Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Monday, June 12, 2023

Dick Powell offers his picks and analysis for the Presque Isle Downs card on Monday.

Race 1

1st: (#4) SPETTACOLI – returned here two starts back with an even third, then came back and beat this class level with a perfect rail trip. John Fennessy wins 22% first start after a win, and regular rider Mike Allen returns.  

2nd: (#3) C THE KING – 11-year-old gelding was no match for the top choice last out but draws better today. His two prior efforts here this year were not bad, but he will have to keep up early with Ron Allen Jr.  

3rd: (#2) LAUDERDALE – draws inside for his second start off the layoff for Aldana Spieth.

Race 2

1st: (#1) ANA L – was outrun in all four starts here last year. She has improved some in two starts this year and should improve with a drop in class to maiden $25K claimers and getting in light with apprentice rider Martina Rojas.

2nd: (#5) RUNNETH OVER – first-time starter from Tim Hamm who wins 14% with his debut runners and his maiden claimers. Daughter of Kantharos (14% debut winners) is out of a stakes-placed and stakes-producing dam.

3rd: (#2) SHE’D RATHER DANCE – woke up in her Tapeta debut here last out when she showed good speed to the stretch.

Race 3

1st: (#3) SHE’S FIRE – first-time starter from Kevin Rice who is winless with his last 25 debut runners. Daughter of new sire Flameaway is out of a dam by Flatter whose first foal to race is a winner.  

2nd: (#2) TWO HEARTED – was a good second in her well-bet career debut here going this distance. Pavel Matejka wins 27% with his debut starters and 13% with his overall maidens at this level. Willie Martinez rides back.

3rd: (#4) FOXXY CLEOPATRA – first-time starter from Larry Rivelli who wins 17% with his debut runners and 27% against this level.

Race 4

1st: (#4) FUNNY MAN – was beaten almost 59 lengths in his first four career starts. He improved dramatically last out when he was right there in deep stretch gong two turns on the dirt at Tampa Bay Downs. Pablo Morales gets the ride.

2nd: (#1) VAMONOS – raced unevenly in three starts on the Tapeta at Turfway Park this winter. He improved a lot on the dirt at Mountaineer Park and now tries a mile from post 1. Alice Beckman gets the mount.  

3rd: (#2) FREDDIE’S MUSIC – still a maiden after 11 tries but he has four seconds. Keith Dickey wins 21% off long layoffs.

Race 5

1st: (#3) CLEMSON TIGER – was soundly beaten in his last four starts on the turf. He was a good second here going a two-turn mile in fast time and gets Addiel Ayala back aboard – 14% with his route mounts.  

2nd: (#4) BATTLE CREEK – lost all chance last out when he jumped up at the start. Still, he rallied for fourth after being far behind in his first start against this claiming level. Son of Tiznow draws well with Martinez back aboard.  

3rd: (#8) GOODTIME ARTIE – finished up last season with a good second against these, then was an even fourth in a sprint last month.

Race 6

1st: (#5) BREEZY CONNECTION – made her Tapeta debut a winning one two starts back here going five furlongs. She came with an even third and now takes a step up in class for Gerry Brooks who wins 19% with his overall claimers.

2nd: (#1) QUEEN OF CHILL – was a good winner two starts back in her first start off the claim then moved up to this claiming level and won going away. Tim Girten wins 29% second start off the layoff, and she draws the rail with Antonio Gallardo.

3rd: (#2) ETTAPLACE – finished up last season with a poor effort in a very fast race, then just missed here last out.

Race 7

1st: (#5) PIKE PLACE – broke his maiden on the turf at Tampa Bay Downs, then raced evenly in his next two starts there. Son of Street Boss tried Tapeta here last out and missed by a head for Eoin Harty.

2nd: (#4) EXTRASEXYBIGDADDEE – horse-for-the-course spent the winter on turf at Gulfstream Park. He has earned $94K in only nine starts here for Mike Trombetta, who ships him in after training on the Tapeta at Fair Hill in his last two works.

3rd: (#3) TEMPLET – went gate to wire two starts back, then missed by a neck last out when he tried to do it again.

Race 8

1st: (#6) GRAVE DANGER – still a maiden after eight tries. He ran well in his first start off the long layoff going a mile, so that effort should have him fit. Matt Kintz wins 25% with his maiden claimers and 19% second start off the layoff.

2nd: (#7) BIALYSTOCK – began his career with three poor efforts here going two turns against top maidens. This year, he is able to use Lasix and showed good speed last out going a two-turn mile. Son of Kitten’s Joy drops down in class.

3rd: (#8) MOCA MONSTER – woke up last out when he showed new-found gate speed at this class and distance.