March 19, 2026

 RACE 2 

​Fairly wide open. I could make a good case for 5 of them. As always with this type, post parade and manners are important. Some will make mistakes, some won't. Nature of the beast.

1 Whiskey Woman is a 3yo International Moni filly for team Schadel, who raced 16 times at 2, mostly at the fairs winning 4 times and earning 23k. She shows to be a good leaver and willing to sit a trip. What is not to like? She qualified back twice at Pocono, in slower time, but she has showed 58 speed last year. She has a legit shot with these.

2 Kaylee`s Princess​ is a 4yo Uncle Peter mare who is still a maiden after 40 lifetime starts. She consistently trots in the 59 and change range and 2.01, but that seems to be her upper limit. She does get a better post here, and that gives her a minor shot at making the ticket. I dont view her as a win candidate.

3 Go Strong Hanover​ is a 3yo gelding by Greenshoe, out of Girlie Tough, the dam of Gatka Hanover as well as Locatelli, two very high end horses. Gatka Hanover has already produced Gaines Hanover, a Breeders Crown winner at 2 and a legit Open class horse now. This one has a license to be a nice horse. Whether he can take that license and actually drive that sports car is debatable. He is young though. He raced 3 times at 2, for The Stable who purchased him as a yearling when Greenshoe's were very much out of favor and since they had Locatelli thought they might get a bargain there, but they gave up on him when he clearly was not ready to be any kind of stakes horse. Now on the comeback trail, he shows some minor signs of what his breeding suggests, but he is still a long way from being anything more than a prospect at this stage. In two starts back, he tried the front and held on for third money, then drew the 8 hole and went to the back, gradually coming on for 5th money and slightly lowering his overall time. I would think he goes off way below his 15-1 ML, but in any event he is a viable longshot play based on the potential he has and the stability he has shown since returning at 3. 

4 Count Up The Cash​ is a fts by Ohio sire Full Count, who sires racehorses. He qualified well, floating out, sticking with it, trotting in 2.00 and finishing in 30 seconds. He comes equipped with hopples, so that issue has been sorted out. Lets see him parade and how he looks. He is another with longshot possibility.

5 My Rory​ a 5yo Creatine mare who has won 5 times and banked 80k. She shows a 59.4 win over a fair track at 3, but only raced 4 times last year and twice so far this year. She is clearly a one trick pony. She leaves out and goes as far as she can go. Last time that meant she went very fast fractions for this class and caved in at the top of the stretch. The start before that she went even faster but held on late to trot in 58 and only get beat 2 lengths while holding 3rd money. Both times heavily bet, both times with outside posts. She draws to the middle here and has a fitness edge on some of these. Is she regressing? Can she rate? Will the post switch aid her cause? Or is she just some nutcase kamikaze who cant get there at this point no matter how it goes for her? I dont know. I'm inclined to think she is a lost cause, but she has the ability if they find a way to get her to relax a bit. She was scratched lame last year when they shut her down after two failed front end missions. Will history repeat here?

6 Winnie Werewolf​ another 5yo mare, this one by Fordham Road, who has also won some races and made good money. While she is 6 for 74 lifetime, she is now riding at least a 36 race losing streak for her 4 yo season plus the 8 races this winter. She is a good enough leaver to get position and then follows along. She seems to hang around and then pick up slices, hence her long losing streak. She can leave, follow and has the overall speed to think she is one of many in here with a legit shot for a price. 

7 Royal Dutchess​ is another The Stable reject, this one recently moved along and now makes her first start for new connections. She will ship in from Northfield here after doing all her racing there and not performing at all. She is consistently slow and a terrible finisher. Perhaps the new connections will find something to get her going. I will wait this time to see if that is the case. I dont see much there myself.

8 Another Chance​, the 3-1 ML choice, a 3yo filly by Enterprise, shows staying flat, consistent fast times for this class, she can leave a little, even from the outside, which she gets here, and with the right amount of energy conservation will finish well. She was 0 for 11 last year, but she also chased some very high end fillies in Ohio but was 2nd in this class at the Meadows just before they shut her down. Now, she comes off the winter layoff, and we will see what she can do when spotted with more reasonable expectations. Her qualifier was good with the trainer driving but he turns the controls over to Justin Irvine here, who wins a lot of races.

9 Honolugoo​ a 3yo filly by Googoo Gaagaa, started once at 2, made a break and she was distanced, which she also did in one qualifier before that. Before being shut down due to sickness, she did hold it together, with the hopples on this time, trotted reasonably fast, but then didnt race due to that sickness. Now, she returns, trainer driving as he has all along, with a decent qualifier but the 9 hole. She shows the ability, and being that he has waited on this one all this time, I dont see any reason to race her hard this time, but she is likely a good win candidate 2 or 3 starts down the line. I will watch for that.
 
RACE 4 

George Thorogood once had a song called Who Do You Love? In this race, my answer is nobody. Yet, there may be value in some of them because nobody really stands out as one you can count on, but they show hints that today could be their day. 

1 Endless Dreaming​ is a 3yo filly by Dreamster, who is by Trixton, who is making her 2nd life start. In that first start, she floated out, followed along, and closed mildly for a good start to her career. Lets see what she can do now that she draws the tricky rail. She has potential. I will watch her here.

2 Warhead​ by Father Patrick, is 4 now, won twice at 3 at the fairs, but has found the going tough with the real racehorses at the big show. He goes fast enough to beat these, and he picks up nice shares, but he hasn't gotten the job done yet. Like all in this class, his time and his day will come. Will that be today? Possibly. He plays on speed, consistency and experience. Now he needs to play on determination. 

3 Stand On Business​ 3yo Googoo Gaagaa filly with 7 lifetime starts who is grinding along with gradual, minor improvement. She needs to start better and finish. She has started fast, but faded faster. So, they lay her back. To take the next step, she has to trot an entire mile. I dont see that yet but that doesnt mean it's not there at this class and level.

4 I`d Rather Not Say​ is a 3yo Volstead filly who tried the lower level stakes fillies last year in Ohio without success. She returned off a 7 month layoff and a recent qualifier last time and was much better, taking way back then closely nicely late for 2nd money. She draws better here and obviously if she can repeat last week's effort she is a legit contender. Some do, some dont. I want to see how she parades to see if that effort has taken anything out of her.

5 Rt Gratitude​ is a 4yo Fordham Road mare with 2 lifetime wins, both taken last year at the fairs. She raced 15 times at 2 and 24 times at 3, so she deserved the winter rest she earned. Her qualifier was so so, but the winner of that is far superior to any of these, so it's hard to say where she stacks up. She still needs more speed to beat all of these. I dont see that yet. 

6 Lori`s Ticket​ is a 3yo Uncle Peter mare who looks to be in a tough spot. She is 0 for 6 lifetime, nowhere near the ticket to this point, and her last two show her well beaten. She will have to do something at some point to gain my interest. I can't see her today.

7 Oh Yes​ is a 4yo Uncle Peter gelding out of a Bar Hopping dam. That screams non trying grinder. He does show some fast lines, but only shows 3 third place finishes from 14 starts. In his qualifier from a long layoff he left hard from the 6 hole, parked to the quarter then sat a following trip to the wire and was reasonable. Does he go as fast as he has before? If so, he has a shot with a mixed bunch like this. Just another who is capable but not been viable to this point. Nature of the beast in this class.

