RACE 1 - (7) TELL THEM LOU has been razor sharp for a barn that's off to a strong start in 2022 - he has
the speed to improve considerably at the start, and he really shouldn't have any trouble transitioning to face
older rivals here....figures to be a decent price in a race with a few legitimate contenders (2) FLYING FINN
N was ok at the back from a no chance spot in last - definitely fits well with these, and the post relief will
allow Stratton to be a lot more aggressive here...major player. (3) GENIUS MAN was sharp two back in his
first try off the winter break - couldn't quite last as the favorite in his last, but certainly has license to make
amends tonight. (1) SO MANY ROADS was a close 3rd and 4th in his last pair, and draws the pole again
tonight - if they mix things up in front of him, he may end up a serious late threat. (6) HERRICKROOSEV
ELT N may not be on his absolute best game right now, but he's definitely racing well - tough spot for more
than a smaller piece tonight, though. (4) MCCLINCHIE N probably needs a bit easier softer to be a serious
threat, but an easy trip may be enough to help him grab a minor piece. (5) PICARD A wired much easier 2
back, but he's hard to like off that last effort. (8) EPIC ACE recently climbed the class during a nice form
spree but he was no factor last week, and now gets stuck all the way outside.
RACE 2 - (5) CHANGE STRIDE N rallied nicely from Post 8 upon dropping down to 30s two back, then
was a sharp "pocket rocket" winner in his last - moves to a barn that has seen an amazing 60% of their
starters finish 1st/2nd since 12/1, and we'll give him the narrow nod tonight. (1) BEVANS CULLEN N has
been claimed 6X in the last 7 weeks, probably because he has 3 wins and a pair of 2nds over that period -
his new barn is off to a quick start in 2022, and this guy looks like the main danger. (4) MY MIND IS
MADEUP has been sharp for some time, although his best work has come vs. a bit easier - will probably be
a decent price tonight (stepping up for a new barn), but does have a chance to be part of the equation. (3)
JIMS PERFECT TEN always seems to grab a piece, and usually outraces his odds - always a good one to
include underneath. (2) I GET THAT surged late to beat cheaper 2 back, but is a bit unproven at this level -
inside draw gives him a chance to grab a share. (6) MARINER SEELSTER came up 2nd best in his last 2
starts and the 13YO marvel continues to be very popular at the claim box - outside draw may limit his
output for tonight, though. (7) SHOREVIEW has picked up lots of pieces at this level, but mostly from up
close trips - much tougher spot tonight. (8) STARK HANOVER grabbed 2nds in his last 3 starts but goes
for a new barn here, from Post 8, moving up in class - prefer others this week.
RACE 3 - (3) GINGER TREE PETE has been coming up with big efforts for the last 2-3 months, handles
any trip, and draws well enough for Kakaley to have plenty of options - major player as he looks to make
up for last week's tough nose loss. (1) MACHIAVELLI went a mile that almost defies description last
week... but it was his first (and only) start for a barn that has been flying under the radar here for the past
year while doing incredible work, especially with fresh acquisitions -- goes back to another very high % for
tonight, and recently won 2X for these connections - obviously a major threat, but also figures to be heavily
backed. (2) REVELRY was off 3 weeks to his last, but did finish alertly after finding his gear in the stretch
- not sure how well he fits in 40s, but we'll find out more tonight. (4) PROVEN DESIRE finished decently
in his last couple - license to rally for a piece, with the right trip. (7) EDDARD HANOVER has been very
good since the claim 3 back, but struggled to get involved from a similar spot last week, and will need some
trip luck to do better tonight. (6) YANKEE ROLLER A used a live trip to pick up 2nd (at 40-1!) last week,
but would have liked to see him finish a little stronger - outside draw could hurt tonight. (5) WESTE RN
HILL has 3 recent wins but all were on the front end...and it's unlikely he'll be there tonight. (8) RECO RD
YEAR is a borderline player in this class - definitely needs a much better post to contend.
