Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023

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

Race One:

1st: (3) NEON DEION – was an even third in his career debut in a turf sprint at Hawthorne. He came back there on the dirt and didn’t improve so now Larry Rivelli ships here and drops down to maiden claimers for the first time.

2nd: (4) CLOUD IN THE WIND – was soundly beaten here in her career debut when she got off to a clumsy start. She dropped down to this maiden level last out and was a good second for Tim Girten, who wins 23% with his maiden claiming starters.

3rd: (6) EMPTY MY POUCH – did nothing in his first three career starts but woke up when dropped down to maiden claimers.

Race Two:

1st: (8) EPIC – returns off a year’s layoff for Bill Martin. He was a good second here in May 2022 and then came back to win by over three lengths. Martin wins 15% off long layoffs and 19% first start after a win.

2nd: (1) BEAR CREEK – horse for the course did nothing here two starts back and then improved when dropped down in class. He drops down to the bottom here for Mark Hoffman, who wins 18% with his overall claimers, and gets in light with Martina Rojas.

3rd: (7) WORBOTHOR – horse for the course has won 16 times here and raced wide last out when third.

Race Three:

1st: (5) MEANT TO BE LUCKY – had only one decent effort against maiden special weight company. He tried maiden $30,000 two starts back and was beaten 36 lengths, but then dropped to this level and ran much better. Angel Stanley is back in the saddle for John Bourke – 32%.

2nd: (7) GLOBAL HYSTERIA – didn’t run that bad in his career debut but somehow went backwards last out when blinkers and Lasix were added. He drops down to maiden claimers for the first time for Matt Kintz.

3rd: (1) SHINETHELIGHTONME – got off to a rough start in his career debut at Hawthorne for Larry Rivelli.

Race Four:

1st: (2) NATHANIEL’S HOPE – is only 1 for 17 here but has seven seconds and three thirds. He broke his maiden in his 22nd start and then came back with a decent second against these. Last out, he could not overcome post nine and draws better today.

2nd: (6) PARTY SWAGGER – was a game second at Mountaineer Park against a modest winner and then broke her maiden there last out. Joan Amaya wins 30% with her synthetic-track starters and 28% with her overall claimers.

3rd: (8) DUDEWITHTHEDIAMOND – suddenly woke up last out with a much improved effort which could win this if repeated.

Race Five:

1st: (6) REAL GOOD VYBZ – very inconsistent filly has had to drop in class to get in the money. Still a maiden after 22 tries, she was beaten 45 lengths two starts in a row but just missed here last out at this maiden class and distance.

2nd: (2) MUNNIS PRETTY – ships in for her Tapeta debut off two straight solid turf sprints at Colonial Downs. She drops down in class and has more than enough gate speed. This daughter of Munnings draws well for this.

3rd: (4) JAZZ TIME GIRL – showed high speed against this maiden level three starts back and then was a good second last out.

Race Six:

1st: (5) WORLDS ON HIGH – only 1 for 20 lifetime but has 11 seconds and has never run against this low-level type. He was a fast second two starts back and then raced evenly last out for Kevin Rice, who wins 26% first start after being beaten as the favorite.

2nd: (3) HUNTIN’ THE RUT – only 1 for 28 lifetime and he moves up in class off two out-of-the-money finishes. But he has speed ratings going two turns which fit with these and Martina Rojas rides back.

3rd: (6) CAMINO DE SANTIAGO – hasn’t finished in the money in his last nine starts but they all came against better company.

Race Seven:

1st: (3) GOLDEN ISLE – speedball held on for third two starts back after setting a fast pace and then came back against open allowance foes and went 44 and change before tiring. Now back in against $15K claimers, he might take them all the way.

2nd: (5) BATH AND TENNIS – was claimed for $8,500 by Joan Amaya and promptly moved up in class and won two straight races. She missed by a length last out and can win this on her best effort. Gaddiel Martinez rides.

3rd: (8) POSH PLAYDAY – was a sharp winner two starts back off a three-month layoff and then raced evenly last out.

Race Eight:

1st: (4) EL SOLITARIO – rallied from off the pace to win going away two starts back on the turf at Mountaineer Park against allowance foes and then raced evenly with no late kick. He tries Tapeta and drops way down in class.

2nd: (7) SIDE TRACKED – horse for the course beat similar two starts back and then was an even third last out behind a next-out winner. Ron Potts wins 20% with his synthetic-track starters and 19% with his overall claimers.

3rd: (2) ADIOS BOBBY – horse for the course is always dangerous if he can make an early lead. Inside post and Martina Rojas helps.