nuff said. He meets some who have won 6 lifetime, another who has won 5, and one of those is fresh off a nw3 win in which he beat a noted Sire Stakes horse from New York. I cant see him being viable with many of the better ones here. He might be okay mid winter in nw2 on the right night with the right post.

5 Jayport Cash   adds Lasix here but loses Borth to The Bear A Cuda. He has one lifetime win, in the spring at Flamboro at big odds when a lot of them made breaks. He always looks the part, but so far, does not actuate that in races. He has to show something positive to get me on board at this stage. Maybe the lasix will help. I will watch. He is the type that could step up this winter on a cold night at a big price.

6 The Bear A Cuda   will come in on 4 days rest and a complete reversal of his form. He bombed away 2 back, but he earned it, even though the trip was somewhat lucky, then last time he made his own luck, blasted to the top mid race and opened up, while a patient chalk just waited, and then retook him fairly easily. However, he didn't give in and was easily 2nd best. He is a fast leaver and when he is good, he can carry that. When he is not good, he is usually galloping and doing not so good things. He draws better here and since adding lasix, he is a changed horse. He must be seen, but as is, on paper, he looks tough against many of these.

7 Trix Up My Sleeve  reeled off 3 in a row in good time then moved up to nw3 last time and was on the edges when The Bear A Cuda blew up the tote board. He meets him again, and others who look just as good. He is a consistent 55 trotter who closes well, but perhaps he won too fast and has had to now move up to this level before he is ready. I will shop elsewhere, but he is capable and might be ready to win against these when they get to the final. Something to think about then.

8 Bank On Lucas   comes in off 2 straight, both where he left, one where he sat pocket and then moved out in the lane to go by, then last time leaving hard, parked to the quarter, then on the engine for a 55 flat score. His previous 2 at very long odds, both from the 8 hole as he has tonight, he didn't leave at all and was not involved. His bottom line from the 10 hole was the same story. Is he just better now than then? Is he a tactical leaver who wont try to outleave some to his inside but look to get spotted and then come later? His main competition on paper, The Bear A Cuda, won nw3 while Bank On Lucas took two in a row at nw2, and The Bear A Cuda has a big post position advantage this time. I would think if they battle or hook up, something else spoils the party. That is how I will play this. If the trip is right however, he has a legit shot.

Race 8

5 Amberjack
2 Major Threat
4 Devils Wish
7 Evil Lou

A lot of unknowns and moving parts here. I have to see them all, but as is, on paper, Amberjack looks tough and he is going to bring a short price. 

1 National Tier  avoids Figment here and while he doesn't draw the 9 hole this time, he has to start better and that is not something I see overall from him. He paced his back half in 54 flat last time, so he has a license to come on late and at least get a good piece. More than that is hard to make a case for. He digs too deep a hole.

2 Major Threat  ships in from Winnipeg and the fair circuit there having paced in 59.2 once, and doing well in the Stakes they run there for decent money. The Loop is a very slow, deep at times track and you can easily drop many seconds when you ship to a track like Mohawk. And it's not just drop seconds. Many horses simply can't get over that track and the turns are difficult with the loose footing. I could easily see him pacing in 52 here, and that puts him in the conversation, although others still look better at this stage. He is the unknown and he has been off more than two months now. I am sure they are in no hurry as they have the entire winter to make money. He will have to be seen. Roy chose Menarys new recruit, so he gets Plante here.

3 Fire Control  has some speed, although he hasn't shown anything like many of these can go. He is also a but of a nutcase and trouble child, sometimes needing to stay out wide when he doesn't have to, and he is prone to making breaks if he doesn't get his way. He is back qualified, but I don't see him tonight with some live ones who are looking to make their bones.

4 Devils Wish a B track type who has a record of 52.4 over Grand River and 55.2 twice recently over Flamboro. Now he tries his luck with conditioned foes at this track in this series. He plays with this bunch but he will have to do better. Longshot chance tonight.

5 Amberjack is an Ontario bred who has to this point spent his time in the Maritimes developing. We see this all the time with many who learn and stay away from the high speed then come when the hoopla dies down and see where they fit, after beating up on the usual suspects you find at places like Truro, where he has spent this entire season. Now, he ships in and hooks up with Menary. He has already paced in 55 and change over Truro a few times, so he has a license to pace in 51 here. Is that going to be tonight? I can't say but Menary steps them up, as we have seen many times this year and previous years. He is a half brother to Wind Blown, who we have seen excel at this track for many years, with stops back home out East. He will have to be seen. If he passes the post parade test, he is hard to go against.

6 Strongman Hanover seems like a decent 20 optional claimer, but this is a different bunch and I don't see his ability as stacking up with them. Pass for tonight. If he proves me wrong, I will have to take another look at him next time.