RACE 4 - (5) MAGRITTE has now extended his incredible run to SEVEN straight victories, and goes
back to a barn for whom he recently won 3 of those - hard to make any logical case against him at this point
-- he WILL lose eventually, but there's no obvious horse to take a shot against him with tonight! (3)
HEISMAN PLAYER has been knocking on the door in all 3 starts this year - definitely one to include in
exotics, and maybe try on top (if you think the top choice will finally come up a little short). (1) TONY
TOO TALL was quickly reclaimed last week by his previous connections, and bumps up a notch here - the
rail draw will really help, however, and he's another with a good chance to land somewhere on the ticket.
(4) VELOCITY KOMODO was a sharp winner 2 back, but caught too far back to be a threat last week -
moves inside, and his chances do go up IF things get a bit testy up front. (2) BARON MICHAEL may need
to be in a little easier, and he'll be racing tonight off 3 weeks - minor piece only. (7) MARK WITHA K
went down as the odds on choice in his last pair - his price will definitely move up considerably now, but
much trip luck will be needed to overcome the difficult draw. (6) WATERWAY hasn't shown that he can
handle this class - and Post 6 will only make things tougher. (8) ITSMYCHECK GB just stopped to a walk
last week after hard early use - good spot for Stratton to just sit back, and allow him to restore some
confidence in himself.
RACE 5 - Very tough race! (3) BRAEVIEW BONDI A wired this class 3 back, then was an excellent 2nd
(from off the pace) last week - he's one of several very possible winners in here, but we'll go with him on
top, assuming he'll be a decent price. (5) CASUAL COOL went on an excellent form spree here early last
summer, but then really hit the skids soon after - it seems like the 3 months off he took got him back on
track, and he returns from NJ showing very solid form - another very live player that's worth a look. (7)
SONNY WEAVER N makes his YR debut off a recent series of sharp tries at The Swamp - draws poorly,
though, and it's hard to say if he's handy enough for Bartlett to work out a decent trip from this spot - insist
on a good price if using on top (1) JJ FLYNN comes off a 12 win, $156K season racing mostly in Delaware
but his handful of local tries over the last few years have just been "ok" - possible for sure, but also figures
to be overbet with the rail draw. (4) SHADOW CAT appreciated the class drop and the lead last week,
hanging on for the win - will need to be a little better to beat this group, though. (6) ROCKAPELO shipped
back sharp from NJ, but was never involved at all last week - unpredictable 7YO is just very hard to gauge
from week to week. (2) MACHEASY A drops from the Open, but lands in a field that might still be a little
tougher than he prefers - maybe can rally late for a piece? (8) SPOILERONTHEBEACH is actually very
good right now, but faces an uphill battle from all the way out here.
RACE 6 - (5) IM SIR BLAKE A is actually very sharp right now, and likely made that late break last week
because he was loaded up the cones with very little room - he drops in class, starts from a better spot, and
there's just a lot to like about him this week. (2) BIG SIR sat the pocket as the odds on choice last week and
really had no chance when the leader (#1) kicked home in :27.3 - he'll be a much better price tonight, and
does have a good chance to find his way onto this ticket. (1) BENHOPE RULZ N controlled the pace last
week before sprinting home in :27.3 to easily secure the victory - steps up a notch, but the rail draw gives
him a solid chance to be right there from start to finish. (4) MELODIES MAJOR never got involved from
Post 8 last week, but was a sharp 2nd in both prior starts - could easily come back with a big effort tonight
with the move back inside. (3) LIKE CLOCKWORK has raced well in most of his local starts - an easy trip
could see him taking home a small piece of this. (8) AINTNOBETTOR A was a solid rallying 3rd in his
first start of the year last week, but tonight's draw figures to leave him too far back to be a serious threat.
(6) ESCAPETOTHEBEACH took full advantage of the class drop and rail last week to score the pocket
victory - looking at a much tougher assignment from this spot. (7) RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN N was 40-1 in
his first 2 starts of the year and trailed from Post 8 each time - got a class drop and much better post last
week, was hammered down to 3-1 and easily scored the front end victory - hard to see that happening from
this spot, though.