8 Cinderella Now​ is a 3yo filly fts with suspect breeding coming out of the 8 hole when she did nothing in her qualifying prep. I cant touch her until I see a lot more than that.

9 Prolific Range​ is a 3yo In Range filly, who has made 5 lifetime starts this winter here at the Meadows and Miami Valley. Her last time wise was better than all the ones before but that was with a far better post and it still only got her 4th money. I would think it's almost time for Team Luther to cut bait on her, and she will be moved on to one of the locals to wait on her as she finds her way. I find it hard to take one like this on with a post like this. Her final quarters are consistently bad.

March 18, 2026

Meadows

RACE 3

1 Dial Tone  is 0 for 16 with 5 3rd place finishes. Last time, in his return race at 3 from a winter layup, he went off 133-1, went evenly, never threatened and finished 7th. He shows a 57 mile last year with these when he got 3rd money, so there is some hope for him here in this short and pretty soft field. Some, but not much. He has to do a lot more.

2 Undercover Speed​ by Stay Hungry, made 4 starts at 2, went pretty fast relative to this bunch but was an also ran. Last year he went off at long odds in each start, but he returned last week at 5-2, likely based on the quick final time of his qualifier and with some of those fast miles from last year on the page. The theory of improving a second or two off the qualifying time did not hold this time, although he didn't race bad. He drew the rail, which is not a good starting spot for most at the Meadows, left evenly, sat out of it, and then closed a bit of ground on a sloppy track. His breeding suggests he is a bit of a non-trier, so possibly they will have to drive him harder and motivate him here. Merriman returns and he is the likely favorite here. 

3 Cady Hill​ by Bulldog Hanover out an Art Major mare, he didn't see the track at 2 and now has had 2 qualifiers to prepare for this debut. He has shown little at all in those two qualifiers to suggest he is ready to rock at first asking, and Simpson is the patient type who plays the long game. He will have to be seen. Bulldogs seem to have gait and breaking issues.

4 Captain Abraham​ by Captain Trevor, raced 16 times at 2, mostly at the fairs where he took his 2.05 record. Otherwise he is 1 for 25 life and does not have a win at the pari mutuel tracks. He has, however, paced in 56 this winter at the Meadows and shows two 3rds and a 2nd during that time. He is a good leaver and that will help his cause in this suspect field of non performers and green starters. His last two have been on sloppy tracks and perhaps he doesnt care for those. He has a decent shot if the 2 horse reverts to his non trying ways.

5 All in Green​ is a 5yo fts by Always B Miki. He is a gelding, and will start his career with lasix. He does show a break in his first qualifier, and a fast mile--relative to these, in his last mile, although he tagged along way back of the winner, so those sometimes fool you. He could be anything, and he can be nothing. The jury is out. He qualified only on lasix in the last qualifier, so maybe that has really helped get him over the hump. If so, he is capable, on paper, of beating these.

6 Jp​ is a 3yo homebred by Captain Crunch, making his 2nd life start after not starting at 2. He was slightly better in the race than the qualifier, so he could go forward. And he would have to to take all these down. Like many of these, he is possible when nobody really wows you or inspires confidence.

RACE 5

1  Alfredo Hanover is a 4yo Stay Hungry gelding who has raced 27 times, and 18 of those came at 2, mostly at the fair at that stage. He won twice at 2 and made about 17k doing that but the going got tougher as he aged and was aimed at big track horses. He ships in from Northfield and now he has to produce more speed, which he doesnt show as of yet. He did draw the trailer in his last 2 and they were sloppy tracks. That is something to consider but he drew better 3 back on a fast track, left out against maidens and faded the farther he went. He looks like a bit player.

2 Big Montana is an 8yo Art Major gelding but he will still race against maidens here. He won once, at 3 and then vanished for many years. He did win then in 57.4 at this track, and since his resurrection he shows slow starts and mild recoveries to get cheques. Based on his breeding and his long layoff history, he will have to be seen. He has a minor shot but it's very minor. Others look better currently.  

3 Sweet Dancer​ is a 3yo Sweet Lou who has won this class once, but still fits on the earnings condition. After that one win in January, he seemed to go backwards and has remained in reverse. Last time he raced in the snow, so he can have somewhat of a pass for getting beat 20 lengths then. That was a month ago, and the qualifier 4 days before that on a fast track was no better. He is hard to like on current form and not even current form as he has missed time off a bad effort. He, like many of these, will have to be seen. 

4 Quill Gordon​ the 8-5 ML favorite by Stay Hungry won 5 times at 2 and made almost 29k, but that was at the fairs. As he was Massachesutts eligible as well, he tried the 45k stake there, made a break leaving and finished 4th placed 5th. Off that try he was 8th by 24 lengths at Pocono in the PA fair final and shut down. He returned last week at 4-5, went down the road but was outsprinted by a nose at the wire in a good effort. Indof sticks with him, and he drives them very hard. He still lacks a big track win and the question is will those hard driving races start to wear him down, as it seemed to at 2? I want to see him parade for wear and tear.

5 Alwaysinafrenzy G​ a 3yo by Always B Miki, he fits this race on the earning condition as he has a win already, which he took last year at Dover and then raced in the nw2 there where he held his own but didn't threaten the winners of those races. Last week he was right there at the wire with Quill Gordon and the winner of that race, who is not back in here. He seems a fairly steady 56 and change, 57 pacer at this stage, and that should play here. He is probably better value than the 4 horse if he goes off 9-5 and that one goes off 3-5. 

6 Dancin Commander​ is a 4yo Captain Crunch gelding who is 0 for 22 lifetime with 7 thirds. He has had a lot of chances and looks to be about 2 or 3 steps behind the legit contenders in here. 

7 Dry Ridge Eddie​ is a 5yo If I Can Dream gelding, who did not race at 4 and didn't do much at 3, when he was stopped with after finishing 7th in a straight maiden at 100-1. He is 2 for 46 lifetime and made okay money at 2, but seems to have fallen off the cliff since that season. He hasn't been competitive with these in 3 tries since he is on the comeback trail. Pass.

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Northfield

RACE 2

1  Inspiring Moment a 4yo Swan For All mare who has made 10 starts this season, all at Miami Valley, the last 5 at the nw2 level, which seems a bit over her head, although she has picked up some small cheques.  She raced okay at this level last fall, even winning once at Northfield and getting 2nd twice. While this is a nw1 condition, there is also a nw2 with a claiming tag condition, and she fits that, along with most of the field. So, she doesnt gain a true edge there. She is a decent but not great leaver, so the rail helps here if she can hold her ground, a few run or are held together into that turn, and then she finds a soft trip in 2nd or 3rd and takes her shot late. That is a lot to count on, but it's out there as a possibility. 

2 Donywhy​ is a fast and willing leaver who can do some damage with a good post, steady gait and one that corners the turns well. He is one of a few in here who meets the straight maiden condition, but he also shows slightly better form than many in here. As a 25-1 ML longshot, he has some upside value based on what he can do. He doesn't finish great though, so he will need some trip luck and mistakes by others to be viable. That is not out of the question. 

