Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Tuesday, May 16

Dick Powell offers his picks and analysis for the Tuesday racing card at Presque Isle Downs.

Race One:

1^st: (6) LITTLE BIG – dirt sprinter tries Tapeta for the first time while dropping down in class for Kevin Rice. He was a good third two starts back then tired going 6 1/2 furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs. Gaddiel Martinez should be able to work out a trip from here.

2^nd: (5) VOORHEES – ran well in his career debut here last October going this distance against better maidens. He raced evenly against better company his last two starts in Ohio for Tim Hamm, who picks up Pablo Morales.

3^rd: (3) TWELVETWO – had two starts to begin his career last year at Gulfstream Park and returns with Lasix on and blinkers off.

Race Two:

1^st: (1) ODD GAL – rallied from just off the pace to win going away two starts back in September then raced evenly in her last start of the year. She ran well last year off a similar layoff and can get a ground-saving trip from here.

2^nd: (6) ABBEY’S SNOW WHITE – horse for the course returns off a 215-day layoff but won here last year in similar circumstances against better. She faces bottom claimers from a wide draw but at the age of 10, she is probably better off early in the season.

3^rd: (3) THISAINTJUMPSTREET – very consistent mare did not win here last year in 12 tries but can fit with these.

Race Three:

1^st: (7) VASSAR’S BOY – broke his maiden here last year in his Tapeta debut then did nothing against allowance foes. After a decent try at Turfway Park, he was soundly beaten in his next two starts. His two best speed ratings dwarf the others.

2^nd: (6) SLIPPERY WHEN WET – has two even efforts on the turf at Tampa Bay Downs then rallied for third on the dirt at Mountaineer Park. Ronnie Allen Jr. rides — flat-bet profit with his 60 sprint rides this year.

3^rd: (2) DONTINVADEMYSPACE – broke his maiden here last year going gate to wire but was overmatched in his last three starts.

Race Four:

1^st: (1) COUNTY COURT – found a new home here at the age of eight last year when he had two wins, two seconds and a third in seven starts against better. Ed Rojas wins 23% with his synthetic-track starters.

2^nd: (7) FARAT– has a pair of thirds here last year going two turns against this claiming level and now begins his season at the age of nine. Dave Markgraf wins 16% with his overall claiming starters and gets Erin Walker.

3^rd: (5) SNAKERATTLEANDROLL – won going gate to wire here two starts back and might try to do it again.

Race Five:

1^st: (4) HARD COUNT – beat this claiming level two starts back on the Tapeta at Gulfstream Park then tired in the deep stretch there when moved up in class. Antonio Gallardo picks up the mount after being aboard last year.  

2^nd: (5) SMOKY BLUES – is an amazing 9-for-16 here and beat this level here last year. His two starts in Florida this winter should help him here, and Cassondra Weaver wins 24% of the time with her overall claiming starters.

3^rd: (1) STRANGE ARRANGE – only a four-year-old and ran well here last year, and has enough gate speed from post one.

Race Six:

1^st: (4) DECLARED – horse for the course was a game second in a stakes race here going two turns then raced evenly in the Presque Isle Mile. He finished up with an easy win against starter allowance foes and is not risked for a claim here.

2^nd: (6) TEMPLET – went gate to wire on the dirt at Mountaineer Park as the 7-5 favorite then raced evenly here to finish up last year. He has plenty of back class and gets Antonio Gallardo, who is off to a good start this year.

3^rd: (9) BUGLE BARRY – has two wins but 10 seconds here so I can’t put him any higher than this.

Race Seven:

1^st: (8) JUSTICE OR APPEAL – went gate to wire to break her maiden on the dirt at Penn National then came back to do it again next time out. She makes her Tapeta debut for Naoise Agnew, who wins at a 17% rate first start after a win.

2^nd: (2) MADE TO HUSTLE – turf sprinter has run okay in two starts here for Ron Rogers, who wins 23% of the time with this surface switch. She has good early speed and draws well with Tyler Conner — 15% with his sprint rides.

3^rd: (3) PROTECTTHEWITNESS – should be fit and ready off a solid turf sprint at Laurel last month.

Race Eight:

1st: (8) WHISKEYMAC – added blinkers four starts back and finished second each time while showing good speed. He ran well off the claim last out on the turf at Tampa Bay Downs and shows some solid workouts here over the Tapeta.

2nd: (2) ELSINORE – woke up two starts back with a good second on the turf at Tampa Bay Downs when Lasix was added for the first time. She was overmatched against males last out and draws well with Pablo Morales.

3rd: (1) YANKEE TEA PARTY – stretches out to two turns and has plenty of gate speed to take advantage of it.