RACE 7 - (2) FOREVER FAV has been razor sharp seemingly forever, and had plenty of pace finishing
from an impossible spot last week - gets major post relief here, and is in a good spot to pick up his first win
of the season. (3) ALEX TYE was claimed for $40K on 10/23, beat the 50s the next week, won a couple of
starts in 75s and last week beat the 100s - he's a threat anytime he's in a decent spot- like tonight. (5) JESSE
DUKE N disappointed in his first start for these connections (2nd vs. NW7500 on 11/15) but he just got
progressively sharper since then, and that last mile (parked every step after an early miscue and STILL 3rd)
was just outstanding - hasn't proven he can win at this level yet, but it would be no surprise if he did. (4)
CAVIART LUCA still has big miles left in his 11YO legs, and he was a winner here 2 starts back (vs. a
little cheaper) - would be no great shock to see him beat these too. (1) BILL HALEY N hasn't raced since
10/12, but his connections give him a vote of confidence dropping him in for $100K off the qualifier - we'll
see if he's tight enough to be in the hunt. (7) LYONS KING had a useful tightener off the layoff last week,
but gets no luck with the draw tonight - probably looking at only a smaller piece from out here. (8) MONE
YMAN HILL used a quick start to land a good trip and 3rd place finish last week....but may not be able to
get himself in play from Post 8 tonight. (6) ENVIRONS HANOVER makes his first start of the year and
figures to be a little short.
RACE 8 - (5) WESTERN FAME is the selection here, but it's without a lot of conviction - he's been a
disappointment since the $100K claim on 11/8, and he also comes into tonight off a sick scratch....but this
just seems like the type of field where he SHOULD be able to find a way to come out on top....but wouldn't
take a short price! (1) J B MAUNEY did some good work when he arrived here late summer but really fell
apart by the Fall - was actually a big go vs. NW20000 two back, but lost all chance with an early miscue --
now has the rail in a NW10000 field, so maybe tonight we'll see that wake up call? (4) CYCLONE BANN
ER N rallied from the back for 3rd in his only local start, and meets nothing too scary tonight - legit threat
if he shows up on his best game. (3) UNCLE JORD A was handled more aggressively off the class drop
last week but came up disappointing - not writing him off just yet, but he'll need to be better to be a big
threat here. (8) IM A GIGOLO N was hammered down to 2/5 for his YR return, and safely wired a cheaper
bunch - won't be nearly as easy up in class, from Post 8. (6) GRIFFON HANOVER doesn't win very often,
but he does race well enough for pieces on occasion - playable in exotics at a good price. (7) DON DOMIN
GO N is at a level where he can be a threat, but draws outside once again - perhaps the tote board will offer
some clues as to his chances tonight. (2) HES ELECTRIC doesn't win very often and when he does, it's
usually against much easier than these.
RACE 9 - (4) SPEED MAN N was full of pace for a close 3rd in the Open 3 back, 2nd best to LEONIDAS
A in his next, and probably gets 2nd again last week (ended up 3rd) with more stretch clearance - we'll see
if he can use his post advantage tonight to score a mild upset. (8) LEONIDAS A is feeling good right now,
and the very classy 7YO looks to make it 3 in a row - he does get assigned Post 8 tonight and while he's
sharp enough for a chance to overcome it, he MAY be handled a little more conservatively this week - may
be a bit vulnerable, but by all means use him IF the price ends up being decent. (2) PYRO should benefit
from last week's tightener, moves inside, and has pulled off some big miles (at big prices) in the past - not a
bad week to include in exotics. (5) SEMI TOUGH was dull 3 back off the winter break but very sharp
winning the next week, and was a solid 4th in his last - the right trip could land him a piece of this. (7) FUN
ATTHEBEACH N is back on his game, but will have to contend with Post 7 tonight - may be done in by a
tough trip here. (3) SAVE ME A DANCE was sharp for his previous connections, but upped his game even
more after being claimed on 12/4 - he beat this class here on 1/10, but hasn't raced since 1/15 and may be at
a disadvantage as a result. (1) TYGA HANOVER steps up to the Open off a nice win vs. cheaper, but even
the rail assignment may leave him short against these. (6) DIAMONDBEACH is also very good right now,
but up against it from Post 6 against this strong field.