7 Evil Lou is an Ontario bred who hung out in the Maritimes this year, taking some nice slices, also winning an overnight and pacing to a record of 54.1. I like others, but he is coming along and bears watching. Not thrilled with the Dancin Lou part of his pedigree, so the win play is not something I would take in with prospects who look to show something tonight and have proven they are winners.

November 7, 2025

 Race 2

4 Sendi Ka
6 Go Rossco
5 Wolverine Legend
2 Anibal Duharas

We get the exact same 6 horses as the last leg, with 3 legit contenders on paper and 3 longshots who need to do better to get more. Doesn't always work like that with young trotters, but that is the starting point.

1 Tango In The Night    has a maiden win at Grand River and a handful of starts at this track where he hasn't been close with Mathews continuing to drive as this guy develops, if he ever develops. He has been well beaten in the first two legs of this series and I see no reason he does any better than 3rd, if that.  
 
2 Anibal Duharas  won the 1st leg of this series, and in fast time, but wasn't as good last time. He made the lead on the brush at the half but that quarter left him vulnerable to the pocket sitter who came up the inside as he drifted out in the lane. The only way I see him winning this is if the 4 blows up early. He seems to have peaked two weeks too early.      

3 Masschette  is an okay mover, but he just doesn't have the overall speed of the better one's here, and was well up the track last time and gapped even from the other two longshots. Hard to see him making the ticket at this stage. He has 7 life starts and has yet to make the ticket. More likely he is a B track type that will do better next year at places like Kawartha or Hanover.
       
4 Sendi Ka  likes to leave, release one, sit in, then come on again late. That worked to perfection last time and when the chalk drifted out, he just kept on going forward for a very easy win. I dont see any reason to alter the plan now. However, if he is put on the lead, who is to say he doesnt fade under pressure? I wouldnt bet on that happening, but he hasn't shown he can cut a mile and win without a very soft breather to the half. He is my pick, but in stakes finals, guys take shots. That has to be remembered taking a very short price on this one.    
   
5 Wolverine Legend  seems competitive enough with these but he just doesnt get the job done. His issue, and why he is likely 0 for 12 in his young career, is he has one sustained move and then he gives it up, as he did last time when he should have at least been 2nd. He can leave, but then he doesnt finish. He can sit out of it, but then he comes too late or he tails off late, as he did last time. He would need one of the two favorites to blow up early, and then he needs a pocket trip where he need only make one late brush. Even then, I am not confident he will get there. But he can.    
 
6 Go Rossco  looks the part on the track and he drives and travels well. He is likely going to be a late bloomer, and who knows when he begins to go forward at this level. As longshots go, as I have some issues with all of them in here, he is viable to take a shot with.              

Race 6

5 Betterdoubledown
1 Wicked Road
2 Pick Me Up Hanover
3 Mcjazz

6 Showmethemoney Deo

I have questions and concerns with the logical and likely favorites in here. I will play a few longer shots who are capable enough if the faves falter and their trips go right.

1 Wicked Road   one of 5 in this race by McWicked, she ships in from Flamboro off two solid wins, the last one in 55.1. She certainly seems to be a late bloomer and as such, she might be going forward as many of these are now regressing. I give her an outside shot if the trip works out. I would expect a minimum of 8-1 here, and hopefully closer to 12-1.

2 Pick Me Up Hanover  comes in off a vet scratch sick, but that was 3 weeks ago, so I will assume she is over that and has been trained back fast enough to be tight. Her last start, her only win on the season, she won much faster than most of these race, beating Rocks Shadow who would likely be a big favorite in with this bunch tonight. She also shows a break in stride, and another race where she backed up so badly she was distanced and got on the vet list. She is one of many I could see, but also like some in here, she has issues and questions as to what you might get tonight.

3 Mcjazz  gets a significant driver change here. Sure, Mike Whelan isnt the second coming of John Campbell, but he is a much better driver than he gets credit for, and certainly a massive upgrade on Obrien, who is a very good horseman, but not really an A track driver. I dont love her 1 for 23 record, and she hasn't shown the speed of many of these, but she has upside potential on the ship in from Flamboro in a race where I have some doubts about the "logical" contenders and outright toss many of the longer shots. She has the potential to make the ticket.

4 Parkavenuejanet  won 6 back and was good that night, but was a blown favorite a few times before that and since has tried the front but not lasted. I think she peaked a month ago and now is going the wrong way. Menary is so good I wouldnt be surprised if he turns her around, but I will not use her for the win spot in that she appears to be a short price coming. I can't take anything less than 4-1 on one like her.

