Mohawk Notes

Saturday, August 16

1

Amigo Di Grande was obviously short being off that long. But he trotted straight and seemingly sound. Right back in that class with a decent post, I would play him.

Love what I've seen from Fork lately. He has truly become a racehorse the last couple of months. If he keeps on this path I can see him becoming a Preferred horse come winter time. He is very rateable and tractable now.

2

None.

3

Cashaway is going the wrong way on the form cycle. She is ripe for some money burning chalk action in the fall if they continue to send her out there.

4

None.

5

Zeron did a great job holding A Plus together in spite of her obvious lameness. Her line looks a lot better than she actually was, and she will likely be way overbet next time. Great play against if she meets a relatively soft bunch who can make her heavy chalk.

6

Dudes The Man is a big time rat. Will play against him anywhere he goes in stakes company.

7

Shamballa started to show some wear and tear this time. Was steppy gaited from the turn home and Zeron held him together while he kept driving him. Likely why he flattened out this time. View him as a play against next time.

8

None.

9

American Legend seems like a grinder. Not much gate speed, no big one brush move. Just nice overall speed, but maybe not stakes caliber at this point. Certainly he will break his maiden if he heads back out of stakes company, which is unlikely. Otherwise, he will continue to pick up minor shares, but not win.

10

None.

11

None.

12

None.

13

None.
Friday, August 15

1

Fightmaster

Very strong effort the two moves he made, one from the 9 hole leaving and the other first up into a strong 3rd quarter. He has winning form written all over him with a better post and trip. Seems like he keeps trying hard right to the wire.

Moonwriter stayed in all the way and didn't thread the needle through until very late at which time he was 2nd for sure if he had more momentum. Likely short price next time, but would be a solid play if he fails that time but races okay for the time after that.

2

Strong Profile, All over the track, extremely green and bearing in a bit, but had lots of pace in tight quarters many times in the stretch. Will be watching to see how he develops. Might be better out and rolling in a maiden at the 5/8 B tracks. Big horse from the looks of it.

Ace of Clubs solid effort but a well beaten 2nd best. He is coming along.

Nor Star Renegade Small horse who appears to have hit a wall speed wise. Back at the B's, where his gate speed and handiness can serve him better, in the right class with the right post, he is still viable. At the bigger tracks with better ones like this, he is likely to be outpaced down the lane, as he was tonight off a very soft trip.

3

Majestic Ginger. Good drive by Steacy, Babied the crap out of her. She wont beat level competition again if that is what she needs to get it done. Gapped the gate bad and under a strong hold to keep her trotting the whole way with a 30 second last quarter against 5 claimers.


4

Hustleonhome, parked all the way to the half in scalding hot fractions from the 9 hole, didn't quit bad. Still like her in this class from a better post next time.

Brushstrokes hung bad in the lane. See a bit of decline there. Play against next time at another likely short price.

5

Mr Carrots. Bearing in bad in the first turn. Can't see a horse like that doing okay at the B tracks. Good play against if he tries him there.

Surf Report didn't look right to me on the track in the post parade and raced greenly and poorly. Maybe he can be fixed up. Have to keep an eye on him. Might just be 2yo baby stuff he can work his way through.

York Seelster gets worse every time. Play against for as long as he races as a 2yo.

6

Request For Parole. Good trip, raced good, finished well, but still has trouble closing the deal. Always around, but a solid play against for the win almost every time.

7

None.

8

Impressive mile by Red Pine. I'd keep my eye on him. He paced strong right through the wire.

Charlottes Colony went another good mile, but appeared to be going all he can go. Better off in a straight maiden, even better off doing that at a B track where the last quarter isn't as fast. Still has winning form written all over him with his great gate speed and willingness to sit a trip.

9

Sports Lightning gets really steppy when you take hold and he gets doubled up. That will cost him one of these times. He is very rammy. Play against next time.

Thunderstruck was a for sure winner when he ran. Looked to me to be an issue with his left front. Probably a foot issue or splint. If he is back in to go within two weeks and scores out okay in the post parade, he is a big time play.

10

Rebeka Bayama simply has no pace anymore. Even on a drop, she is still a play against. If this was February, they would be breeding her at this point.

Lights Go Out looked sounder, but had little to offer. Can't see her doing much with these going forward. Will have to see how she looks when she goes down a couple of levels.

11

Halton Hurricane, left hard and was live most of the way, very tight quarters in the stretch, fast closing when free. Like to see what he can do next time with a clear lane.

Twin B Scandal might have got the luckiest trip I have seen in ages to win that. That usually evens out. I will play against him next time if he is a short price.

Big O Jet Airliner, bearing in bad in the turns and not very manageable. Almost ran several times on the last turn. Headpole wont fix that, no matter how stiff the burr is. Play against back in a maiden at the B's, which is his likely next stop.

12

Second good effort in a row from Windsun Kenda. Ducked inside late with lots of pace after leaving hard and sitting. One to consider next time if spotted right.

Zeron moved River Rising into the outer flow down the backside, but gapped cover and let Randy out, and then stopped driving her altogether mid lane when he realized she was totally empty. Likely will scope sick and I would expect a big bounce back at a big price.

Barefoot Beauty raced good again, but was outpaced a 2nd time. That would concern me. She doesn't have the killer instinct.

Wildcat Beauty looks pretty lame, but she is one tough mare to keep going to the wire off very tough trips. That party will end at some point. You can only rely on toughness for so long.

13

 Thursday, August 14

Thursday

1

None.

2

None.

3

None.

4

None.

5

Boli. Another good effort. He is coming along. Still not being all out driven. Like to see what he can do once he is steady on his feet and Zeron has more confidence in him.

6

None.

7

None.

8

None.

9

Rustys Overload. Huge late close. He was lost in the wake of the impressiveness of Mitt Jagger, but his move was also uber impressive. In spite of suspect cover and running into and over the one in front of him in the stretch, he gathered himself and shot up for 3rd. He is green, but there is something there.

10

Muscle Matters bearing in bad in the lane,  and then hung late. Sign of serious soreness. Good play against next time.

Can't fault Maxi Muscle. He came to play. But he also got a soft half, a bunch of non triers behind him and a host or runners off the gate. And a false favorite who is borderline lame and sore. He is likely overbet next time, but not neccesarily not live either.

11

None.

 Monday, August 11

Race 1

Elegant Serenity. Like what I saw from her this time. She was much sounder than the week before, and trotted her own last quarter in 27.1, albeit no threat to the winner who was long gone on her. At some point, she will pass her on the ability cycle.

Race 2

None.

Race 3

None.

Race 4

Have to be very impressed with Machin Marley. Left well for position. Sat in like an experienced racehorse and then moved again to be 2nd best  to a filly who is far ahead of her on the racing experience ladder.

Race 5

Strong Hope. Gapped cover most of the way, bearing in quite a bit in the lane and looked steppy coming to the line. Likely false favorite next time.

Race 6

Terrorcam is one to keep an eye on for when she gets her act together and is classified properly. Speed looks to be there.

Race 7

None.

Race 8

Southwind Luna didn't look good at all in the post parade and going to the gate. But raced great. Likely very short price next time and a solid play against if there are viable horses in that race to use.

Twin B Stiletto..post 6, shied a bit at the gate when the spray from the car came at her, then had no racing flow until the stretch when she made solid gains. Not ready to jump on her bandwagon yet, but she bears watching to see what she can do with a fair shot.

Race 9

None.

Race 10

None.

Race 11

Little Miss Artist is putting in ugly steps and based on her last two racelines will be heavily bet next time. Excellent play against.

Race 12

An Angel Shes Not, on a line terrible into the first turn.

Stelllla, terrible dead cover and in the outer flow into a fast back half on a horrible night. Long odds next time and she can make amends. She closed well enough considering.

 Saturday, August 9

                             Race 1

 Yucatan. Solid effort to get up for 2nd. He is coming around and heading for a win.

Si Semalu, locked on the right line. Even back in a claimer, he is going to get beat bad next time.

Race 2

Minestre Hanover, bad claim, looked very sore in the post parade and looked bad coming out of the hole to race very flat.

Larrys Mist is done, even on a sharp drop, he is a play against.

Race 3

Daylon Magician looked like his old self from the get go and was driven like he was the best, which he was.

Fearless Man is not anywhere near a Preferred trotter at this point and needs to drop several classes to be competitive.

Race 4,5

None.

Race 6

Secrets of The Knight looks really lame in the post parade.

Race 7

Pocket Trip and Chivaree Hanover are both hurting pretty bad and it shows in the stretch.

See The Wind, monster close off a back of the bus trip. Tab as big play next time is spotted right.

Northern Bullet is an ill mannered rat. At any track on the drop he is a play against.

Race 8

Regal Hope looks lame in the post parade.

Race 9

Captive Audience continues to be locked on a line. He's been that way for weeks.

Limelight Beach looks lame on his left front.

Race 10

Rocky Boy would be better on the front end rolling all the way. good first effort on this circuit. 

Race 11

None

Race 12

Intrigued Intended was running badly due to some issue and likely will fail back at the B's at a short price.

Hope For Badlands looks good but just can't finish. He has hit the wall. Maybe he will come back to the sharp form he showed when he first surfaced. Have to watch for some signs of that. His siblings are very similar to him in that respect.

Friday, August 8

 Race 1

None.

 Race  2

Moonlit Dance has the type of gait that will give her trouble as she goes forward. She is also very fast and long strided. When she hits nw2, she will start to burn serious chalk money.

 Race  3,4,5,6,7

None.

 Race 8

Demand An Answer is extremely green, but he is very fast and will be a good one. Wont be long until he puts it all together.

 Race 9

None.

 Race 10

Pilgrims Joy still bearing in quite a bit. that will cost him again as it did his first start.

Race 11

None.

Race 12

Wanna Rock N Roll simply cant finish.

Thursday, August 7

Race 1

Mr Lover, very nice horse, he is going to move up the ladder quickly as he learns to be a racehorse.

Race 2

Monopoly Blue Chip definitely a horse that will improve with more racing.

Race 3

Double Decker is still a bit green. He continues to improve but has not learned how to be a racehorse yet and fight for the win. He will. He has all the tools when he figures that out.