3 Woodside Geico​ shows up pretty much every week at Northfield and gives you an honest effort. In his 10 starts so far this season, he has 1 win, 2 seconds and 1 third and has made the most money in 2026 of any in this field. He shows trotting his own mile in 2.01 and change finishing 2nd in a straight maiden, and that would likely be good enough with these. Last time with these he drew the trailer, which forced him to sit and follow, then briefly pull out first over, only to pass one and drop back in, then make a bid but be out trotted by the top 2 and just miss passing the other for the show dough. He trotted around 2.01.4 which seems his comfort zone. If he can leave get out better this time, he has a shot with these.

4 Poor Pop Wyatt​ is the ML 2-1 top choice, based on that he was nosed out at the wire in this class last time, and he came in to that race highly rated as he went off 3-5 in only his 2nd start of the season. He raced mainly last season at Dayton, but now has shifted to Northfield, and that was his 2nd try recently at this track, where he had Noble, which likely drove the price down, and now picks up Lems, who is also very good. He certainly looks like a top contender and the one they have to take down. You are looking at 3-5 again, perhaps a shade lower, if you back him this time. I have to see him. That is a short price to take on a claiming condition trotter at Northfield.

5 Deadly Sting​ has raced in this class in his last 6 straight, and he has been right there competing and earning every week. Last time he was a solid 2nd to a 1-9 winner and he trotted his own mile in 2.00 and change, parked the entire mile. He did leave from the far outside, and was looking to tuck in 4th, but that hole was closed so he grinded on forward. He seems very much like a one speed grinder, but that speed is a bit faster than some of these. From a better post, he might get a slightly more favorable trip, and that could make the difference here.

6 Finalist​ is a 5yo Swan For All gelding who grinds out a meager living picking up scraps in this type of class. He left well last time but was well back of many he meets again here as he faded back in the stretch. With a negative post switch, I cannot see him making the ticket as he likely looks for a small chunk taking advantage of whoever doesn't race well or runs. 

7 Brindlys Luck​ is a 4yo Lucky Chucky mare who ships in from Hoosier on 6 days rest off a 5th place finish in a straight maiden there. She did trot in 59.1 and was closing, just to miss 4th, so she has some upside. Can she handle the small track here? She is hard to like in this spot shipping, drawing outside and facing winners. I will watch to see if she stacks up for another day.

8 Sweet Emily T​ was 20-1 on the ML last time but went off at 5-1, in her 2nd try at Northfield, sat well back early then drove up and picked off Poor Pop Wyatt on the line. She had recently changed barns to high percentage trainer Vernon Beachy, and that seems to have picked her up. Can she do it again, this time from the 8 hole? I have my doubts. This is not as soft a field as you usually find in this class. Being that she is by Six Pack, I have noted they have a habit of showing up some weeks, then not others. 

RACE 3

1 Paragon Magicway , the 9-5 ML favorite draws the rail here after finishing 5th last week in this class. In that race, he left only okay from the 2 hole, beat out of there by the rail horse who was 50-1 and was already done well before the half, passing that one, then landing back 3rd, but not really going forward. The fractions were hot, but because of that they walked home, and that did not do anything for this guy to gain on anybody. Simply put, he won the previous two starts, one in a straight maiden, the other in a conditioned claimer, but had to rise up sharply last time and looked overmatched on simple speed by the contenders. He avoids some of those here, but others seem up to speed and he doesnt. Bad favorite if he goes off the favorite.

2 Dony`s Muscle Man​ has not been competitive in this class for weeks and he is 25-1 ML for a reason. 80-1 seems more likely and he is worthy of that. He needs to find softer competition, wherever that is.

3 Troten Away​ comes off 3 consecutive starts in this class where he has drawn the 6 hole, picking up 4th money last time, well ahead of the rail horse in this race who is a lower ML, and 2nd 3 back at 43-1. He draws much better here, but still, he needs to do a lot more to be a win candidate. It's Northfield, so these types do step up, but others look more enticing. 

4 Thom Cruise​ a 5yo Tom Ridge mare seems way out of her league with this bunch. She was 5th last time in the bottom class yet chooses to rise back to this much tougher class where she has been whipped a few times. She is another that should find another track where she is more viable. Something like Monticello or Cumbarland.

5 Jesmach Allmyheart​ a 5yo Indiana bred gelding by You Know You Do has 8 starts under his belt this year with 2 third place finishes to show for it. Those two came in his last 2 races and in this class. So, he has good recency form. He had recently dropped in class from those levels and that seems to have woken him up or made him more competitive. However, he drew the rail last time, was 3-5, sat out of it then was poised to move 3 deep, did that, took over the lead, then started to wilt and was easily passed by two others in the lane, with a 3rd one also getting to him but not passing him. He looks like the type that doesnt want to work for it. The rail horse looks like a bad ML, so this guy is probably the fave this time, more likely 6-5 this time, and that looks like bad value to me.

6 Cherry`s Prise​ 4yo Enterprise gelding, has not made the top 5 in his last 3 starts, two at this level and both from bad posts like this one. I can't see any reversal for this likely 100-1 shot. Hard pass.

7 Super Mind​ is the only 3yo in this field, by Creatine, and owned by The Stable. This gelding chased the big boys last year, stayed on the edges, but wasn't embarrassed. This is his first start back, so I suspect there is no rush as he is hopefully being prepped for another stakes season. He has the 7 hole, but that being said, this isn't the most dangerous bunch relative to one like him. The main issue is intent here.

8 Al Be Seeing You​ is a 4yo by Uncle Peter, and he shows 2 thirds in this class in his last two, but now draws the 8 hole, so the price will surely float up. I dont know about the win, but he has a legit shot at 3rd money for a decent return. The win is not out of the question, as the two logical favorites both have questions in my mind.

RACE 9 

1 Wingwiper 4yo Helpisontheway gelding, with 5 starts this year, but has not made the top 4. He did draw the 8 hole last time and now gets the rail, so that is a positive, and he nabbed 5th money then, so there is some hope of possible variables in his favor.

2 Presumptuous was active last year in 10 Hoosier starts, picking up some minor awards but basically not getting it done in many tries. She returns here, new track, new trainer, same owner with a good post. She will have to be seen.

3 Meghans Lucky Day​ is a 3yo Uncle Peter filly that goes for The Stable, who made some stakes attempts at 2, with minor rewards at best, then hit the condition trail, not doing well in straight maidens twice, then 5th money last time in nw2, now back into straight maidens. Like many, she is hard to rate, and needs to be seen. I would think based on her connections she is skating on thin ice and might be looking for a new home soon, so they will not be conservative and will see what she has got tonight.

4 Bl Cherry Wine​ is a 7yo maiden mare who drops in class and has finished 3rd in both of her last starts. This is a very spotty bunch, and at least she has proven she can get around and earn money. She might have found a good spot for herself here. She can leave. That is a big plus with this group.