5 Betterdoubledown  has two wins in her last 3, and she seems to be a late bloomer, as many of the Bettors Delights are. She won be a nose last time, and seems like a solid 53 horse, which this time of the year wins. Two months ago, she probably meets a couple who can pace in 51. There aren't any of those in this race at this time of the year. Being a late bloomer, she gets into a series like this at the right time. She is my top pick, but she is no cinch. I would not take even money, but I'd expect 5-2 is reasonable. She picks up Trevor Henry, who is good with these types who might need a bit more encouragement when it matters.

6 Showmethemoney Deo  is a true blue blood mare, being that her dam is Rocklamation, who has produced some big time horses, and comes from a family who would fill a sale book with black type. Her sire, Bettors Delight is one of the all time great sires. As such, her breeders have retained her and she is likely to be bred in the winter. She already has a record of 52, so I'm not sure she improves on that at this stage. She tries very hard, but visually to watch her go she isn't a great mover or that sound. On paper she should be right there with these, but I have my doubts she is not already wearing down. I wouldnt toss her out of my top 4, but I will go elsewhere looking for a winner. Her final quarter times have gradually been getting slower, week after week. That is not a good sign.

7 Wicked Cruizer  seems an odd entry into this series. She has made two trips to Flamboro against much softer than these with poor results, sandwiched around a race here where she drew bad and just followed around. She is the typical McWicked. She just doesnt do enough most times and needs to find similar types, like in an 8 claimer, which is likely her destiny this winter.

8 Stylish Stella  faded horribly just 7 days ago, also gave it up late the start before and didn't finish great the start before that. She has not adapted well to the faster and better horses at this track. I can't back her until I see something positive.

9 Ibetyouakiss  might have been ok with this bunch if she drew a better post. But she didn't. I dont think she is the type that can give them 4 or 5 lengths to the half and then make that up late. Another I will pass on and watch for a better post next time.

10 Stone Sawyer  shows 1st or 2nd in her last 5 starts, but has been off a month now sick and draws the 10 hole in her return. It would be very hard to make a case where she overcomes all that against a few here who look slightly better anyway. I won't make that case, but she could be better next time with a race under her belt and a better post.

Race 7

7 Chow For Now
6 Scorpion Seelster
5 Letr Sink Son
9 Twin B John B

I'm not sold on the top 2 faves. One I like but I can see him being picked off if he is run at mid race. The other dont like at all. That leaves me looking for and thinking about who benefits from that opinion. My picks reflect that. 

1 Flamin Mai seems like a complete outsider here. He would be much better off in a straight maiden at this track, with which his allowances and low life earnings he might find if the race office needs him. Here, he faces multiple fast, proven winners who are far ahead of him at this stage.        
           
2 Evans Legacy has started very slow in the first two legs, then made big late moves to be right there-- but not win. The issue is how much upside he has going forward. I think he might have hit his ceiling at this point, while others in here have room to improve. I will not play him here, but he is certainly viable if a lot of things go his way.
     
3 Car Wash Blues has only a maiden win at Flamboro, but, he has some upside going forward. At this level, at this stage, his very slow starts limit what he can get late. I dont see him as a likely win candidate, but he can hit the ticket if the trip goes his way. One to watch at 3 when maybe he is more of a finished product. 

     
4 Lous Game  reeled off a maiden win then was dominant in the first leg of this series. Like many of the Dancin Lou's, he seems to have trouble maintaining that form, and last time, he was spent on the last turn, and by the time he hit the top of the stretch, he was well inside the pylons and even when moved back onto the track, he drifted badly back inside. One bad race doesnt define a horse, but I dont like him tonight at all. I will completely play against him here and he can beat me if I'm wrong.
                 
5 Letr Sink Son  blew up the tote board in the first leg, coming late and picking off very tired ones. He tried the same tactic last time, but the field was deeper and he only finished on the edges. Nevertheless, he has tactical late speed, and if the race collapses, he is in the mix. With a better post this time, he needs to get away closer to mid pack and be closer on the last turn without making a big move to have a shot. That is possible.
           
6 Scorpion Seelster seems to be just a really quality animal, which isn't surprising considering he is a half brother to both Stockade Seelster and Sorcha Seelster. He was making breaks earlier in the summer but Menary is a sharp guy and appears to have sorted him out and now he is all systems go. He was a fairly easy winner last time and made his own luck, blasting out from the 9 hole and coming on again late. He is the one to beat, but he is no cinch either. He looks like he could be a decent Gold horse next year, so obviously he is meeting types that he won't likely get to beat next year. I would think he is leaving hard again, and less likely to let some go in the final. That is the chance that could get him beat....if someone runs him and leaves him vulnerable.
     
7 Chow For Now  if there is a viable longshot in this bunch, this guy could be the one. He appears to be late blooming, has not won yet in 5 tries, and does fit a maiden but they have chosen to face some proven winners in this series. He was right there last time and shows consistent fast last quarters since he qualified. He will need some trip luck, but if he finds a live helmet, he can score the upset. I have some issues with the two obvious faves, so there is some wiggle room to give him some license.
             