Race 4

None.

Race 5

Sports Lightning just bearing in a bit in the stretch. If they fix him up, he will jog next time. 

Race 6

So Not Cool got jammed up at the rail and that threw him  off stride. Not his fault. He was live.

 
Race 7

None.

 Race 8

Like what I saw from Eagle Molly. They weren't a tough bunch, but she stepped up in the lane when she had the chance. She can make the part of future tickets in this class, but I still wouldn't touch her if she is the favorite and will be driven like a favorite. She isn't the bravest filly.

Ramblin Rose is lame and bearing in bad.

Race 9

ASAP Hanover was not as impressive as I thought he would be. He looked steppy and being held together a bit by Tetrick. Insane speed is there, but he is likely to run if under pressure and driven hard. I don't think he will measure up to the Metro type colts.

Utah Beach is still very green and rank and Hudon is still teaching him to follow, which he doesn't want to do.

Weapons Dealer looked pretty bad in the pocket. Would certainly bet against him at the B's, which is likely his next stop.

Race 10

Float On By,  running in bad in the turns and likely wont get a 5/8ths or half mile, and in traffic will have trouble even at WEG. Which means drivers wont sit a trip with her and be parked out more than is advisable. 

Race 11

Vital Sign, pretty ugly going pacer. wouldn't rely on him to double up.

World Peace on the right line pretty bad, likely to get worse. he was in a claimer for a reason.

Tuesday, August 5

Race 1,2,3

None. 

Race 4

Piece Of the Rock had nowhere to go and no room the whole stretch, and much of the way before that. Was weaving and stopping and changing course many times. He can do better if he draws better next time and gets away closer.

Race 5

Frankie Boy is a true green maiden. He has speed, but still is a bit choppy gaited when you take hold of him. He can keep up, but tries to run over horses if he doesn't get his way. He looks to want to go forward, then JJ pulls the plugs and he runs right away. Keep an eye on him for some improvement.

RightInTheKisser got screwed by the pace and the trip. Credible 3rd place considering that. Still high on him going forward.

Charlottes Colony made a great pre race appearance and looks to have some serious go. He left enough but had to take a seat, then shuffled a bit, and finally was sitting behind Jody when his horse ran, and still finished strong with lots of pace.

Race 6

Boli seems to be a lot of horse, but really can't do much with his talent at this point. His rally at the end suggests he will. Keep a watch on him.

Up The Alley, while 2nd, was held together the whole way by Condren, who milked 2nd money out of him. I view him as a play against going forward until he shows he can be driven with confidence. Even under that tight hold, he was drifting out bad and Condren didn't try to straighten him out, which suggest he would have run again if he tried to do that.

Race 7

None.

Race 8

Murmur Hanover seems to have reached peak form, but he is clearly not the same horse he was at 2 and probably should seek much softer company at the B tracks. Even a drop in class at WEG is not likely to put him in the winners circle until  the winter when they are much softer overall and slow down a couple of seconds.

Saw some signs of life from Burnin Money. If classified right next time, he is worth a look at a decent price. He seems now willing to follow a helmet and close at the right time.

Race 9

York Seelster obviously has speed and talent. And he tries hard to win when he finishes strong. But he puts in ugly steps, almost lame steps most of the way down the backside. Second time I've seen him do that. I would beware of him at a likely short price next time. He might be a better 3yo, if he is not pushed any farther at this point, but that isn't likely to happen.

Maracasso made no attempt to leave and was at the back of the bus the whole way. Had no room top of the lane and had to swing out for a clear shot. He closed a ton to only get beat 2 lengths. Can see a green horse like that moving forward next time, and likely leaving for a better position.

Race 10

Carousel Hall is definitely improving and kept up with fillies who are far ahead of her in terms of experience and performance to this point. But she was running in bad and had to be corrected in the lane when she went over on pylon and almost a second.

Lenny Mac raced good but was in too tough with the top bunch and it showed at the tote board. She can do a lot of good next time back in a Grassroots or overnight where she belongs.

 Race 11

Junior Pride was coming late,with tons of pace but was in very tight and running over horse with no room on either side. Def play next time from any post

Normstrikesfame was very excitable in the pocket and didn't want to release the chalk, then pulled and paced hard right to the wire. He is much better rolling the whole way, and is likely to retake next time if he has to let one go. He has the overall speed to compete now at WEG.

Weather Hanover couldn't keep up and its time to send him to a B track like Sarnia, possibly Georgian if spotted right to beat up on lesser. His form has tailed off sharply and some hard trips have not helped that cause.

Monday, August 4

Race 1

Southwind Champane looked great in the post parade and score down and raced just as good. full marks to her. she has a future. 

Zorjwick Philly looked great as well in the post parade but doesn't have much speed yet. that might come and she could take down a grassroots bunch at a B track if she progresses a bit.

Spirit To Win looked to be handled carefully. That would concern me if the price is very short again. But the talent and speed is there for sure.

Race 2

Osprey Impact, impressive first start at WEG. Might need one more, but she appears to fit with this bunch.
Osprey Impact raced sharp. Just hasn't learned to race yet. Can see her getting it done with these in the next couple.

Race 3

Amora Beach. Solid 2nd to a tons the best winner. He is starting to improve a shade each week. Don't think he is stakes material, but back in overnights he can be dangerous.

Race 4

Art of The Deal left hard for position, but found herself sitting 3rd behind a stopped on the turn, then weaved out in tight quarters and came up on two who were going the same speed. She had to be taken hold of and finished well. Tab for next time. She looks very live.

Race 5

Magic Madness was in tight quarters midstretch and couldn't really get trotting until the end.

Meadowview Vicky was running in bad in the lane. I see trouble on the horizon for her. She gapped the gate badly the race before. The tougher the competition gets, the worse she is likely to become.

Race 6

Val America. See Notes.

Race 7

Like what I saw from Queensland Beach. She is still pretty green, but she is going forward and she looks to have a big engine to go with that big frame  and gait.

Race 8

A Filly Affair obviously likes to go all the way on the engine and didn't like being see sawed to give it up,and then jammed right onto McNair's helmet and checked when she was going to run over him. Back into overnights, expect to see her on the engine again. Don't know if she can go all the way with better, but she will race much better.

Race 9

None.

Race 10

Porsche Seelster. See Notes.

Race 11

None.

Race 12

Ransom Demand lost about 5 lengths in the backfield when he had to be checked hard behind a horse that made a dirty break and almost went down. Just another excuse for him, but he keeps showing up on the board. He is slow developing, but so was his brother and now he is a FFA'ller.

Saturday, August 2

Race 1

Coe Leader looks great on the track, raced good but was putting in iffy steps most of the way.

Little Red Chev didn't give it up too bad considering how long it took her to clear to the top.

Race 2

Melmerby Beach. still bearing in and on a line. He will fail as soon as he meets even competition and he has to be taken hold of.

Race 3

solid mile by Burning Shore who got jammed up a bit on the turn and then split horses to come on late and be 2nd best to a big class dropper.

Race 4

Once again I am not at all impressed with Prarie Illusion. She will continue to burn chalk money. She has no zip or fire in the stretch. Unless she changes trainers and whatever talent she has can be maximized, she is no better than a mediocre 8 claimer on this circuit.

Race 5

None.

Race 6

Very slow back half and last quarter, and Boogie Woogie looked like he was all out and couldn't go anymore. His back class will continue to make him overbet and he will continue to burn money. Big play against next time. He obviously needs the long gaps in racing for a reason.

Race 7

Apprentice Hanover..see notes.

Race 8

None.

Race 9

Machal Jordan..see notes

Race 10

Whiskey Tax was bearing in horrible into the first turn, to the point he almost went over some pylons and didn't look much better the rest of the way.

Race 11

Terrible drive by McNair on Sing For Me George.He should have either parked Fillion or retook on the turn before he got locked in. Drove him right off the board. 

Race 12

Marlee B, terrible dead cover or she jogs.

Hustleonhome, crawling over horses most of the way then lacked racing room for too long. Another iffy drive. Hope they put someone else on her.

Friday, August 1

Race 1 to 6

None.

Race 7

Noble Jilly. Big late close. She seems to be much better in terms of the lameness and running in bad on the turns.

Race 8

None

Race 9

Lights Go Out. A bit flat in the lane this time.I think the hard miles are starting to wear her down.

Mach A Wish got screwed by the pace and trip. She can rebound next time.

Race 10

None.

Race 11

OK Godiva got interfered with in the lane when following a horse that was very rough and looked like she could spill a field. Not sure how much pace she had anyway, but she lost all chance when that happened. She also had a lot of road trouble along the way.

Thursday, July 31

Race 1 to 5

None.

Race 6

Big Treat, horrific blocked trip until the very end. big play next time.

Race 7

Elegant Serenity, looked a bit sore and ouchy in the post parade. Mayotte finessed her around and she still only got beat a length and a bit. Once right, she is a big time filly.

Hope Rises, very long trip,  kept going right to the wire. Have to see where she stands overall.

Race 8, 9

None.

Race 10

 Winem, has some go, but looks to have issues that will lead her to break more often than not.

Race 11

Doctor Terror, terrible shuffle which resulted in a no hope trip.

Race 12

None.

Tuesday, July 29

Race 1

None.

Race 2

Beyonces Rockin. Nice horse, great pre race appearance, terrible drive by Phil as he is prone to do from time to time. Expect a rebound from this filly at a good price.

Race 3

One Direction looked bad in the post parade, iffy gaited coming to the gate, and then over eager on top of that until he ran. Can't see him being much of anything but a money burner, even if he matures a bit. Good play against at some point.

 Race 4

Major Deagan raced great, but was running in bad in the stretch. Sign of trouble with a colt like him who goes very hot and cold.

Swiss Bank Hanover was rank on the gate, but gathered himself and raced okay the rest of the way. Wouldn't mind seeing a driver change and give him another shot from a better post. Maybe even a trip to KD or Georgian where he can go all the way on the engine. 

 

 Race 5

Rob Roy is a very green trotter who made a fantastic pre race appearance, he has the body type of a truck, much like Rotation looked when you first saw him. At this point, he is too green to stay in the hole and that might take a few starts, but Moreau has just got him and I expect him to go to work on him with maybe some equipment changes and possibly some schooling on the side.