5 Rg`s Rhapsody​ is a 3yo Volstead filly who tried the lower level stakes fillies last year, getting 2nd once and 3rd another time with those. She was also 2nd in a straight maiden at Scioto. She, on paper, looks like one of the better ones. 

6 Deer In Range​, the 7-5 ML choice, which makes him a clear choice and possibly going off at 1-5, comes off a maiden score two weeks ago in this class. A repeat of that performance would dominate this bunch. This gelding is by In Range, and I've found they are prone to making breaks, especially on tight turns. So, he is risky for that short price. He was well gapped off the gate from the rail last time, and the driver almost lost him when he ducked in before that, more green than anything. He sat 5th, babied a bit on the turns, then the driver flipped the switch, he circled them, and after more careful handling on the last turn he sailed by the leader to float by him at the wire. He likely trotted his own back half in 58.2. That is impressive if he can do that again. He is a big, long gaited, long striding type. He has talent, but he isn't a sure thing yet.

7 Proxie`s Photo​, a 3yo Long Tom filly is 25-1 ML, a recent shipper from Hoosier, and drops out of a nw2 conditioned claimer where she was 7th. She is hard to recommend considering some of the ones inside her. At least she has some experience. 

8 Double A Dallar​ won two back, going away, in decent time. He draws the 8 hole here, but he did it off the pace then and as he is a 4yo, has some edge on younger inexperienced, less developed ones. His slow starts as a rule mean the 8 hole doesnt hurt him like it does some.  If the 6 blows up, he could be ready to pounce at a decent price.

March 17, 2026

Saratoga

RACE 1 

Seems like a 3 horse race, with trip likely deciding it. The probable chalk shows no racing on a half to this point, the other two are now locals but draw poorly. Should be a contentious race.

1 SilverDunes a 3yo Artspeak colt, makes his 4th life start, 3rd this year, and comes back this time on 7 days. He raced okay last time from the 4 hole now he draws the rail and is likely to take more support due to that factor. Last year, in his only 2yo start for money he drew the rail and left out well, ended up first over and then backed away badly as the winner was going in 56.2 and he was not ready for anything like that. It seems like if he leaves well again, lets one legit one go and can angle inside to the passing lane late, he has a fair shot.

2 StoneRoller a 4yo Well Said gelding, now making his 17th lifetime start with only one 3rd place finish to show for that. Upon returning this year he has added lasix, and in that first start with that medication he didn't do much, but kept up and finished in 28.3. There is some hope that he can be better and this is a very weak bunch.

3 AlwaysonPar is a 4yo Always B Miki gelding out of Mach It A Par, who won more than 1 million as a racehorse, and she was out of Taylorlane Action, who made 568k in her time racing. Both mares took their life marks at 6, so there is some hope this guy may be a bit of a late bloomer. Although virtually no hope he will be anything like his sire, his dam or her dam. Relative to these, he shows some very fast times, but those were all on the bigger, faster tracks. Last time at the Big M, before that at Pocono and late winter at Harrah's Philly. For his Saratoga debut he gets a new trainer and owners, and hooks up with one of the better percentage drivers at this track. Can he get around a half? He has never tried so far, so that is an issue. He is the ML favorite and is likely to go off that way at post time. He comes off pacing in 1.55 flat last time parked and only beat a length to finish 2nd. That was 3 weeks ago.

4 GoneHunting won 3 times last year, racing at the New York fairs, banking 10k but has been overmatched in his 4 Saratoga races this winter to this point. He needs to leave much better and this time he has at least two to his inside who are likely to beat him to the front or pocket.

He is hard to like, but like many at this track and class, if things go right for him, like one of the two inside him that run and he can get to the spot, and possibly the 8 blasts off and gets hung, he has a minor shot to pick up the pieces. He looks like the type that would do better at Vernon when it opens, where his trainer driver usually races. For now, he needs a lot of luck and more speed.

5 UCan'tPikFamily started out with higher expectations last year at 2, racing in the 2yo Excellsior Series at Yonkers, drew the 2 hole, and was able to bag 3rd money, albeit back 9 lengths in pretty slow time for that track, in a very gapped out field at the wire behind him. From there, they shipped into Saratoga for the next leg of the series, where he was a well beaten 7th, 14 lengths back and they gave up the stakes chase. He was shipped to a new trainer, raced at the fairs for a while, same owners, and he took a few wins, but eventually he was sold after a maiden win at Vernon when it became clear he wouldn't be much more than that. His current connections bought him at that point, raced him once at Saratoga, in straight nw1 where he drew the 8 hole, left out, stuck with them to the half, then backed away badly to get beat 40 lengths and was promptly shut down for the season. He did win 2 times, once at the fair, once at Vernon, but he didn't beat much. Now back in maidens at Saratoga, he has drawn poorly twice, but shown mild improvement in overall time and closing ability. If he had drawn better here he would be more enticing, and when he draws better, he might be up to the task, if no returning stakes horses show up to spoil that party. One to watch. He is likely to pop at some stage.

6 Nathan'sHonor is a 3yo Ohio bred who tried the lower level stakes there last year, and while he had some speed, not enough for those types. When he aborted that trail and finished 7th in a straight maiden at Scioto those connections moved him along and now he has turned up in the maiden races at Saratoga with a new trainer and owners. Off a solid winning qualifier he was good again last time at this track, drawing the 8 hole, leaving enough to sit 4th at the quarter, moved to the outside for the 3rd quarter when the pace picked up, he paced his own 3rd quarter in 29 flat, and came home in 28.2 to just get beat a neck at 40-1. He draws a bit better here, same driver, and some fitness under his belt. He has a big shot against this suspect bunch.

7 LyonsDelightful bred by the Lyons racing bunch, he is by Bettors Delight and out of Lyons River Pride, who made 452k with a fast record and was a legit Open Mare at Mohawk for some time. They raced him last year at 2, where he won twice in the maidens at Flamboro, then continued on through the winter into this year, but finally gave up on him 2 months ago and sold him to Pacheco after two very bad efforts in January. From there, he broke in a qualifier at Monticello and then another at Saratoga, but came right back the next week, got around, paced in 59.3 clean and now debuts for a purse for this new connection. However, he draws some tougher ones and gets the 7 hole. I will watch him this time, but his breeding suggests he might find his way with these if he can keep it together and then draw better. He has shown more speed before, but also shows making breaks. He has to be seen and watched.

8 Playingrocknroll by Shadow Play, made one start at 2 at Vernon, then vanished to resurface in early January at Monticello with the previous trainer, go off 1-5 and wire them, daylighting the field in the stretch. From there, he turned up a month later at Saratoga, new trainer, same owner but had to start off in nw2. To his credit, he held his own in there and gradually beat them. By then he had a new, higher profile owner, but the same new trainer who raced him at Saratoga up to that point. Back in nw1 for 2 more starts, he has been a very short price and beaten both times from good posts, and now draws the 8 hole with at least two inside him who look better on paper. He will bring a price this time. Both times he was beaten by the same horse, and that one drew inside him last time, wouldn't let him take the top, then backed the half down, and outsprinted him and Nathans honor to the wire. He has a shot this time for a price without that winner back in against him.

RACE 3 

​Any of the inside 5 look to have a shot, but they all have some issues or questions about them. 

