Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023

Dick Powell offers his selections and analysis for Thursday's card at Presque Isle Downs.

Race One:

1st: (1) REDHOT KATIE – prolific winner on the Tapeta at Turfway Park came here and was second two races in a row. She got up in time last out from post one and now drops to the bottom for Ed Rojas, who wins 32% first start after a win.

2nd: (3) TUDOX RUE MAJESTIC – speedball was run down by the top choice two starts back then was outkicked as the 9-5 favorite. She should be able to boss these around early, and the slightly shorter distance could help her.

3rd: (2) NEVISIAN SPIRIT – was soundly beaten by much better two starts back but was a decent second against these last out.

Race Two:

1st: (5) SIDE TRACKED – horse for the course made a menacing middle move two starts back before weakening, then was a game second in fast time. Ron Potts wins 20% with his synthetic-track starters and 19% with his overall claimers.

2nd: (3) BELIEVEINHOLIDAYS – was beaten three lengths going six furlongs two starts back off a freshening then was an even fourth last out when stretched out. Bill Martin wins 17% with his claimers and 16% with his synthetic-track starters.

3rd: (4) PAPA HONOR – finished up last season with a gate-to wire win here when allowed to set a slow pace.

Race Three:

1st: (1) NATURE TRAIL – ran well against this maiden level two races in a row going six furlongs then held well for third against state-bred fillies. She is back in against males stretching out from the rail with Gaddiel Martinez.

2nd: (3) MISCHIEF WARRIOR – just missed on the turf two starts back at Penn National then came here and weakened late against open-company maidens. Brandon Kulp wins 22% going long and gets leading rider Pablo Morales back aboard.

3rd: (5) BAD AS JOHN – stretches out to a two-turn mile off three even sprints for Justin Morrell, who wins 21% stretching out.

Race Four:

1st: (1) COMMODORE BARRY – missed by a length against this claiming level then came back two starts later and was a game second. He was no match for open-allowance foes last out and drops back down for Tom Cooper.

2nd: (5) SUMMERFEST – horse for the course won two starts back against this class level when Lasix was added for the first time. He raced evenly against open company last out and drops back down to state-bred claimers.

3rd: (4) BRADITUDE – showed decent speed last out before weakening and gets in light with Martina Rojas.

Race Five:

1st: (4) AULT – 11-year-old horse for the course was claimed for $5K at the end of last year. He returned off the long layoff with a good second and meets the same group for Bill Martin, who wins 23% second start off the claim.

2nd: (2) QUARTERMASTER – horse for the course has plenty of back class and hits the bottom today. He’s been racing well enough but needs a win for John Bourke, who wins 28% with his route runners and 18% on synthetic tracks.

3rd: (5) LEAVE ‘EM LOADED – just missed in his Tapeta debut two starts back then was an even third.

Race Six:

1st: (4) FRIZZANTE – was an even fourth in his well-bet career debut going five furlongs, and now the son of Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Vino Rosso stretches out to two turns. Tim Hamm wins 18% first time going long, and Morales rides back.

2nd: (10) GRUMPY BROOKSIE – improved a lot two starts back when blinkers were added. He came back with a decent effort going this distance on the turf at Colonial Downs. Angel Stanley has the job of overcoming post 10.

3rd: (1) MORTAL SIN – improved a lot going two turns for the first time on the turf at Delaware Park.

Race Seven:

1st: (3) THE SINNER IS YOU – raced evenly in his first two starts this year then dropped down to this claiming level and just missed in very fast time. The gelded son of Into Mischief has won nine times here for Ed Rojas.

2nd: (2) ON THE COUCH – was a sharp winner two starts back in good time. Claimed for $10K that day by Ed Rojas, he just missed here for $13.5K and now tries $25K in his first start off the claim by Gerry Brooks — 20% in this spot.

3rd: (1) HEIRLOOM KITTEN – horse for the course threw in a stinker last out but can work out a trip from post one.

Race Eight:

1st: (4) CROWLEY’S WAR – spent the winter on the turf at Tampa Bay Downs against better company. He came here and was a good second as the 7-5 favorite when dropped down to this level. Glenn Wismer wins 26% with his overall claimers.

2nd: (8) THOUSAND LOVES – did nothing in his first three starts here but woke up last out with a game second when he carried his speed better. Carol Skawinski wins 15% with her sprinters and on synthetic tracks.

3rd: (6) SILVER TOKEN – has been stuck at this conditioned claiming level for over a year but can get a piece of this.