Win The Day made two moves and was the winner a step after the wire. Certainly has talent.

Race 7

Open All Doors closed from an impossible spot and was the winner two steps after the wire. Not always the most consistent horse, but that was a sharp effort.

Race 8

Manny In Sports left hard for the lead, got a terrible shuffle, came back on once out again and closed good,and looked very good doing it in a 27.3 final quarter in which he went much faster than that. Tab for next time.

 Race 9

American Legend. CC never even let go of the lines,start to finish. Next start he is tons the best. Even at even money, he is value.

 Race 10

 Bad Boy Matt. suspect drive. pulled into a 28 flat 3rd quarter on an off track when he could have stayed in longer. He can turn that around next time, hopefully with a better driver. Kept digging all the way to the wire, and raced evenly.

Race 11

Smokeys Luck raced good again, to get 2nd, but looks to be going all he can go and there is no more there.He can only go backwards or keep at this level.That is what he is. at this point.

Monday, July 28

Race 1

DeweyPuffandHow got a terrible shuffle and only got beat a length and a half for the win. One to watch to see what she can do if started up earlier.

Race 2

The Wayfaring Man. Tons the best. Can't see any who will make the final taking him down.

Some Power is a rat. He will continue to burn money, anywhere he goes. Bearing in quite a bit in the lane. He can find many ways to lose a race. I expect to see a barn change on him, but I doubt it will help. He is just a rat with a 270k yearling tag that is about to get marked down sharply on a fire sale.

Race 3

Ok Heavenly got trapped in, then didn't know how to shift gears once free, but once she got rolling late she finished with tons of pace. If the price isn't too short next time, she is worth a shot.

 

 Race 4,5,6,7,8

None.

Race 9

Titus Seelster looked dangerous out there and just about wiped out 3 or 4 of them top of the stretch. Even back in a soft overnight, he is a definite play against.

Blacktree was one of those wiped out. Play next time if spotted properly.

Bugger Bruiser is not a Gold horse anymore. Have no clue why they keep jamming him in there. He might not even be a Grassroots horse. He will have to show where he fits. It might be a conditioned claimer come the fall.

 

Race 10

As suspected, Passionate Pete was not able to put two back to back good efforts together. 

Saturday, July 26

Race 1

Up The Credit left a ton, didn't want the 2 hole but was forced to take it in 25.4, then had to sit the whole way, only to get trapped in the lane, almost out,then squeezed and he finally just gave up. I could see a bounce back effort for him against similar, or a wire to wire score back at the B's. I will be looking for him to see where he goes next.

Race 2

Cobble Beach looked like a million bucks in the post parade and was equally the same on the front end in the race. If not for Shamballa, he wires them with tough fractions in about 49 and change. He isn't always great week to week, but if he comes out looking like that again and avoids Shamballa, he looks like a lock to win against a similar bunch.

Race 4

 Brushstrokes really didn't get the kind of trip where she could do any more than she did. But she raced great. She can played next time under the right circumstances,which would be a better post, same or lower class and a similar price.

 

 Race 5

Mego Moss didn't just run at the start. He was locked on a line coming out of the last turn. Even on a big drop in class he is a play against.

Race 6

Forego The Cigar, looked much sounder in the post parade and in the race, but started up too late. I think we might see him closer up next time,and I view him as a solid play.

 

 Race 9

The Only One looked very bad coming out of that last turn. Really bad.

Dont be fooled by Unabating jogging against this bunch. The last quarter was slow and he beat a bunch who had no go. He wont do anything as he moves up if that is all he has. 

Race 11

Precoscious Beauty, bearing in bad into the first turn. head turned sideways. Not sure why McNair thought it was a good idea to then gun her to the lead and use her hard. Either way, she looks cooked.

Mach A Wish, another huge effort, just outpaced by the winner.

Lights Go Out got a very suspect drive, however, she also didn't look very live coming out of the last turn. Hard to rate her level of overall racyness. I guess we will find out if P. Mac gets back on.

Race 12

Resistance Futile was flat coming home. Not the same horse as he was the past two seasons. Likely continues to burn chalk money.

Twin B Impressive is the likely winner if he gets any kind of room. He is overdue for a better trip.

Solid effort from Major Hottie to only get picked up late after doing all the work. He looks to be close to winning form. 

Friday, July 25

Race 1

Hustleonhome. a much improved horse off the trainer change. Only collared late after a pretty gritty and out and going effort.

Race 2

Little Red Chev, strong close, but was kind of steppy when all out at the end. Maybe the hard miles at WEG are hurting her. She is probably better off waiting until the winter when they slow down a couple of seconds. That wont likely happen though.

 

Race 3

Palm Beach Hanover. pretty lame. Nice job by Jody to keep her together.

Wanna Rock N Roll...solid effort and likely the 2nd place horse if she had room. Trainer change might help her. Price likely wont be there next time though.

Race 4

Dana Dearest. Interesting trainer change, pretty easy winner. CC never even asked her to go much in the lane and knew he had it won at the tote board. Not sure if she can go more than she did. We will see the next time when she faces tougher. I am on the fence there. Casie will have to improve her if she is going to take down better than she faced tonight.

Race 5

None.

 

Race 6

P L Hula...interesting drive.  That's all I will say. And as a result, she looked lame again at the wire.

Alibi Seelster= Spent and cooked. Still takes big money, no matter how low she goes.

Race 7

None.

Race 8

Who Says That..steady gains in the lane was right with them, but behind a wall. One to consider next time if spotted right.

Race 9

Marlee B, raced good, only beat 3 lengths from sitting way out of it. She takes money off her card and can now drop to the bottom of the class ladder, where she likely will jog next time. I would take 2-1 on her there,and she will go down the road.
Cant fault Rubis Prescott. She seems much improved with Nixon. She might be able to move up the ladder. Might.

 

Race 10

Mea Lilley Mark raced good, but looked sore in the post parade. Hard miles are piling up on her. She has gone from good play to play against.

Race 11

Seaside Rory is the classic example of a horse raced so hard as a 3yo that they are used up. She got the money at 3, but now they are sitting with a horse with no go anymore. She was very sore at the end of her 3yo year, which was very noticeable. Now, she simply doesn't have anything to give and has learned to ease up on her own. She will continue to take money, and likely burn it. 

Thursday, July 24

Race 1

None.

Race 2

None.

 

Race 3

Maybe there is a good reason why Billy D pulled pocket with Passed Dat Point when he wasn't crawling all over the leaders helmut, then went nowhere and backed away. I don't know what that reason is. Horse was fine at Hanover not pulling that crap. Can easily turn that around next time...with a better driver.

Race 4

None.

Race 5

Hill I Am, I dont think I have seen a rougher gaited trotter that stayed trotting the whole way in quite a while. Whatever that problem is, it is likely to get worse. Big time play against next time when he takes huge money off that chartline that flatters his actual form.

Even with the trotting hopples. Diamonds For Life is still trying to run, and likely will if not held together. Play against at a short price going forward. When challenged, if he is driven, he will jump it off.

 

Race 6

Rock Be A Lady running in horrible in the turns and looked lame in the straightaways. Hard to like going forward. Even at the B tracks,if that is the next stop. 

Race 7

None.

Race 8

Lost in the wake of Pocket Trip's training mile score were Lucky Mass and Masacaia, both who raced pretty good and were going forward late. Sans Pocket Trip, both might be plays next time if the post position is favorable. 

Race 9

Right in The Kisser. Best Major In Art I have seen yet. Good gaited, and has some serious speed

His dam is a full sister to Pacific Fella. Obviously green, Fillion had to whip tap him

to the half, and then just followed the rest of the way. He kept up though. Tab for next time.

 

Race 10

Bundoran on the right line pretty bad much of the way.

Tuesday, July 22

Race 1

Charity hall looks to have a bit of talent, but has no idea what she is doing out there. watch for signs of improvement on the greenness. could score at a big price.

Race 2

None.

 

Race 3

Decisive Destiny, great pre-race appearance and huge close when asked late in the mile.

Race 4

Blacktree,  slowly improving horse that looks to be a good one come the fall. 

Race 5

Tsanami Seelster looked to be going all he could go. doubt he can compete at WEG now that he has broken his maiden. maybe in the winter when they slow down and he doesn't need a fast 4th quarter.

 

Race 6

Body Balance, solid effort, gate to wire,

Murmur Hanover, good bounce back effort, only beat about a length.

Race 7

Aramblin Hanover was on the right line pretty bad most of the way. Sign of trouble. Explains why he doesn't race consistent much of the time. His form could reverse any time.

Race 8

None.

Race 9

Big Kisser, following a horse that was backing into him, closed solid once free. Has some nice gate speed and is willing to follow.

Corsica Hall made a great pre race appearance, followed live cover and only got beat two lengths, going forward the whole time. As he races, he should get a lot better

 

Race 10

None.

Monday, July 21

Race 1

Don Jarvis...bearing in bad, wont do on the half mile tracks if he takes him there.

Professor Gordon, very green, but learning and has some go. Like to see what he can when he puts his nose on the gate and leaves a bit.

Race 2

None.

 

Race 3

Pilgrims Joy is very eager and has lots of go. Also very green. Ran in when he was tapped with the whip, then couldn't regain his momentum. Looks to have lots more in the tank going forward.

Race 4

East Meadow. horrible trip, and didn't quit badly considering. he can bounce back at a big price.

Race 5

None.

 

Race 6

Cheque the Magic. Interesting trip. Stop, start, stop, start, weave. Kept going. Looks like one that will get better with more racing.

Federal got third, but looked bad doing it. Good play against next time.

Race 7

Beyonces Rockin, huge mile first up and then kept with the leader who was clearly not going to be touched this night.

Allover Sport was making a move when he had to take a strong hold of her as she was following a horse that was on a break and looked like it may fall. She ran when that happened. Not her fault. Just a bit green still.

Race 8, 9, 10, 11

None.

Saturday, July 19

Race 1

None.

Race 2

Entranced, monster close but no hope to get near the winner off those fractions and that track. Still very sharp. Looks like he drove him for a cheque. I expect a more aggressive drive next time.