RACE 10 - (1) REGAL SON has been very sharp for some time but his last effort was just insane, racing
parked every step of the way, looking all done on the back side only to stick around and come back for 3rd,
not all that far off 2nd - moves to a new a barn for tonight, but this trainer got a BIG winning effort out of
him back on 11/29 - we'll give him the edge tonight, from the pole. (6) BELTANE A was no factor in his
first 2 starts of the year but was well backed for his last, went right to the top, and looked like the horse that
ended the year winning 4 of his last 5 - dangerous rivals. (2) MIGHTY SANTANA N wasn't bad 2 back, so
it was no surprise to see him race well for 2nd last week (behind #5) - chance for another good piece here.
(7) DARK ENERGY N surely wishes last meet didn't end in December as he was in the middle of a 4 race
win streak when the winter break rolled around - he's been away since 12/6, draws Post 7, and it's just
asking a lot for him to be ready for his best effort under the circumstances. (4) MACINTOSH N is a bit
below the top players, but good enough right now to grab a small piece, with an easy trip. (5) MISSILE
SEELSTER wasn't bad upon arrival from NJ, but he's another that really needs to be in a bit easier to be a
serious threat. (3) KINNDER JACKSON backed up badly after being used hard last week and will have his
trainer on board tonight - hopefully won't get in anybody's way.
RACE 11 - (7) ELWELL has been beyond sharp for a long time, and has continued to win races even as
he's climbed the class ladder - he comes into tonight having won 4 straight, all as the odds on choice -
because there are so many sharp players in here, his price may actually go up this week....making him
worth sticking with. (2) PRINCE MCARDLE N was our choice last week and he went a big effort for 2nd,
at 11-1 -- his price will come down a bit now, but he's still worth including on your tickets. (3) PATRIOT
NATION returned sharp in 2022, and just missed last week - good one to include underneath. (5) SWEET
N FAST N finished 3rd to the top choice last week, just missing 2nd to #2 - if he brings his best, he can
make some serious noise here. (4) LOUS SWEETREVENGE won 8X in 2021 and won a division of this
race last week - another of the very sharp players in this race. (6) IM SOME GRADUATE benefited from
the trip in his win 2 back, but did race very well last week too - may be at a disadvantage from Post 6, and
will need some trip luck to be a threat tonight. (1) WHOS BETTER drops in for a tag, but may need to be
in for a lesser price to be a player. (8) LETSGOTOBRAZIL A actually raced pretty well in his local debut,
but Post 8 figures to slow him down a bit tonight.
RACE 12 - (6) ROBBIE BURNS N was sent off favored from Post 8 in a $50K claimer(off 6 weeks!) 2
starts back but wasn't up for the aggressive drive - dropped to 40s last week and rallied nicely for 4th, and
now drops another peg to 30s, looking for a win - might be able to get it against these. (5) CHICKEN NUG
GET has really sharpened in NJ since the claim 5 starts back, although vs. cheaper - this is a pretty modest
field, and he may be sharp enough to be a serious threat, even with the class jump. (3) AVATAR J had better
life in his last pair, grabbing a 2nd and a 3rd - seems sharp enough for a piece here too. (4) ROCK THE
NITE is back functioning again, beating cheaper 2 back, then finishing 3rd in this class last week - use
underneath. (7) ITSGOODTOBEDAKING tired on the front end moving up in class last week - drops
down to a friendlier level tonight, but may struggle a bit from Post 7. (8) DESIRES CAPTAIN wasn't bad
at all in his last couple, but he draws all the way outside and may be unable to find a way into the hunt. (1)
AWESOMENESS moves all the way inside after a tightener last week, but he's been too camera shy here
for too long to consider right now. (2) HEAVENLY SOUND drops again off a pair of very dull efforts -
would like to see some signs of life before considering.