8 Starbright Dancer doesnt look viable from the outside here, just as he wasn't in the two legs leading up to this. His best case scenario appears to be coming on late for 5th money when some of the contenders race themselves into submission.  He looks like he could be a decent Grassroots horse next year at the smaller tracks like Sarnia, London, Hanover, Clinton and Kawartha.
           
9 Twin B John B was 3 wide to the 1st quarter last time, settled in and then held well for 3rd money. A lot would have to go right from the 9 hole this time and he is only a one time winner from 10 starts. He likely needs a speed battle here to chase, and in finals like this, that isn't out of the question.
         
10 Pa Salt made an aggressive 3rd quarter move on the turn then faded off completely. He seems to make that move then not sustain. He draws the 10 hole and both Davis and McNair went to much more obvious contenders. I can't see any scenario where he is involved here and is a massive longshot. Toss for me. 

          
Race 10

6 Yes
2 No Angel Like Me
1 Steamer
7 Donatover

Pretty wide open bunch with any of the top 4 realistic to get the job done. Even a couple of the rest are not impossible. Trip likely decides this.

1 Steamer loses Travis Henry to the 8 horse but picks up McNair. His last two have not been good, but obviously the big class drop will make him more viable. He shows he can leave from the inside and I would think that is the plan here. Leave out and see where it takes him. I can see a short price coming here and I would not take that on him in with a bunch who are capable enough to make him one of many, not the obvious one.

2 No Angel Like Me made a bold 3rd quarter move on Monday night and looked to blow right by, but could not, then flattened out badly in the stretch to miss the ticket. She has good gate speed and a good post here, and she probably leaves hard and looks to sit in to the stretch then make a move late. She does tend to drift out, so that makes it hard for her to win, but she isnt impossible with a nicely timed move and a bit of racing luck this time.

3 Malone seems to be more of a B track horse now, on the win front anyway. He was okay Monday, but he drew widest and just went around following. I suppose Plante could blast off here and hope for a 2 hole ride, but how much would he have left at this level if he does that? He looks like a cheque hunter to me at this stage. His 7-2 ML is laughable. He is at least 10-1 and likely much higher based on how he stacks up on paper.

4 Victor Invictus raced okay Monday, but as usual, he wasn't very dangerous and didn't do enough. He meets many of those and some others who have better form and more grit. I still can't use him on the win front in this race. A class drop would suit him at this stage.

5 Peso Hanover was a judges scratch on Monday in what was to be his first start for Etsell. With him it is pretty simple. He looks good in most fields, seems to be close to winning when they turn for home, but when they get serious, he doesnt measure up, which is reflected in both his win record and his number of 2nd and 3rd place finishes. I will wait to see if Etsell can get him going. Many good trainers have had him and nobody has changed his habit of hanging late.

6 Yes looked very sharp last time, left hard, took an inside trip and came gamely up the inside for a good 2nd to a winner who had the jump on him and was legit anyway. He meets that one again, and moves up in class, but draws better. I will call him for the upset. He has serious back class, and it was not that long ago that he would have steamrolled a bunch like this. Nobody in this group wows me, so if he shows up like last time, he has a license to score a bit of an upset.

7 Donatover has changed hands a few times in the last 6 weeks, and both times the previous trainer claimed him right back. He is the type you like to own. He shows up almost every week, is fairly consistent and versatile, he makes money and wins when he should. But, he is class sensitive. Last time he came out off a pocket trip and only had to go a back half in 1.01.4 to get that win, and now he moves back up to a level where he wasn't anywhere near good enough with the trainer who had him for two starts but couldn't get the win with him. I will play against him in this spot. He has a shot, but I dont think his price will reflect the value you would want.

8 No One made her first start for new connections on Monday, left okay, then banged her leg into the wheel of the one in front of her and actually caught that leg for a short second, knocking her completely off stride. Off that fiasco, I would think the plan is to just get her around cleanly, assuming she isn't scratched. I will wait for another day on her.

9 Classic Magic made a wide move on Monday night and looked like a winner from the turn to the wire, sailing home much the best at a good price. My experience with her is that she rarely puts two together like that and she would have to do that this time from the worst post on 3 days rest. She loses Borth and picks up Cullen here.

November 3, 2025

 Race 2 

2 Kountry Clover
5 My Ghost
3 Love Wins
4 TH Trix R Forkids

A lot depends on who stays flat and who can get to the front before the half.