1 KanonLaserDk ​a 5yo Danish bred gelding will get tagged for the first time now that he has been discarded by the Englom barn and given one try in conditions by Levine here at Saratoga. He drew the 7 hole last time for that try but gets the rail here. Two months ago at Yonkers he wired them from the 5 hole, and before that he trotted in 54 at the Meadowlands but his current form shows two 31 final quarters in his last two starts. Hopefully, the move to the claimer, plus the rail will braven him up. 

2 PhantoTreasure​ finds a new home and connections at Saratoga after racing at Dover all winter. Her last was good, finishing 2nd at 67-1 after 3 long odds tries that yielded mid pack results. Off that good effort, the connections decided to move her. She is 26 for 48 lifetime on the ticket, and she wins her share. She has upside on the barn and location change. 

3 EricaJane​ is a 4yo Iowa bred trotting mare for Harmon, who is very high percentage as a rule. Since the meet has opened in early February she has raced every week they have raced. She is however a slow starter and thus falls into tough trips. Because she gets the 3 hole this time the hope is she can get away 3rd or 4th, and not 5th or 6th, and maybe get some live cover to follow. 

4 CivilianDrone​ seems a bit hit and miss. He opened the meet with a wire to wire score in good time then moved to tougher competition at Yonkers with two closing 3rd place finishes. Then he returned to Saratoga, back in the same class he wired a month ago, but this time he drew the 8 hole, and he made multiple breaks to be distanced. Now he comes right back to that class. Did the Yonkers tougher racing take something out of him? That is the potential issue. Have to see him parade. If he is good, he is likely to blast to the top.

5 Andover'sHotrod​ is a 4yo Andover Hall gelding for Stalbaum. He is very high percentage in that he has won more than 20 percent of his lifetime starts, earning 77k, so they were decent horses he beat, and also last year he was 21 for 32 on the ticket. That is the good news.

His first 3 starts this year have not been good. Last time he went to the front, from the 6 hole, had reasonable fractions, yet he backed up badly, and in his 3 starts this year his final quarters are awful. Stalbaum has been around a very long time, and if he keeps a horse like this around and races him every week, he must feel he is getting to the bottom of whatever the issue is. I would expect this time he buries him as he did 2 back and tries to braven him up. He is one to watch for a reversal of form back to the way he was last year.

6 BeauBear​ draws the 6 hole here, and he is a mediocre leaver at best from better posts. Its hard to like him for the win when he will spot the contenders 4 to 5 lengths. I will wait another day on him when he draws to the inside. 

7 Bobcat​ has been off almost a month as he was injured before his last start. Before he was shut down last winter, he was in very good and winning form. Beckwith returns to the bike here, so that is a plus, but the time off and the bad post likely mean he is taking back and looking to close for a small slice here. He gets a drop in class here because he takes the claiming tag. That should help also.

8 NeverNot ​has been sharp lately, winning once and second twice in the last three starts. But, she draws the 8 hole here and that is the great equalizer in a field like this at a track like this. She would need a lot of luck to beat this entire field. I can't see it.

RACE 8 

1 Greenhorn ​is 2 for 41 lifetime but has 22 2nd and 3rds to go with that. That tells you about the lack of grit this one likely has. Four starts back she actually beat this class even though she didn't start great from the 2 hole. Since then, back to the slow starts and minimal recoveries. She earns a decent buck doing that, but she is hard to like when it seems everything has to go her way for her to win, and even then she finds ways to lose. Pass.

2 NumberOneChild​ a well bred Walner 5yo who never really panned out but now is finding a home that suits him. He got the 2nd lifetime win in November, but now at 5, to stay in this class, which it appears he must, he has to race for the claiming tag, which he does every week and nobody has claimed him yet. He has drawn poorly in 3 of his last 4 starts, with mixed,  mediocre results. The one time he drew inside, he left and was parked the mile. I would think he would be looking to leave a bit, beat the 1 horse out, protect position and let one go so he can follow that one to the passing lane late. If that happens, he has a reasonable shot to take these down. That is pretty much exactly what he did to get that 2nd life win, and he barely even got that.

3 CoachCalhoun ​a 5yo full brother to Warrawee Xenia who has not panned out at all considering his breeding comes off a vet scratch sick and has now missed more than 3 weeks. Before that he beat this class, and as the 6-5 favorite, he is very chancy to do it again. His big sister, Xenia, was very erratic and made a lot of breaks when she wasn't good. He showed the same pattern at the end of last year, and two of those breaks came after a race where he won easily at 1-5, then blew up the next two times at the same price. I have to see him parade. He looks like sucker money.

4 GreenBroadway ​is a 3yo Greenshoe colt who did not race at 2, has made two starts this winter at 3, both at 75-1, the first he ran and was distanced, the second last week he kept it together and was only beaten 2 lengths. He has some upside potential for the future, but he meets older horses who are winners here, while he is still a maiden. I will just watch this time. 

5 BouquetsforAll ​is a 4yo Swan For All mare, who is a prolific winner, having won 13 of 58 lifetime starts and banked 82k. As such, she needs to take the tag to race with these, which she does every week. She is competitive most days either way, but seems to prefer the front to do her best work. She has at least 2 inside her that will want that trip, so she is likely to end up first over here. I'm not sure her current form suggests she can get there off that trip. She seems to be a one speed type, and with those, post position at tracks like this are important.

6 MarcelloHanover​ is a 5yo with only 28 lifetime starts. Of those, he has 2 wins and 13 seconds. He is a decent leaver, but he made a break last time trying to do that and he draws poorly here. I can't see him doing much damage based on the variables in play this time. When he draws better, he is more palatable. 

7 PastorsNightmare​ wired this class last time from the rail, and that was the 4th rail start in a row. This time he draws way outside, and his 26-1 score last time is likely a one off for him. He is 1 for 35 lifetime, so that was his maiden score and he didn't win in 30 starts last year. Pass. 

8 GamingQueen​ rises in class, draws the 8 hole and has spotty form to begin with. Hard pass.

-------------------------------------------

Pocono

RACE 6

1 R Odette 4yo Muscle Hill mare makes her return to the races with new connections, but she has raced at Pocono before. As her form last year was very poor she will have to be seen.

2 Arella Hanover a 3yo Captain Corey filly was on the stakes chase last year for Team Svandstedt and picked up some smaller slices in those, never winning, then bombed out in her final start in a straight maiden at Pocono and was moved out of the barn. Now, with new connections, she was 2nd last week in her return to the races and comes right back to the maiden class. She has a shot.

3 Pretty Eyes N Lies 3yo International Moni filly who was bred, owned and raced by The Stable until her last start. She was never very good at 2, then into the winter and after several bad starts, they gave it up and moved her. In her first start for the new interests, she went off 77-1 and tried to leave hard from the outside but she made an immediate speed break and was off the screen the rest of the way. Hard to like her until she shows something positive.