 

Race 3

None.

Race 4

Grin For Money looked like he just didn't grab the track, and that was enough to get him beat. I will give him a pass on this one and go right back to him next time, hopefully at a slightly higher price.

Race 5

None.

 

Race 6

Donau went an interesting trip. Probably overmatched anyway by a few class droppers, but he was in contention, then put in some ugly steps, which was probably him hitting a knee or something like that, was gathered up,  got right back pacing and then closed well to be right there with the top flight. 
I have never been a big fan of this horse, but he might offer a price next time and he appears to be improved overall for Carmen. 
The track was horrible at this point and I give him a pass on the brief break in stride. Possibly down the road next time if he can find a race where there aren't many who can bust out of there.
He went his own mile in 52 on a very off track. 

Race 7

Roger Mach Em is another who looked like he didn't get the racetrack at all and gave up as a result in the lane. Give him a pass on this one. Huge price next time, still worth a play in my opinion.

Race 8

Dapper Dude reversed form sharply. Off that trip and fractions he should have jogged, but he didn't. Was on the right line a bit into the first turn and had no zip. 

Evenin of Pleasure might be another who was a victim of the poor track conditions. He had no speed at all. I will give him a pass and might play him at bigger odds next time. 

Race 9, 10, 11

None.

  

Race 12

Steady Warrior, like many Royal Mattjesty's shows up some times and doesn't other times. Have to keep your eye on him. He seems to be the type that pops at any time,and has scored twice (once for an 80-1 win and this time at 99-1 for 2nd) at very long odds when he didn't look logical at all. 

Just how good is Shamballa? Where is the bottom on him? I don't know. But you rarely see a horse pace through the wire as fast as he does every time at that level. He is just toying with this bunch. He does have some great breeding behind him,  so, he likely continues to move up the ladder and wont be tested until he hits the Preferred. Zeron is a very good horseman, so, I'm sure he is even getting better as he moves up. Right now, he looks like the real deal.
The one caveat: He does still look like he wants to run when he makes speed. If Zeron ever sorts that out, he could be one who can compete at the highest level in the sport. Could. Maybe.

Race 13

Jackson Brady, pretty impressive win. Looked he wasn't grabbing the track the whole way, but he kept digging and got it done. That seems to be a trend with him. Like many by The Panderosa, he just keeps trying and grinding. He will win his share, and be competitive most nights.

Here Comes William finally seems to be sorted out steering wise, and now that he isn't being raced over his head, he is right there most times. He will win this class at some point, but I would demand odds. Still a play against at short odds and possible play under the right circumstances at higher odds. He does have nice raw speed, but doesn't always use it efficiently.

Friday, July 18

Race 1

Torches Star did race good and got 3rd. However, she was trying to run badly before the start, was steppy much of the way and was on the right line horrible in the stretch. Good play against if she takes big money next time.

Race 2

Hare To Eternity appears to be a mare that will go as fast as the front 2 or 3 will, only 2 lengths slower than them. Time is a misleading indicator on her. Until she shows better racing ability, she is a poor bet to win.

 

Race 3

Protege Seelster got 3rd, but looked very unmotivated, which is a signal his form is about to go off again, a habit and pattern he repeats regularly.

Ditto for Designer Genes.

Hard to bet any of these next time. Most are very spotty.

Race 4

None.

Race 5

O U Sexy Guy got held up pretty bad on the last turn, then exploded late to get 3rd. He doesn't always show up, but he might be a solid play next time if they don't hammer him.

 

Race 6

Polk Dot Hanover didn't just race very flat. She looked lame in the post parade and even lamer as she limped across the wire.

Race 7

Marlee B, very hard used to make the top and keep it. No mare can withstand that pressure. She can do better next time as she drops a level and hopefully gets a better post and trip.

Race 8

Double Joy, couldn't quite get through on the rail until it was too late. She looked like the winner if she could have shooken free near the top of the stretch.
Murrayfield had nowhere to go the entire stretch, she raced good, but again, she didn't have to do much to be in position.

Race 9

Macho Chick, something wrong at the start, spotted them 15 lengths, then no flow. if they correct that, she scores next time at huge odds.

 

Race 10

Mach A Wish, nice close at this level. expect to see her out and going
next time to see if she can compete for the win.

Race 11

None.

Thursday, July 17

Not updated yet. Will be next  week.

Tuesday, July 15

Race 1

None.

Race 2

None.

 

Race 3

Were Just Sayin. big strapping filly, Tons of go, but has a very busy gait up front. Looked home free then likely interfered up front and rolled off stride. I expect that to be corrected, shoeing wise, and for her to jog next time.

Race 4

None.

Race 5

Meganou, super steer by Saftic to save all the ground and find a seem in the lane, but she didn't look very steady winning it. I would expect her to draw a short price next time and she is a play against.

 

Race 6

None.

Race 7

Keystone Charles made a great pre-race appearance, and raced very well, although it is clear he is pretty green and might need a couple more starts to learn how to race better. He does have a go forward attitude, some decent speed and a solid gait. He looks to be a nice, unspectacular WEG horse in the making.

Race 8

O K Galahad, Sharp leaving, then sat, got a bit of a shuffle because he wouldn't pull first up, then was in traffic much of the way but did close a bit. If the field is soft enough, and he draws a bit better, he can beat this bunch. Might be a few starts, but he is coming around.

Dragon Seelster gapped most of the way and finished horrible. The layoff hasn't helped him. He has cheap conditioned claimer written all over him. Might not even be that great with those when that occurs, which is likely to be fairly soon. Might be a trip to Dean Nixon's barn soon. We will see what he can do with him.

Race 9

Tymal I'll Be There looks like a filly that has quite a bit more trot than she was asked for this night.

 

Race 10

Reckon Im Ready raced a sharp mile, but didn't look good finishing. Wont do at all moving up, and could get beat next time if he were to get back in here. He appears worn out, but he is game and tries hard almost every time.

Race 11

Aramblin Hanover, huge trip to be 2nd best from the 9 hole. Any other night he jogs in this class.

Have no clue what Billy Davis was thinking there on Weather Hanover. He obviously wasn't. Completely misgauged what he was sitting behind. The horse can do better the next time,  or maybe will need one confidence trip and the time after that. Certainly a driver change is in order.

Greystone Moe looked terrible again, start to finish. Back to the B tracks for him, but even so, he is not looking good. 

Monday, July 14

Race 1

Allerage Star. Strong leaver, very handy and tactical, moved willingly to the lead first up, and was only beaten by a much better filly. She will get it done down the road. She is learning how to race and hasn't figured that out yet. When the big money is down, she will likely be around.

Desis Dream sat a bit too long to be dangerous, but she certainly kept up and was closing into a fast last quarter. Good first effort.

Race 2

Nordic Holiday. Jammed up badly on the rail. Then when it a bit tight at the top of the stretch interfered with herself when the whip in front of her brushed by her face. She looks to have a lot of trot and is improving each time.

Elegant Serenity, away last from the 8 hole, was in no rush the whole way. Swung wide on the far turn, she lost a bit of momentum when a breaker got in her way, then flew up late with the most trot. Definitely a talented filly being saved and pointed for the fall stakes.

Race 3

Allover Sport looked like a million bucks in the post parade, but did not leave a lick and did little during the race, only to finish strong. She seems like she might be the aggressive kind and maybe she is just learning to be more of a racehorse. Paces fast and smooth when she goes.

Race 4

Ransom Demand, clearly is being babied along and was not driven to win here. Similar to his brother, Ellis Park, they are taking their time with him.

Race 5

Red Solo Cup, no trot at all. Didn't appear to have any issues, so might be a blood or tie up issue. I would watch for a rebound at a decent price. Randy eased up on him late, so he could sense there was no point on this night.

Audrey Pearl, big close late. Did little early.

Race 6

Stubborn Belle blasted out of there like an aged mare, then got shuffled and jammed up on the final turn, only to get out and then run up on another who was steppy, and then run herself. She is fast, but a shade green. One to watch for a better trip and more experience to take advantage of it.

Race 7, 8

None

Race 9 

P L Indyanaca is a filly with serious speed. Still not racy enough to carry it in one big brush,  but she is learning to do that. There seems  no end to her,  she lets up, but just keeps coming.

Race 10

Hit And Giggle is a very ugly going pacer. I think he hits his knee bad, and that has gotten worse as he is forced to go the fast speeds that WEG requires. He appears to be going straight backward, and even a drop in class or a trip to the B tracks is not going to help him. Likely a marginal 8 claimer in the winter if they can salvage that. Fast, and game, but not durable. 

Tauranga, nice two move trip, again right there at the wire. He will get it done shortly. Doesn't have the killer instinct,  but he has enough talent to luck into a win at some point as long as he continues to race the way he does.

Race 11

Any other night, Bad Boy Matt is a wrapped up winner who jogged. Lucky for him, he gets to beat them next time because he ran into a bearcat named Shamballa. But tab for next time, any post.

Saturday, July 12

Race 1

Yes, Some Power got screwed by the slow pace to the half. No doubt. Yes, he did come first up and he did come a very fast last quarter (26.2). All that being said, he was right up the the winners wheel by midstretch and wouldn't go by him. He also gave up the lead pretty easy in his first pari mutual start, and that is now 2 times he has burned even money favorite. He might be the type that lacks some killer instinct to win. Clearly CC wasn't driving him all out to win from the get go. But, I would lay off him and look elsewhere the next time if he gets big chalk money, likely in some sort of stake race. It only gets deeper for one like him.

Utah Beach was not pushed hard, and is very green. Hudon is definitely pointing him to something down the road. He certainly has very nice speed and travels well. I would be interested in playing him next time if the price is reasonable.

Race 2

Goldies Mach, Jody completely holding her together again. Putting in some ugly steps coming out of the first turn. Can't see her going anywhere but backwards at this point. Total play against unless I see some evidence that she isn't falling apart. I don't expect to see her still racing by fall.

Mea Lilley Mark is lively and willing enough, but she needs a trip. Make her work for it, and she hangs. Therefore, she is a play at decent odds when that possibility exists. Saftic isn't stupid, he will be driving her accordingly. You likely wont see her gunned out or first up going forward at WEG. So, you might have to deal with some trips that don't work out. She likely will score at long odds at some point though. 