1 HP Sophia  is still a maiden after 9 career starts. However, 7 of those starts have come in stakes races, and some of those were Golds. That seems to have taken its toll, as her last two have not been good, and she hung in to the top of the stretch last time before fading. Either way, she gets 2k for just showing up tonight, and more if she stays flat and others don't. I could see her just floating out, sitting 3rd or 4th at the half and just moving up the inside to at least mid stretch. She would need a lot of good luck to get the win though. In her favor is that unlike most young trotters, she starts well from the rail at this track.

2 Kountry Clover  loses J Mac as he is away, but picks up Cullen. She was 2nd best at less than even money last time, but she was already locked into the final, so they had no reason to gut here there. She has been very steady and solid as two year old trotting fillies go. On paper, she looks very tough to beat here at a very short price.

3 Love Wins  blasted off last week from the 8 hole, made the lead in 27.1, a speed she had not showed in her many starts in any quarter, then went 3 straight 30 second or more quarters to be a spent 5th by almost 10 lengths. She also tried to leave in 27.4 in early September, made that lead also, then went the same mile as last time to back up then too. I would think that tactic is now off the table. She has a fair shot at 2nd or 3rd if she leaves reasonably, sits in, and one of the two main contenders blows up. Her consistency and leaving ability are two pluses for her in a race where trotters break and others need to be held together leaving.

4 TH Trix R Forkids  looked like a million bucks parading last week, then broke her maiden easily in her 4th life start in an impressive 55.4, which is a second faster than anyone has trotted in this field. Nevertheless, she now has to come back and do that again on 7 days rest. My experience with these types is that once the public sees that, they hammer them the next time, and many of them go backwards to some extent since they have never achieved that kind of speed before. I will take the chance this is just such a scenario and play to beat her.

5 My Ghost is fairly steady and is what she is. She is versatile enough to either float out, or leave and hunt a nice trip. I could see Roy blasting off here and hoping to get to the front and then let one but not both of the favorites go and take his chances from there. If he does that, she has a minor shot if that leader comes back to them and also fends of the other one in the process.

Race 5 

5 Flashchap
4 Alure
1 Ivy Lynn
10 Sunday Shoes

Seems like its Flashchap's race to win or lose. Unlucky loser last time, but now she is tight and Roy knows her. He likely moves earlier and attempts to draw off to avoid someone nipping her on the line.

1 Ivy Lynn showed flashes of speed for the previous trainer, but she was erratic and didnt look great parading several times. Since the move to the new barn, she has become a lot more consistent. She will add lasix here and if that moves her forward, it might be enough to get her there.

2 Ibelieveinangels  moves up in class here off 2 straight and 5 straight first or second finishes. She is the ML choice and she does stack up well here, but others look just as good. A short price is coming and I don't see her as good value facing a bit tougher competition here.

3 Titian has been a disappointment since she showed up at this track. She has blown good trips in good spots and generally she has no oomph in the stretch. Her time will probably come in this class, but I don't see it as tonight.

4 Alure  likes to leave but has drawn two 8 holes in a row. Now, she moves into the 4 slot, and its go time to see if she is good enough to compete with these. I am on the fence with her, as her gait seems suspect for me. There isnt much good early speed here, so she should get the trip. She has a shot as there are questions about others in here.

5 Flashchap  a new purchase for Roy, looked like a winner last time but a horse that zig zagged a lucky trip nipped her up the inside late. She looks very tough this time in with these again. She is my top choice. She has a class edge on many of these and with Roy and the 5 hole, this is her race to lose.

6 Shesamanlishi has looked horrid parading lately and is making breaks. Lyle got her requalified and he will attempt to get her around here. Otherwise, I see her as a no shot type tonight.

7 The Green Book  isn't the prettiest mover, but she has banked 89k doing what she does. She avoids Medley Seelster here and she can leave well, so anything's possible. But I like others tonight.

8 The Bear A Cuda   added lasix last time and had an interesting trip, zagging his way to a clear path late and he blew up the tote board. He gets the outside again and isnt likely to get that lucky a trip. No thanks tonight for me..

9 Meadowview Rothy   raced well last time to take them all down. Now, she moves up and draws outside. I think at best she needs to adapt to this level, and post 9 only makes that tougher. I will watch her. She is a late bloomer who is getting slightly better as she goes along.

10 Sunday Shoes  would be very attractive with this bunch if he didnt draw the 10.hole. But he did. He would need a lot to go right to overcome that. He isnt impossible if certain things happen.....a couple of breakers, some sort of speed battle, picking up very live cover. That is a lot to pin your hopes on.

Race 7 

2 Chic Choc Rose

No play here as I cant see going against the newcomer. Nor would I play her at very short odds. Lets see what she is like.