4 Even It Up a 3yo Greenshoe filly from Natalie Hanover, A Chapter Seven mare who made 250k and had a good mark at 3, she was retained by her high end breeders and resides in the barn of Team Alagna. So far she has done little to suggest she is much stock, but it's early in her career. Last time she left hard, had the pocket, the leader jumped it off just past the quarter, she cut it, looked ok to mid last turn, then began to wilt but stayed with it for a so so 4th. Baby steps, but that was an okay effort to possibly build on. 

5 Southwind Idexx 4yo Muscle Hill gelding, had lots of chances last year at 3 and picked up quite a few slices, but couldn't nab the win. Last week, in his return race at this track, he left okay, then made a break on the first turn, and looked awful on the rest of the turns, which he clearly has trouble with. He is hard to like when you see that after he has had time off to freshen up. He doesn't seem viable anymore as long as he can't trot the turns.

7 Nose Jammer a homebred for the Schadel's, this 3yo gelding returns to the races here after earning a few bucks on the stakes trail last year but not winning. This is a very weak bunch and he has a shot.

8 Alfaromeo is now a 5yo Father Patrick gelding with lots of chances but no results. He picked up 3rd last time by just staying flat, following along and picking up EvenItUp when she wilted a bit late. He was no threat to the top 2, which included Arella Hanover, whom he meets again and he draws the 8 hole. He is hard to like for the win. 

RACE​ 7 

1 Vanna by the River​ 3yo Downbytheseaside filly who last year took on the tough ones and held her own. This year, new trainer, still fits a maiden, and same connections, you would think she handles this bunch if she is none the worse for wear.

2 Papi's Dream ​has been racing at the nw2 level at the Big M, and picked up 2nd in one of those, now finds a straight maiden, although she has hooked a tough one to her inside. Her 52.1 mile when 2nd certainly jumps off the page and makes her the likely chalk. She is by Papi Rob Hanover, so, backing her to win is iffy when I see that. 

3 DarkSky ​raced and won at 2, albeit in very slow time, now arrives at the big track and hooks some serious stakes horses. This looks like a tough spot for her and maybe she just gets around and takes her time down. Cant see her taking down the two to her inside.

4 Twin B Cardi B ​a 4yo mare, so older than many of these, she took a win in November at the Big M. Last time, she was gapped off the gate a bit, then looked to settle in but wouldn't rate properly and made a quick break in stride. She needs to learn to race in a more tactical way, so I will watch for that. Not likely she can go with the better ones in here until she grows up a bit.

5 Sea Blaze ​has been off almost a year, so something likely went wrong then. She now has new owners and trainer, and while that trainer does most of his racing at Saratoga, he brings this one to Pocono. She will have to be seen. 

6 Shadow Delight ​drew the 8 hole last time, but almost stole it up the rail in a 3 horse blanket finish where she lost the picture result. Nevertheless, she has upside if the inside two aren't as good as they look on paper.

7 Sunlight Hanover ​drew the 7 hole last time and gets it again. She floated out last and did little but go around for some experience last time. She will be watched, mainly because of who her trainer is, but otherwise, she needs some time to get up to speed and find the right spot.

8 Rain or Shine ​draws the 8 hole here and has spotty form. She progresses, but today is not likely the day. 

March 16, 2026

 1  Trot

4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 1

Fairly wide open, with 3 or 4 legitimate contenders, 2 or 3 iffy ones who are viable price stabs and the 3 to the outside who look like they are not close to being contenders at this time but possibly have future upside. The post parade will be key and there is also the factor of several probably jumping it off either before or on the gate and going around the first turn.

1 Stormont Fullalife  is a 4yo maiden with 13 tries under his belt. He generally starts very slow and the one time on the page he tried to leave he got parked and paid for it late. He does have some late speed and if he can get away in the top 6 and save a little, he has a legit shot at making the ticket. He would need a lot to go right to beat them all, but it's not impossible.

2 Wheeler Seelster made one start at 2 for team Green, and he trotted his own mile in 58.3 then was shut down. He returned two weeks ago after an okay qualifier but drew the 9 hole and then made an early break, and trotted evenly from the half after that. He draws better this time and has shown already he has leaving ability. If he can keep it together and get ahead of the contenders, he has a shot to score here.

3 The Magic Within is a 5yo Archangel mare who grinds it out at this stage for Gois. She has 6 starts on the page and she has been 40 to 60-1 in all of those. She trots in the 2.01 to 2.02 range every start, but now the weather is warming and they will start to go faster. Will she? It's doubtful. She does have sneaky good form and she can leave. In a race with a lot of suspect ones, she plays as a viable longshot. At least she can leave and does not show any breaks.

4 Upgrade is a 3yo filly by Green Manalishi, who they paid 300k US for at Harrisburg. She went winless in 8 starts at 2, but did trot in 57.2 and pick up some small slices in some grassroots races before being put on the shelf. She has a deep pedigree, hence the big ticket price at auction, notably her dam is a half sister to the dam of Southwind Frank, with her 2nd dam the dam of Cayster, Giant Hit and Program Speed, all top shelf stakes winners. Matt Bax qualified her but he hands the lines to Ratchford, who drove her several times last year. She closed in 27.4 in that return qualifier, and she, on paper, looks like the best one in this very soft spot.
                           
5 Thor B Good is a 3yo first time starter for co owner and trainer Bossence who qualified with Upgrade and they finished together, both closing fast. Drury picks up the drive here. He will have to be seen. His sire, My Mvp, sires lots of good ones, but also a lot of them with lameness and breaking issues. He arrives on the scene with the hopples on, so that variable has already been sorted out.

6 Steinbeck has disappointed so far for his connections, who bred him and likely expected more at auction, so they retained him, and then raced him last year with mixed and poor results. After 3 starts, they laid him off, but at least he won a race before that and showed some flashes of speed. Before laying him off, they tried qualifying him with hopples on, and while he stayed flat, he came home in 33.4. With two returning qualifiers this winter, he has kept the hopples on, stayed way back of the pack, but trotted home fast both times. He has some ability, and when he shows some of that is anybody's guess, but he is one to watch. He will have to be seen on the track first. This year he gets the catch driver, so that is a plus. He was 18 lengths back of Upgrade and Thor B Good in that last qualifier, so that is a big negative.

7 Simply Chaotic is a 3yo gelding by Trixton for The Stable. He made 3 starts at 2, the first of which was in a high end stakes race, and he doesn't look like he was ready to go at that level, then regressed badly off of that. He must have showed something to suggest he has that kind of talent, as many Trixton's do. This year, upon return, which is two qualifiers and a return race, he has been teamed with J Mac, who is much more conservative than many guys with this type. Last year he had the hopples, but this year he has gone without them and stayed flat. He seems to be progressing now and met a tough one in his return race. He has betting value here if they hammer Upgrade and play a couple of others who look farther advanced than him. He is another that will have to be seen. He was pretty green parading  last time. He had every chance to pass horses and get up for 2nd last time, but he both ran in and hung at the same time and missed the ticket.

8 Goldie Lux Hanover was ready early last year, as most of Toscani's 2yo's are, as he is on record as not babying them. As such, she made breaks and was shut down early. As a Tactical Landing, you would expect growing pains and some kind of improvement as she goes along, as many of his do and as he did as a racehorse. Upon return this winter, with a professional driver she retains here, she has left well, kept trotting and finished reasonably. However, she draws outside this time. I'm inclined to watch her here, but she has upside going forward with more experience, time, and a better post. She is a good mover and seems to now be learning to settle down and not gun. Lets see how she progresses. There is upside here.