Brookdale Shadow, no resistance at all for the winner. She is tailing off a bit. Still capable, but no bearcat like she looked to be at the start of the season.

Race 3

Delerium, bearing in bad early, no pace at all when pulled first up, and then did nothing and looked sore. Party is over for her. She is used up.

Alibi Seelster did even less and basically passed a bunch of tired or lame horses and a few that didn't belong. She is also spent as well. 

Performing Art raced good, but was also bearing in bad in the lane. 

Other than Sudoku, a very poor bunch.

Race 4

Veal Marsala paced a sharp mile, start to finish and looked good doing it. With his back class, if he is just getting good again, which he appears to be, I could see him going on a short run and dominating. Be interesting to see his odds next time.

Race 5

Lady Shadow, obviously tons the best on this night. 

Nefertiti Blue Chip, lost in the wake of that mile, was lively looking the whole way and paced in around 1:51, which was much faster than she had gone before. She might have been sick for a month, but she is coming around. Definitely one to watch going forward. She made the final, and it will be interesting to see where she goes after that. I wouldn't discount her for the final either. She is on the improve. 

Race 6

Macho Chick was clearly a big go this night, almost coming over the pocket horse who backed into her, and then coming on again a bit in the lane when it was way too late. I will be all over her next time.

I noted in her last start, but Wildcat Beauty has been hard driven for weeks, and now she is completely spent as she walked across the wire. Nothing short of a long layoff will help her.

Race 7

Roger Mach Em was more rateable early this time, and went a tough first up trip and didn't quit against some pretty nice horses. If he stays as is (big if with him) he is heading towards a win at probably pretty decent odds.

Hunch Man is a hell of a nice horse with a big closing brush. He has driven a bit straighter of late. He is another who is going to get it done again soon, but likely at a short price. I might be more willing to take that price now, since he seems sounder and yet still as fast and maybe even a bit faster.

Victor Bayama bounced a bit, as it seems many of Larocque's do. He didn't race bad, but he certainly wasn't as good as his first crack off the layoff. I am willing to see which way he goes from here. Still on his bandwagon, but also ready to jump off if he doesn't show me that he has some durability with the top colts, which he is certainly going to face until at least late fall.

Race 8

Marlee B was ready for the drop and pop, left out the first quarter from the 7 hole in 26.2, took a terrible shuffle as 2 non factors exchanged the lead and she got back into, and then when free was in tight quarters for much of the stretch until it didn't matter. Big play next time back at this level. That is two bad trips in a row for her, but her sharpness level appears to be holding.

Bullet Point is a complete trip horse. If she has to work for it, she is NFG.

Foolish Mind is over her head. She didn't get to steal this one like last time. Wouldn't play her until she is back near the bottom again.

Race 9

None.

Race 10

Dapper Dude, again, no room. Still say he is the sharpest of the rest when State Treasurer is away. Big time play next time if he draws towards the inside.

Ellis Park is not as dangerous with these types if you have to move him earlier. 

Apprentice Hanover was obviously short and driven as such. Not sold that he is ready even next time, and he likely draws a short price, thereby being a play against. 

 Race 11, 12, 13 

None.

Friday, July 11

Race 1

Muscle Babe is completely spent. She had no trot the whole way and no response at all in the lane under very heavy urging. I wouldn't even enter her for the final. She has almost no shot at a cheque. Her form is way off. Considering the talent she showed, a good rest and a shot at the fall money is her best option.

Race 2

Lady Hill, used hard to make the lead, then fend off a hard challenge, raced good to the wire. Certainly can get it done next time with that experience under her belt.

Too Hot To Handle has nice speed, but more likely is a grassroots filly at this point. She may come to her full speed at 3, but not at this point.

Race 3

None.

Race 4

None.

Race 5

None.

Race 6

Entranced. Super effort. Never really had a clear lane to trot fast until almost at the wire. Otherwise, he is an easy winner. Expect a more aggressive drive next time.

Race 7

Margie looks completely spent. Each time she just gets a shade worse. I can see her going straight backward and burning a lot of money as she throws in the odd okay performance. 

Mayberry looks like the winner of the final. She is the "now" horse and Zeron knows how to peak them for a race like that.

Race 8

Undercover Strike. Big move from last to be a hard and fast closing 3rd. He could be the 2nd horse in the final after Sebastian K and will still bring a big price.

Race 9

British Steel had a very troubled trip as the trailer. He is one to consider for the final if others fail. He had lots of trot but no momentum to do much with it.

Race 10

Mariahs Missy Lou was terrible gaited the whole way. When she next drops into a maiden...anywhere...she is a play against unless they make some equipment adjustment to make her raceable.

Sports Chic was running in at times in the lane,  but it looks fixable. She looks to be a real good one.

Race 11

None

Race 12

Shes A Star Reporter really had nowhere to go most of the mile, and even at the wire she was in very tight at the rail. Like to see what she can do if she is raced more aggresively. Definitely something there.

Twin B Honour shows signs of being a good one, but hasn't put it all together yet. Might be better off in the short term as a Grassroots filly, where she can get the lead and keep it.

Race 13

Too Shy won it, but she was quite steppy in the backfield before she got in gear. She might be the type where hard WEG miles wear her down fast. This was a very soft bunch. She wont get that as she moves up.

Palm Beach Hanover again looked to be held together by Jody, and continues to be an underlay to play against as people bet her miles from a month ago, not how she is now..which is not good at all.

Thursday, July 10

Race 1

Palette Tina is obviously a talented and speedy filly. Anyone can see that with the brush she showed. She is also locked on the right line, and that isn't greenness, it lameness. Unless that is corrected, she is a play against going forward. She showed the same trouble at the Meadows and has showed some problem of the same nature since she has started racing. It only gets worse when they are asked to go more, which she will be.

I'm sure a trip to the vet is in order. We will see how that works out.

FiftyShades of Bay raced huge, only to be picked off by the impressive winner. She is one to watch.

Race 2

Hello Marylin looks to have some go to her. Left hard and was sitting okay but had some sort of broken equipment. Want to see where they spot her next time.

Dublin Rose is a big rangy filly, got a horrible shuffle, and was closing a ton on the inside. Big play next time if the odds are right.

Race 3

Headsaregonnaturn. Tons the best. Might need a few to adjust up to the next level, but he is going to be a good one. I expect he might change hands soon.

Caviart Griffin. Huge trip from the 10 hole. Like to see what he can do from the inside.

Northern Secret= rat. Will continue to burn money. Might win one in the winter when they get really soft, but otherwise, not a winning type of horse.

Race 4

Slow last quarter, but Porsche Seelster turned it around after the poor effort last time. Parked the entire mile, much of that with loose or no cover. Can see her going forward off that.

Exhilerated finally got it done. She is a mid range condition horse, decent grassroots filly, and should be viewed that way as she moves up. Likely will make a solid 4 year old who wins her share.

Race 5

A lot of green fillies in this one.

Aint She A Sweetie was fighting Condren at the start, then ran, but closed huge and was not being babied. Big time play next time if the price is right.

War Filly is very green, and likely needs a burr headpole on the inside until she learns to drive straight.  Big strong, long striding filly though. Speed and talent appear to be there.

Race 6

Mass of Dreams wanted to leave hard, but with the 10 hole, Fillion reigned him in. Then came up the rail, but there was no flow there, and finally closed strong. One to watch to see what he can do with the gate speed.

Cocunut Cream is very sore behind. Can't see that one going forward at the big track. Maybe a trip to KD or Georgian and much softer fractions and gapped out fields might help. Maybe.

Race 7

P L Hula was a fast closing 5th, but she looked lame doing it. No play going forward.

Big Diva, No excuse trip when she backed out of the pocket badly. Not a WEG horse. Marginal KD horse.

Big Treat boxed in until midstretch, came on good for a solid 2nd. She will beat these eventually, but she is no bearcat either.

Race 8

Lady Jen, troubled and no hope trip. Decided not to leave this time,  then ran up and off stride for a few steps when she was in tight on the back of a breaker at the half, then gunned after the leader got a 31 second 2nd quarter and she finished evenly. She shows signs of being an okay grassroots mare. She will get it done at decent odds eventually.

P L Impressive. Big, long striding solid filly who will get better with more racing. Finished a fast closing 3rd into that very fast last quarter. One to watch as she improves.

Race 9

Shes Dignified, is about as far from that as possible. Acting badly before the start, Fillion did a great job to get her to the gate and then back on the lead, but she was running bad and all done by the turn. I would have to see something from her that shows otherwise, her speed not withstanding. I could see her burning tons of favorite money at the B tracks,and I will be watching to play against her. She is nickel bred, and she shows it.

Katie Snoops, tough trip having to deal with the above horse, had to let her go down the backside and then got backed into bad. She finished well, but didn't do enough either. Might be the type who is better rolling most of the way.

Race 10, 11

None.

Tuesday, July 8

Race 1

None.

Race 2

Mach Code was fighting Jackie Mo most of the way to the half, but when rolling late, had a huge stride and looks like there is lots more in the tank. I can see him taking his time down rapidly. He is very green though, and wants to leave more than he probably should at this point. They might sit on him for a bit, so bettors must keep that in mind.

Race 3

Not many live ones in this split,and the last quarter was very slow, however,

Hudon was not in any hurry the whole mile with Twin B Scandal. Seemed like he raced him like it was a qualifier and picked up 2nd money to do it. I would expect him to be much more aggressive next time. Looks like there is more horse there than he let race. He is big though. Might have some issues on the half mile tracks if he doesn't draw inside.

Race 4

Major Homer looked awful in the post parade. He usually does. He got away with soft fractions, but in moving up, he is a play against at any kind of a short price. He has false favorite written all over him,  even if he heads to the B tracks.

Race 5

None.

Race 6

Casimir Obama made a great pre race appearance and has some go. But he needs a much stronger bit as he was extremely dangerous running over horses until he ran. Could see a horse like this blow up the tote board if that is corrected and he is spotted correctly next time.