2 Chic Choc Rose is a 9 time winner who exits the barn of Auger and ships west from Quebec and Rideau, while entering the barn of Menary who trains for team Burke. She is almost a month off, but that is no concern as I'm sure she has been schooled and trained a few times in the interim. She won her last in 57.3 at Rideau, and that alone stacks up well here, and she also adds lasix to the mix. Roy jumps aboard the change parade train, and she will have to be seen. Unless I see something I don't like, she is very tough to go against at a likely very short price.

Race 8

3 Flirty Dancer
1 Right Here Hanover
2 Roxie Hart
8 Flanagan Sunshine
6 Getthegreen

Kind of a mixed bunch, so looking for some sort of mid level price to score.

1 Right Here Hanover   will have the trainer driving tonight as McClure is not available. He blasted out from the 8 hole last time with McClure and held okay for 3rd, but he doesn't usually start as well from the rail, and that would require the driver to work a trip, which I don't have the confidence that Turcotte can get that trip.

2 Roxie Hart  is done with her sire stakes career, but looks like the type that could grind out 100 to 150k on this circuit until she is ready to be bred. She is fast, fairly consistent, and has shown decent class. Being that her dam is by Deweycheatmnhowe, its not surprising that she is a bit flighty and hard on herself parading, and that she has to come out after all the others have come to the track, even if she has the 3 hole like last time. Nevertheless, she behaves and races tough when the car pulls away. Last time she did draw well and left hard, and with the very significant class relief she had, she was a solid 2nd in this class and comes right back to it. She only fits it because she is Ontario sired and gets a break on the nw5 condition to make it 6. She has 5, so she wins her way out if she wins here. I would think that makes her more likely to be 2nd than win. I will go against her on that variable. If she wins here, she either goes into the field or has to race at the Preferred level, which currently she is not viable to try.

3 Flirty Dancer gets a trainer change but keeps the same connections, including the part owner trainer, as he is likely headed south to train babies for the winter. In this class last time she left hard but had to duck in and take a seat, and was even from there. She gets a positive driver change here and a much better post and is a candidate to do much better if she gets near the top and gets a trip. She is a viable value play as a longshot if she brings 8-1 or higher. She gets in this class only on the special addition portion at the end, which serves only her needs.

4 Wildturkey Hanover  has done very well for Waples Jr. as a 5k yearling who races at this level and already has 110k made and he isn't done with his 3yo season. However, he looks overmatched against some very tough ones here, including former and current Gold types and others who win regularly at this level. I cant see him taking all of these down, but he has a decent shot at 4th or 5th money. When many of these win their way out of this class and the race office doesn't write in special conditions to fill the field, at that point he can be a decent price horse if he holds his form.

5 Major Bank has missed a month now since his last, which was well below this level and based on how he finished that mile he may have been sick. Either way, he is likely just looking to go around and get back in action, so the level is not important. I will pass on him tonight but watch to see where he is at going forward. He is facing younger ones here but with this race and his next, he drops a big money win and can find some soft condition. At that point he can be assessed.

6 Getthegreen  didn't win last year but made 107k in 7 starts. That made it easy for him to return, and win the maiden and nw2 easily and fairly early. He added a Grassroots win to that and that is his 3 wins to date. Now, he hangs out with Gold caliber types and others who have almost maxed out this class while he is near the bottom part of the condition. He was a bit player at best in the Gold tries and no factor in the Superfinal. Last time, with J Mac driving, he came on late to get 4th money and only get beat a length for the win. They seem to be playing the long game with him, as you would expect from Mayotte, who has a long history of making big money with good horses who race for years and pile up the money over several years. With J Mac away and Roy choosing Flirty Dancer over him, I expect Mayotte to continue the cheque hunting and the career progression tonight and at some point in the next few weeks, pop off a good win in this class and start moving towards a higher level. But not tonight.

7 Cally L   the newcomer here, as her Ohio SS career is now over and she heads to this circuit with new connections, owner and trainer. She is almost at 100k, but that is while only showing 4 fair wins and a mark of 58 over Northfield, which is a very fast half mile, taken 3 and a half weeks ago, her last start. She will have to show me she belongs anywhere near this field. She looks like a 100-1 outsider with these.

8 Flanagan Sunshine   has some class and good speed vs these to bring to the table. He does draw the 8 hole, however he blasted out from the 9 last time against arguably as good or better than many of these and was only beat 3/4 of a length. I don't like that he has been raced so hard lately, so I want to see how he looks parading. You can only race trotters so hard so many times in a row before they feel that burn. He is likely to take action here, so I am inclined to go against him. Depends on what I see from him before the start. Hudon has driven him all along and drives many for this stable but went away from him for one that is only a mild contender. That should be noted.

9 Chip Happened  shipped in from the Bs more than a month ago and was solid against easier. His last two against tougher he has not been close, but he did have the rail both times and as he likes to be near the front, that was a handicap for him. He does win a lot, but this time he has the opposite problem He can blast off, but he has many inside him who will beat him to the punch and not let him into a hole. I have to pass on him tonight, but he bears watching for better variables, a class drop and a middle of the car post.