9 My Classy Queen draws the 9 hole here, shows breaks and distanced finishes all over the page, and currently, is not one I could back.
She will have to do something to inspire some hope and confidence.

10 Ilovemesometacos is a 2nd time starter who loses J Mac here to an obvious contender with a better post. He was a cheap yearling, and he races here for Hughes, who is a fine horseman, but races a lot of no chance longshots and project horses at this point. He seems to have ability, but today is not the day he gets to show it. He is worth watching going forward for when he might develop into something and still bring a big price.

2  Trot

5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 2

There are three very logical favorites, with Kinnder Icecube the short priced one, Goal Digger the next likely option and Check Master lurking if one blows up and or the other doesn't show up. Then there is Capitalist, who could be the one, or could be no good. The other two don't look good enough. Have to see them. Whoever is having the better night is likely the winner.

1 Check Master showed little to nothing at all at 3, but like many of Hollands, he sticks with them and they come around eventually. Myfriendjose being a good current example of that but there are countless other examples of that pattern.
Coming back this season, he was eased off the gate, went around clean as the false 8-5 favorite but never threatened. Off of that he went off as a very lukewarm favorite two weeks later, left better, sat a trip and pounced late to break his maiden. 

Since then, at nw2, this class, he has gradually improved his form and speed, winning two starts back.

Last week he was back in this class, but the depth of the field seemed much tougher, and he was only a bit player. He was brought to the  outside like he was going to brush to the top, but he never went forward and faded late. You could make an argument that Kinnder Icecube and Goal Digger look better than him at this point and a couple of others have a shot too. I like others. He seems to need the right trip now that they have toughened up as he has risen in class.

2 Kinnder Icecube has a similar profile to Check Master. Not much young, minor showing at 3, but has come to play this year.
Last time, Moore handed the lines over to J Mac, he left, followed the winner who had a class edge, and held 2nd, well clear of Check Master. His good leaving ability is a big plus here, and he is very consistent, in that he has hit the ticket in 8 of 13 starts in the last two years. However, unlike others, he has not won this class yet. He did trot in 56.2 last time, and that shows an edge on others. If you back him here, you are likely taking 3-5 with his form, good post and J Mac back calling the shots. That looks like bad value to me.

3 Southview Aviator by Muscle Mass is a bit of a late bloomer, being 5 now, but he has won 7 lifetime starts, although none at this track.
He has had his chances this winter here. In his defense, he had to start out at nw3, which currently is way over his head, but as they are short horses, as this class tonight shows, they have written an ae, nw per start class to let him in where he fits. Since he has tried these, he has been a bit player. He is a decent leaver and he can sit 3rd or 4th in this race, and if the two likely faves make a mistake, he is possible to just be in a good position to take advantage of that. Otherwise, he is hunting 3rd or 4th money.

4 Happy Angel beat maidens two starts back by blasting out to the top, going a slow middle half and coming home fast enough to hold off any challengers. Seven days later, on the rise to nw2, this class, he had to work for the lead, got there, then blew up in the lane and now has missed a month. His overall times are way too slow to go with the top 3 contenders in here, and even if one blows up, the other two are still there. He has to show more to be viable with these.

5 Capitalist is the wildcard in here. Team Green rarely keep around a young horse that they bought and didn't make it by the time the stakes races are over for them. This one even was vet scratched lame last spring, eleven months ago now. He qualified slow about a month ago, then raced well, making an eye catching 3 wide move on the turn to only finish 3rd by half a length to the winner, trotting in 28 flat. Can he do that again? He now is not as fresh, and vet scratch lame is vet scratch lame. He has to be seen parading, but he seems to have ability, which is probably why Green retained him to see if he can sell him for what he thinks he is worth.

6 Goal Digger showed a lot of promise, relative to these types in early winter when he won in 55.4 after trotting a long way on the lead in the Harvest Series final and finishing 3rd in 55.2. He made a break in his next start and then turned up sick and was laid off. Coming back fairly quickly with a decent qualifier he made a break late in the mile in the race won by Check Master at this level. He came right back seven days later and left out, followed, and was 2nd, only beat a nose. He isn't the most reliable, but he fits and seems to be heading to winning form. He has a legit shot and is likely 2nd favorite to Kinnder Icecube. He did run in just enough last time to get beat on the line and that is concerning for a horse that takes long breaks and then makes a few breaks in stride. Post parade might give some clues about that.  

      
5 Trot

4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 1

How short a price would you take on Stonebridge Chips? Talent? Yes. Peak form? Not likely. Intent? Doubtful. I see 3 others who will offer a better price, with more experience, and likely trying hard to win. Any of those seem like value, although they are chancy too and they would need to be played as a package. I don't prefer any over the others.

1 Switch is aptly named, being a daughter of Cattlewash out of the pacing bred, and noted pacer Party In Rome, who is by Big Jim. Big Jim is by Western Ideal, and quite a few of them trot, some even have raced on the trot. What I've found though is that many of those trot to a certain speed, but then they start to make breaks and then convert back to pacers. She might be one of those. Currently she shows 3 breaks in her last 4 actual pari mutuel races. She has some racing ability, but I cannot back her until I see her keep trotting, which she didn't do last time. She looked very rocky in the first turn last time before she jumped it off. Pass for now.

2 Lookstobemagic wired them last week at London. Her time was very good, which would certainly play with these, also considering that she trotted her own back half in 59.1. That was significant improvement in time as she returned to the races after almost 7 months off. She did show some grit, winning last year parked the mile at Dresden, which is tough enough for a 2yo filly to get around even off an easy inside trip. Other than that win, she shows 3 breaks in 3 races last year around the B tracks.
Perhaps she has just matured. Or, the addition of trotting hopples has kept her steadier. Either way, she looks like a prospect as she switches to this track now.

3 Lmc Double Bubble is a fts sent out by Pat Hudon, who is very patient with the young ones, and has had this ones brother, whom he is currently racing now on the comeback trail. It is impossible to access how ready this one is to do any damage off those slow non competitive qualifying miles, although he did show a 28 second quarter in each of them. He has some speed.
I will watch him this time. Archangel's, especially the young ones, can be tricky and then just see the light.

4 Zillennial, as young trotters go, is very steady and consistent. To date, he has only missed a cheque in one lifetime start when he drew the 9 hole at Mohawk and then he came late to get 6th. Otherwise, he leaves well and tries hard. 

Last time, from the 8 hole he left out, secured a pocket trip and then followed the easy winner home for 2nd best. The price is now gone though.
He will now likely need to drop another second overall to beat the better ones in here. Can he do that? I don't know. We will find out. He should be on the lead or just in back of it this time. That gives him a fair shot.