Believeinyourmach got screwed by the slow half and paid the price. He can do better next time. Expect to see him show up in a maiden at Georgian or WEG and do good things.

Race 7

Twin B Spy, tons of talent, still lame, and still getting worse each start. He will burn money with his fast lines, hot trainer and sub par finishes due to an issue that seems unable to be rectified. On a really good day, if he has one more, he will win. Maybe that will happen. Maybe it wont. I would want big odds to find out. At least 8-1. The odds are against it, unless he is in a conditioned claimer.

Race 8,9

None.

Race 10

Murmur Hanover. made a great pre race appearance, was going okay, and looks like he just barely interfered at the top of the stretch and ran. Seems otherwise okay and likely to get better if that is taken care of.

Kinetic King looked like he was going to run long before he did. Not good. He is certainly a talented trotter, but it might take Mayotte some time to sort him out, if that is possible. 

Race 11

Pop Pop Joe continues to show signs that he is coming around. Stayed with the heavy chalk winner and was gaining on him a bit. He will get it done shortly, and probably still offer a price. He has enough talent and gate speed to stay competitive and capitalize on the right day with the right trip.

Monday, July 7

Not recorded

Saturday, July 5

Not recorded

Friday, July 4

Race 1

Canbec Kadence went a huge trip at very big odds. She does that from time to time. She also goes horribly off form just as fast, as do many of Demers horses. She must always be watched as a longshot and played against as a favorite. 

Fashion Tagman looked poor leaving the gate but got it done. Still doesn't look like a horse who will last with any good form.

Fathers Amiga, another solid close. She is another who can be good, real good, for a short stretch. She is 2 or 3 into that form now. If the price is right next time, she could be a solid play. After that, she is likely to decline. Hard to watch the post parade for her. She never looks good in it either way.

Race 2

Amora Beach is a very nice colt. But he strikes me as one who will not continue to move forward as the season goes on. That will mean others will a bit less overall speed pass him as they come to theirs and he doesn't move forward on his. That will present opportunities to make scores, like tonight was. 

Race 3

Majestic Ginger. Big strong mare.  Was very sharp, but the hard miles are starting to wear on her. Last quarter was a crawl. Can see her getting taken down next time by a lesser horse.

Race 4

Murrayfield. Typical Jeremes Jet. Perfect trip, everything went her way, and she still hung horribly and almost didn't get it done. Can't see her ever beating anything better than she did tonight. She appears to be a horse that looked great as a maiden, but will be a very cheap claimer as she progresses. Not even an 8 claimer at WEG. Big play against when that happens. 

Goldies Mach line flatters her. She was horrible gaited the whole way and only stayed with them because they all hung in the lane. If she is near favorite status next time,  play against her.

Ignite The Nite. Very typical Badlands Hanover mare. Awesome one week, then she reverts back to very poor form. She is always the type that is dangerous for a big price, but as a favorite, she is tough to go with. No way she should have lost this race with the trip and fractions she got.

Race 9

Palm Beach Hanover is one I was all over, but although she had perfect live cover in Major Dancer, she was struggling and it looked more like Jody was holding her together than driving her. I would be playing against her next time in an overnight, as she looks much the worse for wear now. 

Race 10

A Real Commitment, hard used and hard driven this night, and for weeks, is tough as nails. But now ripe for taking down next time. Back in this class, I see her failing. Possibly Macho Chick, who raced good but lost momentum on the inside. She can turn the tables next time.

 Thursday, July 3

Race 5

Headsaregonnaturn. Impressive early speed and closed well. trots like a good horse.

Race 8

Mea Lilley Mark, locked in and in very tight quarters. gained
very well when free for 3rd.

Race 9

Riveting Rosie bearing in horribly in the stretch, she is just
about done. bet against her going forward unless she shows otherwise. So far this year, she has done nothing but show that her 2yo wore her out.

 Race 10

East meadow, good early speed, solid close when free.

Tuesday, July 1

Race 1

Needlecrest. Slowly improving young horse,  maybe better off at Georgain or kd, but inching his way towards being a winner. not really asked this time. Kept up at the end. Need a price to bet him, but he can pop at any time if placed in the right spot.

Race 2 

Fight To The finish, got shut off when he was ready to come out and make a move, then had no room until it was too late. 2 very good efforts in a row to start his career.


Update: Raced in Gold on July 7, had broken equipment and made a break. Paced okay after that. Good bet next time if he looks good in the post parade.

Moonwards Hanover, on a line in the lane..hopefully that is corrected for next time. he had some go, but wouldn't drive straight.

Update: Raced in Gold on July 7, was still bearing in a bit in the first turn, and was on very live cover until the lane, when tipped out and flat. He doesn't appear to be much stock. Even at the Grassroots level, where he is likely heading next, he is a play against. He has bombed out twice in a row at the betting favorite off easy trips.

Race 3

Hunkofburninlove, parked the mile, didn't give it up. Improving. He has always been somewhat impressive, but hasn't put it together yet. One day he will.

Race 10

Titus Seelster went a huge mile, No doubt. But he was also on the right line most of the way, and had nothing at all at the end. If that is how bad he gets after only two starts, he is likely to wear down fast.

Regal Son isn't much better. He looked just as bad as last time. Both are play against's next time.

Race 11

Here Comes William looked great until he made speed, then he was obviously in trouble and dangerous by the turn. He is the type of horse that used to get scooped by a real trainer like Robinson or Stutzman, get fixed up and become a FFAller. Until he that happens, he is a complete no play. He is lucky he didn't take down the whole field tonight. He was charted as broken equipment, but I suspect the problem isn't the equipment, but a serious lameness issue that needs to be taken care of. Speed and talent is there with this horse, but useless until he is fixed up.

Monday, June 30

Race 1

Nordic Holiday is that very rare young 2yo trotter who drives like an 8yo veteran pacer. And he has enough go to him to get it done with at least Grassroots trotters, maybe even better stock. If not for a blocked trip he was certainly 2nd, and maybe the winner.

Luck O The Irish, is the opposite of Nordic Holiday. Big, rangy, long gaited solid trotter who needs a bit of babying, but has tons of go and will get better as he goes faster and learns his job. He might trot in 55 or better this year. He didn't have much chance tonight from the 9 hole and no flow, but he still rushed up a fast closing 4th.

Race 2

Pretty terrible bunch. last quarter of 31.4 and they all pretty much staggered home. Hard to like any of those. 

Race 3

Shakai Hanover, Good looking well bred filly, left hard and had nowhere to go until very late in tight quarters. Definite play next time.

Race 4

Hidden Land, very troubled trip, and looked like she had tons of go if she could have kept rolling. Expect her to be sent towards the top next time.   

 Race 5

Tex. Just out for a trip off the layoff. Finished with tons of pace. For sure ready to go next time. Looks like an improved horse as well, as some Santanna Blue Chip's seem to be. Reminds me a bit of McKinney, although not the same caliber of stock.

    Race 6

How Tweet It Is, on the right line really bad, but got clear in time to get 2nd. Won't get away with that in a better field.

   Race 7

  Charmed Life had a complete no hope trip and raced very well in spite of it. I expect a big price next time, and she looks to be one who is very sharp but her form doesn't reflect that.

     Race 8

Shark Leap Hanover continues to burn money, and once again he was lame enough that he blew up on the last turn. I suppose if someone bought him and could figure out why he does that, or kill the pain, or get him off the knee if he is whacking it, he does have speed. Until that time, he is a complete no play and play against.

Race 9

To say that Melmerby Beach had no excuse for spitting out the bit last time was not accurate. You can see now how lame he is, and how he is bearing in horrible, locked on the right line. He simply can't drive straight, and if that issue could have been fixed, it would have by now. He is not durable, and is one of those who is probably better racing every 2 or 3 weeks, and not every 7 days. If the final is next week, he is a major play against.

Race 10

Shamballa is insanely fast. Anyone can see that. Zeron had a pretty good hold of him most of the way, and even when rolling, he wasn't driving him full out. He is one step from running, and hopefully he will make some small changes to fix that. If he does, he is one who can climb up the class ladder fast. Have to watch him warmup to see how he progresses.

Tauranga continues to improve, and one of these days he will get it done. Last quarter in 27 flat to a sharp winner meant he wasn't likely to pass him, especially after he was hard used to get the top. But still, he is improving in bits and pieces.

Race 11

Greystone Moe is still pretty lame, and sometimes even trainers who are good at fixing that can't. Speed is there. Talent is there. But even when he won the maiden impressively at WEG in the late fall, he looked bad, and that has not changed. He is likely an okay 7 claimer at Georgian. Not a WEG horse.

Button Fly is what he is. He continues to hang around, and will win every now and then. Most nights, he will get beat. 

Summons looked great, but he caught a really weak field this time. I wouldn't expect that to happen all the time, and he is still a pretty big play against going forward. As guys start to give up on some 3 year olds and tag them, he will get picked up by better horses. 

Saturday, June 28

Race 1

Shipps Expentancy has been getting better each week off the layoff. This week, he was real good, but had to pull pocket too early because he was behind an obvious stopper and had no choice. Love him going forward with a better post and a bit more luck.

The Rev is finally putting it together. Two very good efforts in a row. He probably rolls this bunch next time, albeit at a much shorter price.

Burning Shore looked great but got caught inside. 

Leafs And Wings. No zip, False Favorite and bearing out bad at the wire. Would avoid him for the short term. But, he always comes around at some point. Maybe at KD or Georgian where he can get a soft trip and capitalize like he did at London in the winter.

Race 2

Three of Clubs warmed up fantastic and he wasn't as choppy gaited in the race. Maybe he is coming around. The speed and desire is certainly there. He might move back to the head of the class.

Steady Warrior got a less than desirable drive and trip, to say the least. It happens. Major play next time. Expect to see Sylvain on him again if he doesn't have a better one.

Falcon Justice looked very sore warming up and he has shown that in races before. He might not go forward as the season progresses.

Race 3

Midfield Magic, tough first over trip, just got a bit tired. He seems to be getting slightly better each time, and the price will likely be there next time.

Magic Lindy looked like a horse who isn't quite fit yet, but this time he got stuck behind a terrible stopper and had no chance. He could score bombs away next time if he continues to get fitter and the trip works out better. He is a sharp leaver and that is a big plus for these types.