Race 10 

3 Buck Dancer
6 Nzuri
1 Caballero
5 My Holy Moly

Not the most reliable bunch, so taking a short price on anything is no good. My top 2 are likely to both be short prices, but I would use all 4 equally and I see them mostly as having equal chances based on consistency. There are no singles in this bunch.

1 Caballero is the type of horse I have always hated to back. He is an extreme hot head, borderline nutcase at times, he has breaking and gait issues, and he doesn't impress you when you see him parade. But like some trotters, when he has his good days, he is very good and usually wins because his bad days allow him to get in with bad groups like this. He is coming in off 4 races in a row where he has not gotten a cheque, and he generally has looked bad doing it. He does get an excuse last time, as he drew the 9 hole, sat way back, then closed 9 lengths in the stretch, trotting his own last half in 56.2 to trot in 55.2. He keeps the same driver which is very important for one like him. Because he has been a bad Caballero for a while, he gets to drop in with horses that he can handle if he can be the horse he was 5 back, when he wired. He also shows 3 breaks in his last 6 lines, but his win was in 54.2. I'd use him on the chance tonight is his good version. Obviously, he is horribly unreliable, but so are many of these. At least he does have ability.

2 Victor Invictus  has improved as he has aged, which you would expect with an old school type like Duford. He is now 9, soon to be 10, yet he has now banked 300k plus, and seems to be getting a bit better every year. Whereas he almost never won back a few years ago, he seems to take his fair share now. He has 18 lifetime wins, with 8 of those coming in the last two seasons. His current form is not great, with only a 4th place cheque in his last 6 starts, but in his defense he was horribly over his head in most of them. His last two at more reasonable levels have not been good either, but he did have the 10 hole two back. He moves back up a level here, and for me, that seals it for tonight. I will pass on him, but he is dangerous with these if a lot of them don't show up or blow up, which isn't out of the question. I will take that risk with him tonight.

3 Buck Dancer  is the 2-1 ML choice, based most probably on his fast qualifier that makes him look race ready with a bunch like these, and his overall record and company he has kept. He has been away for 4 months now, but in his case, that is probably a good thing. Not having to trot fast miles in the warmer weather plays with him, as he is now fresh and not chewed up. He has handled these types before, and he is really a winter horse at this track. When good, he can win several in a row when he is allowed to take a claiming tag in an optional claimer scenario. While not listed for a tag on the program, it appears that is the only way he fits this condition. Either way, he is spotted to win. As he is generally easy to spot in the post parade in terms of how good or not good he is going to be that night, that will be the most important part for tonight.

4 Jokic like his friend to the left of him on the gate, he is usually very easy to spot in the post parade if he is not going to be good that night. He ships back in from the B tracks where he does most of his racing now. In his one start on the page at this track, he tried to wire this class but couldn't last the entire way, although he did hold on okay to take 3rd money in a fast mile relative to these types. That was then. His last two haven't been great, but he does have excuses. Two back he was way over his head in the Preferred at Flamboro, and last time he drew the 7 at London, made a break and had broken equipment. Like some other contenders in here, on his best day, he can win this. I want to see him parade and then score out. He is possible. At least he draws well and he likes the front.

5 My Holy Moly  grinds out 40 to 50k each year for his small stable which also owns and bred him. His last two lines on the page are not good, but he also gets some excuses. He made a break at the start last time and he drew the 8 hole at Flamboro in the Preferred the start before that. Before that, at this track, he was a bit player with far better than these and took a decent 2nd at Grand River with similar to these types. I don't love him, but I wouldn't toss him either. Borth chose against him. Ratchford is very good with trotters and brings in some decent longshots on occasion.

6 Nzuri  gets significant class relief here and importantly, he gets post relief. With one like him, who leaves okay but not fantastic, the difference seems to be sitting 6 lengths or so closer at the quarter or half than if he draws the nine hole like last time and sits 11 or 12 out of it. He only got beat 4 lengths last time, so, its a big plus for him tonight with a much softer bunch. I don't see any Perfetto's or P L Robert G's in this group. To back him you take a marginal, but capable driver. He is one of many that can win if things go right. He shows consistent fast miles and he stays flat. That plays with this bunch.

7 Fabulous Freddie  had the 9 hole last time and made a break at the start. Before that, with similar to these, he was a minor player. Knowing his connections, I would think he will be handled with kid gloves here and brush late for a small slice if he can stay trotting. I will pass on him in this spot.

8 Zip Me Up  is more of a B track horse, and that is where he takes most of his wins and does most of his races. He starts slow and draws badly here, and his last two have not been good enough. He is strictly a longshot outsider in this race.