5 Gone With The Wine was 2nd best last time at London to the 2 horse in this race, chasing her around first over then settling for 2nd with trainer Burgess driving as he has been all along. He now brings him to the big track and hands the lines over to Plante, who loves the front and should have no trouble leaving with this one. If there is more overall speed there, which he will need, he can compete with these. He is chancy, but seemingly viable. He was probably better off staying at London a while longer, but he won once last year and now has exceeded the earnings level for maidens there. So, he might not be as aggressive as you expect first out with these. It's a coin flip on how hard they push him here.

6 None Shall Pass was a big ticket yearling who was sent to team Melander to develop at 2, but he never did and then those connections cut bait on him in early winter, and he arrived at Dagfin's barn as a project, which he is a master at. He got around okay in his qualifier then dropped way back off the gate in his first race for the new connections. He then made a break in the lane and was placed 10th. He is a project for sure and Dagfin will attempt to get him around clean this time as he did in the qualifier. Watch for now.

7 Stonebridge Chips showed reasonable high speed in two qualifiers and one race at 2, then was shut down after that first race. She qualified very well upon return a month ago, jogging in that prep then went a solid 2nd to a daylight winner who she was no match for. However, she only held 2nd as two that were going by her ran right at the same time near the wire.

These are more her kind, but many have an experience edge on her. That is an issue and she likely has much bigger fish to fry in a couple of months, so they likely aren't in a hurry to go to the bottom of the well. She is legit but I wouldn't take anything less than 9-5 on her based on what I've just written as a lack of motive and intention. She also has a big Murphy blind on the left side so she is obviously a work in progress and maybe has some steering issues to iron out. 

She was very grabby and hot in the post parade last time and actually took off running briefly. That is something to watch for. She is very green.

8 Thrufireandflames another young one for team Green, this one seems to be a slow developing, one speed type that might end up on the fringes in the summer in the Grassroots or Prospect series. Right now, he draws poorly and seems likely to close late to try and nab 4th or 5th money. His time will likely come in this class, but I don't see that as tonight.

9 Green Goose was moved from Team Bax after 6 life starts showing no real improvement or speed to Holding, who has done very well picking up these slow developing types from Bax and Ben B and others and then gradually getting them up to speed where they are solid B track money makers and then he moves them along and gets others, like this one, to start the process over again.
I will keep my eye on this one, as there could be very gradual and minimal improvement and then she could easily go down the road at a place like Sarnia, Clinton or Grand River in a month or two. There is something there. Just not sure yet what that is. Nine hole tonight likely seals her fate in this contest.

10 Shez Got Trix is a 4yo Trixon mare who is a 22 time maiden and draws the 10 hole tonight. She also shows 2 breaks in her last 3 races. Nothing I can say recommends her tonight and she is a hard pass under all those variables. She looks maybe like a Grand River, Sarnia or Georgian type when they start to open.

6  Trot

FILLIES & MARES NW 2 RACES

Is Just Business the real deal? Likely, but many like her have fooled us before. What's the deal with Tomboy Strong, an Ohio bred where they race for very good money, in American dollars, coming to Ontario to race? As they used to say with the sitcom Soap, this is the story of two sisters...they have more secrets than money...Let's find out on this episode.
One likely answers the questions, the other leaves us wondering for next time. The rest dont look good enough to beat the one who answers yes to this week's test.

1 Dont Chang My Naam is the perfect example of what I mentioned in the previous analysis of Green Goose. A high profile stable reject that Holding has developed into a solid, viable cheque getting entity at this track, and when the B tracks open for business, possibly, eventually a good cheque getting Preferred mare in a year or two. Even though she draws the tricky rail here, she has left very well from that slot 3 times in a row previous to her last where she drew the 5 hole, also left hard but faded in the deep lane against better competition than she has been used to, which she meets again.
I'm not sure at this stage she trots in 56 or 57 like some of these can, or will, or will step up to. She has another shot at 2nd or 3rd money if things go her way. She needs a breather though. Cutting it with these is not going to serve her well.

2 Acrobatic broke her maiden last time by leaving hard, getting the big breather, going the faster hard 3rd quarter, then coasting home with that padded lead. She can still leave hard with these, but now she meets seasoned winners, and her tactics from last time aren't likely to work or be deployed. I expect both Acrobatic and the rail horse to look for the same trip and let one other go. I'm inclined to think this horse doesn't get that trip, stays in, and tries to pick some up late when racing room appears. She couldn't hold off a massive longshot, long time maiden My Time Your Money two back, so that is a current indication of where her ability lies until proven otherwise.

3 Just Business did not race at two but that seems to have served her well as she has come out ready to play this winter. After a solid qualifier where she closed in 27.2, she left hard from the 8 hole in his debut, sat in, then sailed by to win easy in good time as the leader self destructed. Moved right up to nw2 last time she sat out of it then came on late to just miss and get 3rd money in 56.2, which if repeated easily handles this bunch. She was running in bad in the first turn and seemed to be leaning in at other times in the mile. That is concerning.

She looks like at least a legit Grassroots horse and possibly more. There is, however, a graveyard full of failed favorites who started out this way then blew up as they raced on. I want to see her parade to make
sure she is the bearcat in the making, not the flash in the pan. If so, she is the most likely winner on this card. If not, she is a strong play against.

4 Divine Love unlike Just Business is a 4yo making her 18th start, and unlike Just Business, did not go forward off a good maiden score in this class last time, not improving her time and missing a cheque. She is in a tough spot now, winning her way out of the maiden class with nowhere to compete until the B tracks open. Yes, they got the 9k first money for that win, but now they are stuck with a horse looking to just pay her way until opportunity knocks again. Cant see her with these. I don't see 57 speed in her profile. She is a terrible, awkward mover in the post parade, which is something you see from many of the ones from her sire.

5 Southwind Manhattn another one in here for Team Bax, this one the trainer drives. Her very high end breeding suggests they will be keeping her down the road either way, as they paid 100k for her. She won well 4 back in a maiden when she should have and she has competed well so far in nw2, but the fields are getting faster, deeper and tougher as the weather warms. J Mac picks against her here, and while she has a shot, she will have to step up to another level to take down better ones here.
She doesn't show the leaving ability of many of these, so if she is to do any damage, it will come from off the pace unless there is a lot of blowing up off the gate.

6 Tomboy Strong  is a homebred, Ohio bred for The Stable that starts out this year on this circuit after doing okay in some stakes last year at 2. I would guess that since she ran over Northfield, then had some issues at Scioto, possibly the big track suits her better and they will try that first. There is good money in the conditioned classes here, the late closers this spring and she didn't make 30k last year, so that opens things up for her if she is more viable here. Tonight will likely be some kind of test drive for that option to actualize. J Mac took her over the 5, and he doesn't automatically pick The Stable horses if he has a better option, which suggests she is sticking around for a while. She has a shot tonight if Just Business doesn't deliver the performance we expect she will give at very short odds. I want to see a parade on this one, as she may show she has issues with the turns in the way she moves.
                         
7 Hobnob Hanover is what she is. She milked the maiden class for every last penny and is now doing the same, wisely, with these types. As long as she gets the free pass from the AE condition they tag on this class while they are short horses for full fields, she will continue to grind out 1k to 2k cheques at this home until she is forced to go elsewhere. She doesn't look like a win candidate at this track. She is very likely to pass 100k before they evict her.  

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.