Race 4

Rave On shook loose late in very heavy traffic and tight quarters and had the most pace but not enough racetrack. Better post next time and he is a major play.

Val America is very sharp, but at the wrong track. At Georgian, his late move would be a lot more effective.

Gennesee keeps trying, but he looks like a really tired horse right now. Can't see him maintaining much longer. 

Derby Dylan looked fantastic post parading, but that 3rd quarter move was foolish.

Race 5

Little Red Chev, a mare who just seemed to get better and better over the winter at London, but had bumps along the way, is doing exactly the same thing at WEG. This week, she left a bit, sat a bit, and closed up like a good horse. Eventually, she is going to be a solid mid condition trotter here. 

Chivaree Hanover looked like a million bucks post parading and scoring down, but something was wrong leaving. If that gets corrected, she is a big strong mare who can easily rebound.

Noble Flight, raced great, but was 2nd best to a horse who can't be beat right now. Without him to fight with, he is a solid play next time. He is another who is getting better as he goes along. Might make a decent Preferred horse by winter time.

Race 6

Weatherly had a no hope trip gunning into that 3rd quarter. He didn't stop horribly, considering the final quarter, and back in conditions or the Grassroots, he is very dangerous.

Bugger Bruiser went a decent trip, but maybe he isn't quite a Gold horse. I would look for him to jog back in conditions if they go there, or romp in a Grassroots if they give up all hope for now of thinking that he was better than he has ended up being.

Race 7

Miramontman, pretty good effort, stuck behind an insistent leader he probably couldn't retake on, then trapped behind him for much of the stretch until it was too late and others had the jump and momentum on him. With his tactical speed, and how he likes to leave and keep rolling, I would look to him next time for a decent price.

Santanna Blue Chip closed from dead last to just miss. He might be starting to come around. 

Silver Eagle, tough first over effort. He is razor sharp right now, but the price might not be there next time. I would watch him then and hope for a slightly better price the time after that.

Race 8

Victor Bayama, a half brother to Rebeka Bayama, based on what I saw on the track and how he has been handled, moves right to the top of the 3 year old OSS class, and might even be better than that. He had 3 qualifiers and then went straight to top form and cruised against some pretty nice horses. I will bet him until he proves otherwise that he isn't tons the best of this class.

Roger Mach Em was terribly green at the start, but finished great. Hard horse to figure, but he will put it together eventually. He might just need some headgear adjustment, or some vet work to find a sore spot. He was bearing in a bit in the stretch, some lameness is probably the issue.

Race 9

Ellis Park looks like he is hurting a bit, and the hard miles are starting to take their toll on him. As good as he is racing, if State Treasurer goes elsewhere, he is likely to be bet as one of the faves, and I would play against him, with Dapper Dude and Evenin of Pleasure, both of who are very sharp but overmatched by State Treasurer.

Race 10

Upfront HoosierBoy raced good. But, he was on his life to hang on to the wire, and has clearly lost a couple of steps. He warmed up great, so it doesn't appear to be a soundness or energy issue. Simply wear and tear taking the starch out of him. Would not play him at all going forward unless he heads to the B tracks or shows me otherwise.

Rothblissberger blew another golden trip, and would do very will to head to Georgian or Kawartha if he wants to get his picture taken. As they get tougher and go faster at WEG, he gets left behind at the tote board. 

Machal Jordan raced good, but he was just too late and maybe short after a month off, for the right price he is a play next time.

Race 11

Grin for Money had a no hope trip following dead flow and still only got beat 3 lengths. Next time for him. He is super sharp.

Race 12

Warrawee Needy looks like a completely spent horse. He didn't even put up a fight this time, and he wasn't gassed to get the lead. I don't see any amount of drop in class as significant enough to play him, and he is a play against if he does that.

Lucan Hanover couldn't be bearing in more than he does. CC did a great job to even get 2nd and he appears to be getting worse as he races. Off that race, he is likely to be overbet again, and I will not be one of those. 

Wazzup Wazzup left great but got screwed when Warrawee Needy came to a stop. I think he will be an overlay next time due to that and his form appears to be improving.

Hes A Sensation was bearing in quite a bit before he cleared, but he was lucky in that Jody's horse was done and he got away with it. His form cycle appears on the downswing, even though he got 3rd and paced in 1:50.

Twin B Impressive got it even worse than Wazzup Wazzup, and finished stronger. From any kind of post, back in this class the next time, I view him as a strong play. He has been sharp for weeks and continues to show the same, as are most of Moreau's horses currently.

Friday, June 27

Race 1

Happily Ever After had to move too early when she did, as the 30 second 2nd quarter had her running over the pocket horse, and that cost her when they came to the tote board. She can be more dangerous in the final if she gets a similar trip but can wait to catch flow. 

Polk Dot Hanover tripped out, but I don't see her as a threat in the final, when she has to work for it, which has been her history previously. Pretty soft division this time and other than the 2nd place horse,  she didn't beat anything that will contend in the final. She will be overbet next week. I will pass on her.

Race 2

Palm Beach Hanover, took back from the outside as you would expect, then had absolutely no place to go all the way to the wire. She will bring a nice price in the Town Pro final, and I see her as the one who can get it done. Jody was obviously rusty tonight, as he didn't have any intention of holding Bullet Point when he should have and see-sawed Oceanview Bindi much of the way until she quit completely,  then moved too early on Its No Secret. Hopefully he is back up to speed and gets his driving legs back soon.

Major Dancer, terribly lame in the post parade as always, gapped the gate, was lame the whole way and had a hard time catching her cover, which was live. She is wearing down fast, and will be way overbet in the final. She is a no play for me going forward. She is all grit and pure speed, but at some point that isn't enough. She is close to that point.

A Gs Delight looked good most of the way and is the improving sort, the type who is coming to her form and peaking at the right time, and is another who is very dangerous for the final.

Race 3

Although I didn't bet her, I thought Marlee B had a legit chance to hit the board, which she did. She is much improved since Gingras gave her a great steer from the 10 hole, and she has proved to me that she belongs with Preferred mares, as long as they aren't high stakes caliber types like Monkey On My Wheel. I could see her moving to the top of the class here, as Voelz Hanover, Rebeka Bayama and a few others start tailing off and/or showing their age. 

For the right price, she can be played next time.

Bullet Point proves once again that she is a live wire on a helmet, but as soon as she does the work, she gives it up at the tote board. Next time, look for her to get a softer trip and be more dangerous,  if she can get out. 

Yes, Rebeka Bayama got away last. And yes, she had dead cover. But, she also had no pace and couldn't even outfinish D Gs Pesquero. She has been beating up on horses that were non performers and it showed when she met a few who have been racing good. She will need to drop significant classes to win again. And even then, maybe her form cycle is past peak. Good play against as she moves down the ladder.

Voelz Hanover has lost at least one step, maybe 2 or 3. Not an Open mare when the field is any kind of deep. Another who will need to drop a few classes, but I could see her taking advantage of those, where Rebeka Bayama likely won't.

Race 4

Very horrible bunch. Don't think any of those could have hit the board in the 8 claimer in the last race. I would bet against any of them next time unless they dive deep down in class, and that included True Reflection, who runs very hot and cold, and appears to be heading towards wind chill factor off that effort.

Race 5

Johnny Ridge looked fantastic in the post parade and raced just as good, following a very sharp horse in Demented that he wasn't going to beat, but holding second. I can see him doing very good things if he continues to look that good. Post parade next time will be a key. If he matches that again, he is a play, even at much shorter odds, which is a certainty. He is a big, athletic trotter, the type that doesn't make breaks and carries his speed well on any track or any type of trip.

Pocket Trip was locked on the right line from behind the gate, and Zeron did a great job to even get a close 4th with him. He is not bettable until it is clear that is corrected, which is debatable. He was okay beating up on maidens, but winners are a different ballgame.

Race 6

Boat House Row elected to stay in instead of pull, then got a bad shuffle, only to pull midlane and then get run into for a few steps and finish very well. She is likely 2nd if that didn't happen. She can do better next time with a more aggressive drive and a decent price.

Its No Secret was flat, and appears to be tailing off after holding very good form for a long time. Even as she drops, she is hanging badly to the wire every time.

Race 7

Lasting Appeal was a handful leaving and was blasting when Randy took a hold and she ran. I could see her turning that around next time at a price and a better post when he can just let her ramble.

Race 8
 

Samira Hanover got jammed up bad at the rail and ran. If she drops, she is still reasonably sharp and can rebound. She needs a clear lane. Not the type you can sit with in tight traffic, which she has no choice to do with the horses she has raced in her last two, which are clearly over her head.

Slip Into Glide looks like a spent horse to me, and even when he gets to drop down, he will be a bad bet. He had that same history before. He is very good when he is good, he is less than ordinary when he is not so good.

Race 9 

St Lads Peeper looked steadier than normal and raced a huge mile, to only be picked off by a noted closer who went a monster last quarter to barely get her. She is a huge play next time from a decent post.

Foolish Mind got an idiot drive when Phil pulled pocket for no reason that I can tell. She still hung in for 3rd. If classified right next time, she is worth a look. 

Race 10

Wildcat Beauty, left hard, let Anthony go, retook, got looped and sat the pocket, finished okay for second...however, she looked much the worse for wear doing that and I would expect a huge bounce off that at a very short price next time. She was staggering and half running to the wire. Only because the balance of the field was doing the same and spent, other than the winner, did she look okay on paper.

Race 11

Selmas wish, locked on the right line all the way from the half. Likely losing her form and will be overbet next time based on her strong finish.

Rock N Flo didn't belong with these. Back to the B tracks for her.

Best Risque kept up, but couldn't do anything with a very soft pocket trip. Better off at Georgian or KD. 

 Thursday, June 26

Race 1

Meadowview Cliffy is a very green horse with tons of trot. Once he learns how to race he is going to be a very good one. I don't think it will take him long. 

Final Fantasy shuffled back on the rail with tons of trot and came flying up at the end when clear. Can see him turning that around in the next start.

