Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023

Dick Powell offers his selections for the Wednesday card at Presque Isle Downs.

 

Race One:

1^st: (5) SCOOP THERE IT IS – has yet to win here in 10 tries but most of them came against better company. Daughter of American Pharoah showed good speed two starts back then dropped down to this level and rallied for third.

2^nd: (2) SAILOR’S SALUTE – beat this claiming level here last year going this distance but most of her recent starts have come against state-bred allowance foes. She drops down in class for Cathy Rosantz, who wins 18% going long.

3^rd: (1) SUMTING RIGHT – was a good winner second time out this year then showed speed in her next two starts.

 

Race Two:

1^st: (7) UP IN ARMS – horse for the course ran poorly to begin her season but bounced back with an improved effort last out. Tim Hamm wins 21% third start off the layoff, and he switches back to Pablo Morales.

2^nd: (5) DANCE OR STROLL – horse for the course has won 13 times here over the years. She was hustled after a slow start two races back then raced evenly last out. Daughter of Stroll looks like she has been raced into shape.

3^rd: (1) SONG OF INDY – horse for the course has won 10 times here and was a good second last out.

 

Race Three:

1^st: (5) CLEMSON TIGER – not a horse for the course, but he has four seconds in four tries. Son of Noble Mission was the beaten favorite in each of his last three starts and meets modest competition here.

2^nd: (6) GRAVE DANGER – broke his maiden in his ninth try here against bottom claimers then came right back to win. He weakened last out after he moved up in class for Matt Kintz, who wins 18% with his synthetic-track starters. Martina Rojas rides back.

3^rd: (3) RECKLESS AFFAIR – broke his maiden in his 10th try two starts back here then rallied from far back to win by a head.

 

Race Four:

1^st: (5) WHISKEYMAC – looked good breaking his maiden second time out this season then beat state-bred allowance foes. He raced evenly against this claiming level his last two starts and gets in light again with Martina Rojas.

2^nd: (1) HE’S A GOOD DANCER – stretches out to two turns off some solid efforts in sprints here. He was a good second two starts back in a long sprint then raced wide in a very fast race. He won going two turns here before and draws the rail.

3^rd: (3) NIGHT RIDE – broke his maiden going five furlongs then came right back to win going two turns.

 

Race Five:

1^st: (6) HECTOR – held well for third in his well-bet career debut at 7-5. Ron Potts wins 25% first start after being beaten as the favorite and 18% when he adds blinkers. Huber Villa-Gomez rides back — 18% with Potts.

2^nd: (7) CAPO – doesn’t have the usual bullet workouts from Larry Rivelli, but that might mean he already knows he’s fast. Son of Peace and Justice is out of a dam whose only foal to race is a winner. Pablo Morales gets the ride.

3^rd: (2) FACE DOWN – has already made three starts here and showed decent speed each time.

 

Race Six:

1^st: (7) GINS AND TINS – horse for the course has improved in all five starts this year and looks ready to win after just missing last out against this claiming level. Scooter Davis wins 28% with his sprinters and 26% with his synthetic-track starters.

2^nd: (3) WROTE IN STONE – finished up 2022 with a win against this claiming level. After his rest, he was an even fourth twice then went gate to wire to hold off the top choice in fast time going 5 1/2 furlongs. John Fennessy wins 21% first start after a win.

3^rd: (1) TWIRLING MAMBA – sat the pocket from this post last out and was a good third behind the top two choices here.

 

Race Seven:

1^st: (2) GET EVEN – speedball breaking from the inside could control things with Mike Allen. Perfect trip would be for him to have a target, but he can also set his own pace if nobody wants to. Mike Allen returns — flat-bet profit with his route rides.

2^nd: (7) YOUMUSTBEA WEASLEY – beat state-bred allowance foes two starts back then chased open company after he broke slow. He stretches out to two turns for Kevin Rice, who wins 15% going short to long.

3^rd: (4) VAN – best effort recently here was a second against this level but will need a fast pace up front.

 

Race Eight:

1^st: (6) RIVERSIDE WALK – horse for the course has a ton of early speed. She dropped down to this class level last out and won easily and since she wasn’t claimed, Larry Hayes brings her right back with Pablo Morales returning.

2^nd: (7) SALLY’S MUSTANG – her best race was three starts back when she won by seven. She came back to win again but then could not handle the move up to open allowance foes last out. This is more realistic.

3^rd: (5) BEAUTIFUL STAR – beat this claiming level by a nose two starts back going two turns then opened up a huge lead.