Race 11 

4 Radcliffe
1 Tymal Riggs
8 Magic Dealer
6 Insanity

No clear cut dominant horse in my view. Looking for something to step up at a reasonable price. Radcliffe looks like that horse to me.

1 Tymal Riggs went a solid mile last time, making the lead and keeping on going for a solid win. He draws the rail here and meets some tougher ones, on paper anyway, and he generally doesnt leave as well from the rail. He also will find that others want control here and are not likely to lie down for him. So, he will have to rough it if he wants to be near the top. He isnt the type that doubles up often and especially when he isnt at the bottom class level. I think he is bad value if he goes off at shorter odds, and I will play against him. He is the 2-1 ML favorite, although I think he is more likely 7-2, which is still way too short for me in this spot.

2 Fireinsidemyveins  returned to the big track last time and he was slightly over his head. Most of his wins come at places like Tioga, Flamboro and Grand River. He is almost at 200k life, so he isnt a slug, but he is a very infrequent winner when he races A track horses and isnt at the bottom of the class ladder. He isnt the type who beats Tymal Riggs, Southwind Domino and their kind unless they are no good at all, which is possible here, but even so, there are others who have a better track record of winning than he does. I would think he is looking to sit mid pack and then brush late for 3rd or 4th, which is certainly within his wheelhouse tonight. He trotted in 55 flat last time and if he can stay close to that, he has a decent shot at the bottom of the Super. He ran in badly at the start last time and collapsed in deep stretch when he had a shot at a small cheque. I don't see him as a win candidate here.

3 Hungry Hill  didn't rise in class last time, but he caught a tougher group, of which Willys Home Run, a million dollar winning Grade A stakes horse in her day was one of them. He got away poorly, trailed, picked up the cover of Willys Home Run, but gapped it badly and was clearly out trotted at 50-1 in what turned out to be a race where he was well over his head. He still seems at least one second off most of this field, and needs a class drop back to the ones he finished 2nd with on October 2nd. I will wait for that day.

4 Radcliffe looked sharp parading last week but then sat too far out of it to close that gap, although he did make up 10 lengths in the stretch. Like his half brother Pemberton, he has his issues, and like him, missed most of his 4yo year, while his brother missed all of it. Also like his brother, when he is good, he can be really good, and he seems to be heading towards that form now late in his 5yo year. He is fresher than most of these and his HOF trainer Paul Walker knows how to manage one like this. The driver is not ideal here, but he wins some at this track on the right horse, and his 54.1 mile last time stacks up very good against the logical contenders here, a few of which are ripe to not perform. He is the one I will go to.

5 Southwind Domino looked very sore parading last time, wonky even, and then when he was scored out looked like his back end couldn't generate the speed he wanted to and needs and thus he was protecting himself. He is a hard trier, so he sucked it up in the race, but as it appears he is sore over his back and possibly stifles, he couldn't muster that extra he needs to be more of a viable win candidate. Here we are 10 days later, he finds a very soft spot, the types he should blitz, but he will have to be seen as he is not viable and likely to be worse than last time and if he is, he is horrible value. Roy is very good with these types, but there is only so much he can do.

6 Insanity ships in from the B tracks here and he is almost a month off the track, as he was scratched sick from his last scheduled outing at Flamboro. He shows a 55.1 mile over Grand River, so he plays with this bunch on the overall speed requirement, and he can leave enough on occasion, with the post here playing to that likelihood. He also beat The Fixer 2 back at Grand River and that horse would also play with this bunch. But, that was 2 months ago. How tight is he? I'd say he is usable as a cover type include on the chance that he has been schooled back fast enough to suggest he is race ready to compete tonight.

7 Wheelin My Bentley  ships in from London and he has been off since late May. As the driver is also the owner here I would suspect he isn't going to be pushed in this spot if they gave him all that time for whatever issue he had. I will pass on him tonight and watch him for future reference.

8 Magic Dealer  drew outside last time, went to the back and just followed around. He draws slightly better this time, but not much. He did make the lead 2 back, and then just kept going for an easy win, but, he only had to trot a back half in 59 to do that, and he started with a better post. You could also argue that field was much softer than many of these. I would think he is hunting for 4th or 5th with a late brush to pick up the ones who are spent.

9 Lilys Lass  generally does her best racing at the B tracks and now she changes hands from the longtime connections. With the bad post and the so so form, her 9-2 ML seems ridiculous, and I would think she is well above 20-1 in this field. I cant see her in this spot.

10 Malone  draws bad, the worst post, has iffy form, and has not beaten much softer than this bunch lately. He has 11 thirds this year, so even from a good post I would have trouble backing him. Not tonight for me.

 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

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.