Race 2

Cheekie, very green young filly, I would avoid her, even at the B's with a big speed edge until she learns to get her nose on the gate.

I Wonder Why. I know Macintosh likes them to go with a very low head, but this one is shockingly low. That is okay as long as she gets her own way like in this race. If she is forced to sit in the hole, she will get herself in trouble.

Race 3

Vimy Ridge Falcon. Strong close, but never really got into him or he might have won. That suggests he isn't that steady yet. That could mean he goes more next time, or that he bombs out. Have to really watch him in the post parade.

Razor Ramone, great going trotter who certainly can go more as he gains experience. Don't know where the bottom is on him, but we aren't anywhere near it. He has a big time gait and an engine and attitude to match it.

Race 4

Holy Moly Maggie, raced good,  but a major head nod. That spells trouble and maybe a break next time. Beware.

Designer Genes, form tailing off fast. Galluci's barn has gone cold. Keep that in mind as he has a few bringing very short prices. 

Race 5

Class Me Nice, left hard from the 6 hole, took a tuck, followed along but there was no flow on the inside, pulled out late, and had lots of trot to the wire,  likely would have been top 2 had he gotten away 2nd or 3rd or found a live horse to follow. He looks pretty steady for a young green trotter.

Race 6

Exhilerated looked like a big go after her solid OSS second the start previous. Phil sent her right to the top and took no prisoners. Maybe went a shade too fast to the 3/4's when he didn't have to and that cost him the win from the pocket horse and the other tripped out horse. I am still high on her to get better and take down this class. She gets a shade better every week, and her breeding suggests she will go forward.

Race 7

Heads Are Gonna Turn, big athletic, good gaited trotter who has some go to him but appears to be taking his time finding his speed, a bit at a time. He will get better and pass some of these on the form cycle as the season passes. If you can catch him just before he does that, the price will be there.

Race 8
 

None.

Race 9 

P L Halfway went an interesting trip. Left enough for the 4 hole, seemed to be gapping many times in the trip, but he was not. Either he did not want to, or CC didn't want him to get too close to the one in front of him. But when it was time to trot, he had plenty of trot and if he wasn't so green, likely wins it. He seems to have a future as he gets better with more racing. Hopefully he can be more tactical racing wise to take better advantage of his gate and overall speed.

Race 10

Big Treat tried to leave from the 9 hole, but others were faster and she had to try it 3rd over into the flow, which was dead and didn't carry her. She seems the type that is better rolling the whole way, and she had some interest and pace all the way to the wire. I would play her next time for a big price, which is likely.

Eagle Molly is not a WEG horse and I would avoid her every time. She has moneysucker written all over her. That is twice now where she crapped out with little or no excuse. That cries out..."I'm not good enough."

Tuesday, June 24

Race 1

None.

Race 2 

Docs Hoss. Starting to get sore again, a problem he had in the winter when he would hang badly and get beat.

Little Quick, too far back to get there, but he is still pretty sharp.

Race 3

None.

Race 4

Art N Charm. Dead lame and trying to run the whole way. Would not play him at any track in any class unless that is corrected.

Canbec KingCasimir was a bit late for the gate, had suspect cover, then tipped out and was rolling when cut off badly in the lane. Still only beat a couple of lengths. Big play for next time. He does have big gate speed and maybe it is time to use that again.

Race 5

None.

Race 6

None.

Race 7

None.

Race 8
 

Money Maven was in a wrestling match with Obrien at the back of the pack. He laid way off, and let him trot some down the lane, and he was still going forward. I would watch him to see when he draws better. He might be out and going if he knows he can get the top. 

Update: Raced June 30 at Georgian, had a soft trip and was right there at the wire. 

Race 9 

P L Hercules raced good. No doubt. But he also rallied into a 30 second last quarter and back half in a minute flat where the leader was spent chasing two false contenders who sucked the life out of him and were nowhere to be found at the wire. He will likely be way overbet the next start, and presents a chance for a major overlay on something else viable.

Race 10

Pop Pop Joe got jammed up a bit in the pocket going to the half, finished well enough but has always seemed like the type that wants to keep rolling the whole mile. I would look for him to be on the engine in the next start or two. He seems to be coming around and is really good when he is good.

Titus Seelster sat way back in his first start of the year, split horses late and had loads of pace. I would expect he needs one more start before he is good to go, but he is definitely one to watch. Paced his own last quarter in 26.3.

Monday, June23

Race 1

SUPERFLEX made the switch to trotting hopples and had shown flashes of some speed before. Hudon never asked her to do anything this time and he clearly was just out for a flat line and test drive. I expect her to be a lot more racy next time. And still a huge price. One of these nights she is going to blow up the tote board. Hudon has a habit of doing that with young horses.

MUSCLE VALENTIN left well from the inside, and somehow lost his gate. I suspect since it is first time Zeron, he will fix that up and he is a possible play next time or the time after that, depending on the odds.
Still trotted a pretty decent last quarter, albeit way back and totally out of it. The talent is there. Zeron will figure her out.

Race 2

NIRVANA SEELSTER is one I was all over 2 starts back when he showed consistent and explosive closing speed. He got a horrible trip that night, partly because Hudon drove a poor race and partly because the horse isn't right. I thought he might be better this time, but he was cranking his head sideways into the first turn and only bested the balance of a weak bunch. He is going backwards now. Hopefully Budd can get him right, and he has a history of being able to do that. I would watch him very closely in the post parade in the next few starts, and play him if he looks good and avoid him if he doesn't.

SURPRISE HANOVER is one of those horses that comes along every year. Horribly overrated by his connections, they send him out against very superior competition, only to get whipped, and then when they come to their senses, people overbet these types because they think they are better than they are. He will continue to take too much money, and at some point the bettors will give up on him. At that point, he is likely a huge overlay. To this point, I don't see that time on the horizon. I will watch him and likely play him in the early fall, when the others get tired and he finds a field he can take down at a decent price.

Race 3

MELMERBY BEACH something was clearly wrong with him last night. He put in steps at various times in the mile, and MacDonell held him together. He looked better than he actually was because he wasn't going much and didn't have to work. When MacDonell asked him in the stretch, he had nothing and got very little urging at that point. It was likely a combo of the poor track and an issue the horse has. I think he can rebound next time, but I would want a decent price.

REGAL SON was on the right line bad as he pulled out of the 4 hole and went nowhere, not even passing the leader who had no pace at all most of the way. I would avoid him going forward. He is not wearing well as the season progresses.

Race 4

EMBRY SEELSTER is the type that finds it very tough to break her maiden. She will at some point, but it likely involves a pocket trip and a runaway leader she can follow until very deep stretch. Until that time, no matter how good she looks on the program, she is a play against. She also bears in bad in the stretch, which isn't as noticable when she is on the lead on her own, but very noticable when she has to park and come by horses and has to be grabbed up. Lots of reasons to play against her. She would be lots more dangerous in a maiden at Kawartha, but I doubt they take her there. Once she breaks her maiden, her earning potential goes way down. I'm sure they would like to max that out by finishing 2nd and 3rd a few more times at WEG.

                                                                           Race 5

HOPE FOR JUSTICE left well and didn't seem to like sitting the 2 hole when CC let Randy clear and he backed into this one a bit. At that point, he seemed to give up a bit, but didn't quit. I could see a down the road type drive the next time. There is value there.

                                                                           Race 6

 LADY SHADOW keeps striking me as a mare that is wearing out fast, while she piles up the bankroll. She got picked off pretty easily this time, and other than the winner, it wasn't a deep enough bunch to pass her. But better horses would have taken her down. I see her as a short price in her next overnight, and a solid play against.

 SUDOKU obviously has tons of speed and is pretty versitile. She wanted to leave bad this time, but J. Mac reigned her in and sat until he couldn't anymore, only to just blow by the entire field pretty easily. She was shaking her head on the gate, and that could be troublesome if you are playing her at a short price next time, which is likely what she will be if she sticks to these types and doesn't try open class mares.

 BROOKDALE SHADOW is another Shadow Play mare who continues to race pretty good, but looks worse each time she does it. I could see her burning serious money next time as the chalk in a nw2 or nw3. She gets just slightly worse each time.

 SKIPPIN BY is yet another Shadow Play mare who races good on paper but doesn't look good doing it. She closed strong to get 4th, but looked terrible in the backfield until the lane. Another to play against back in against overnight types. Even if she were to drop in against Grassroots types, she is a play against.

Update: Jogged at Clinton on June 30. Didn't watch the race, but the competition was soft relative to WEG horses. Don't be fooled by her line.

                                                                       Race 7

WARRAWEE PHOENIX, a half brother to Warrawee Needy, just can't seem to put it all together. At some point he will. He is a big, nice going pacer who hangs deep in the stretch. Being a Camluck, he might just get better with a few more starts. I would expect to see him show up at Georgian or Kawartha and jog against a softer bunch for now. Demers took over from Menary and maybe it will take him a start to figure him out. He is just flat right now.

                                                                      Race 8

Buddy Hally looked great in the post parade his previous start and was dropping this night off a solid 3rd with slightly better. For whatever reason, McNair decided to take back at the start again and then try to rush up off a very soft second quarter, and he had no hope to do much more than finish evenly, which he did. I would look for a major rebound next time, hopefully with a different driver at the lines.

                                                                        Race 9

Alibi Seelster wasn't pacing right immediately, got hung and made the lead but was very soft at the end. I see a sharp decline for her going forward and until she hits a claimer, a definite play against. She was putting in some ugly steps at the wire. Not the first time she has done that, and my experience is that they only get worse when that keeps happening.

JOKES JET has great gate speed, but little else to offer. Even at the B's, in an overnight, I would hammer against her. She went clearly inside 3 pylons at the top of the lane, and she is backpeddling fast on form. Even in a protected nw claimer, she is going to be very soft unless she gets a huge second quarter breather...and even then, I think she is in trouble.

                                         Race 10

Sharp Leap Hanover continues to take money, and continues to look terrible while seemingly racing okay. He puts in some ugly steps while sitting way back, makes a big speed move but then the lameness gets to him in the stretch. I will continue to play against him as long as the bettors continue to overbet him on decent form but lousy racing appearance,...even at the B tracks,  where he is likely heading next.