RACE 1 – (2) OUR LADY LARA A showed ability here vs. better last year but recently started to decline (out of
town) for her previous barn – she was moved to our top trainer, and showed marked improvement in her last start –
drops, moves inside, and this could be a good week to give her a look. (1) BETTER WATCH IT still isn’t back to
her top form from last year but she’s coming around, and last week was a BIG effort – would be no surprise at all
starting from the pole. (7) MAN DONTFORGET ME would normally be an automatic choice down at this low level
but she’s clearly well off her best, and lands all the way outside – would need a pretty good price to use her on top
tonight. (6) MORNING HAS BROKEN has been pretty unreliable this year, but facing better – if she can land on a
live trip, perhaps she can make some late noise. (4) COWGIRL LILLY had a run of solid starts but seemed to go the
other way after being forced to race over her head for a few starts – she was totally disinterested last week, and we’ll
see if the move inside can help her bounce back. (5) COMMANDER CATHY N rarely wins, and may have a tough
time just grabbing a piece from this spot. (3) COALFORDSNSHINE GB still hasn’t clicked after 4 starts in 2024.
RACE 2 – (5) CHERYLS SHADOW weakened in her first 2 starts off the qualifier but dig in tenaciously to hang on
last week...for a barn that’s 8-5-2-0 since 5/6 (with a 15-1 winner on Tuesday night) – sometimes it pays to just stick
with the hot hand. (1) A GIRL THAT TWIRLS is winless in 7 local starts this year but she has 4 seconds and is
looking at a good trip tonight– logical threat. (4) CRÈME DELIGHT threw a major dud in Leg 4 of the Matchmaker
then was empty again in the consolation– she went an even mile for 4th last week, and perhaps that’s a sign that she’s
ready for better tonight – her best effort does make her a serious threat. (6) TRUE BLUE HANOVER crushed in her
first start dropping (way) down from the Matchmaker, then chased 2nd best from the pocket last week – she’s a
perfect fit with these, but is definitely at a post disadvantage. (2) ELISES DELIGHT was no good at all for a few
starts, won off a dream trip 2 back then was an even 4th in her last – just seems a bit below the top ones. (3) HONEY
LOVE hasn’t been finishing quite enough in her last few, and will now be asked to take on tough older mares.
RACE 3 – (2) BLUEBIRD BISHOP was certainly helped by a live trip last week but the EASE with which he won
was impressive – feels like he’s sharp enough to take another. (1) BARRY BLACK can’t “bring it” every week at
age 13 but he can still do damage in the right spots...like this one – look for a solid effort, with a chance to be part of
the equation. (3) STREET GOSSIP blew by cheaper to jog 2 back, then rallied nicely for 3rd last week (behind the
top choice) – he’s definitely on the upswing, and is worth including in your exotics. (5) DIAMANTE TRIO IT was a
“pocket rocket” winner 2 back but not as effective with the same trip last week (vs. better) – still willing to include
underneath. (4) CASSIUS HANOVER will likely be handled conservatively off last week’s (unexpected) miscue but
that doesn’t mean he can’t rally late for a share – good one for 3rd/4th. (6) BIG CHARLIE MORAN has his moments
but gets a tough draw for his YR return and figures to be coming from too far back. (7) GLOBAL GIRL lands all the
way outside after making a break in her Hilltop debut.
RACE 4 – Hard to have any real confidence in any of these, right now: (2) BLUEBIRD GRAF had been in a bad rut
for a bunch of starts before showing life 2 back – she was well meant in her last, but lost all chance after having to
retreat to last after leaving hard...maybe she can trip out and get it done at a fair price. (1) CHILLIN BYTHE POOL
will get to control the action and that alone gives her a decent chance in here...but that 9/5 ML price makes it hard
to back her on top, at pretty short odds. (3) WOODMERE HARRIET gets a look just off that easy win at Fhd. 3
back but she’s 0 for 12 here over the last 2 years, and just 1 for 21 over the last 3...another that would be tough to
swallow at too short a price. (5) ROCKNROLL ANNIE has only managed a couple of 3rds from her 9 starts this
year but she MAY try to leave tonight...and that would at least give her a puncher’s chance. (6) THUNDRA is just 3
for 56 locally (last 3 years) and draws outside showing dull form out of town – at least she’s 20-1 ML in a race with
no stickouts! (4) JAVA has a couple of good recent Fhd. tries but her barn is just 4 for 156 locally since the start of
2023. (7) KATHYS MOMENT is 0 for 18 at YR and starts from all the way outside – hard to jump on her team here.
RACE 5 – (7) FULL RIGHTS has been in too tough for some time but certainly hasn’t embarrassed himself – he’s
back in with horses he can handle, and despite the terrible draw, may be worth a play tonight...since the price should
be pretty decent. (5) LOS BALLYKEELAMIGO runs hot and cold, and obviously is in the latter phase right now –
his last start WAS a little better, though, and he may be ready to handle a more aggressive try tonight – worth a look,
as long as the price is decent. (6) VOYAGE TO PARIS fits very well with this crew but he draws poorly and his
barn is 0 for 46 since the beginning of April – hard to accept a short price on top! (3) IN MY DREAMS is WAY off
his game right now but it’s probably just a matter of time before he turns things around – could be against these, but
you’d need a pretty good price to back him right now. (1) BANK BOX TREASURE has speed from the pole and has
enjoyed some success here in the past – he’s also missed three weeks (after being scratched injured) and looms a
question mark (at best) coming into tonight. (4) CANDY BOMBER was 3-1-1-1 here last year but 4-0-0-0 in 2024 –
maybe a small piece? (2) CREDARENA has 2 wins this year but has been invisible in pretty much all of his other
10 starts – just too unreliable for our tastes. (8) LIVINGONTHERAIL is the outsider, both literally and figuratively.
RACE 6 – (4) SALE EL SOL made her first start last week since the Matchmaker Series and turned in a big mile,
stuck first over from 5th and still almost grabbing 2nd (behind the sharp front end winner) – hopefully she can land on
an easier trip tonight, and cash in with a victory. (6) MISS DOTTIE MAE has been sharp for a few months, racing
well almost every week – she’s another that could benefit from a live trip, and the price figures to be worthwhile. (3)
DELITFULCATHERIN N is clearly off her game right now but still figures to attract plenty of attention based on
reputation, and the class drop – feels like there’s better value to be had with others, at least on top. (1) PERFECT
QUEEN has been a solid mare vs. cheaper, but her recent efforts vs. the Open mares at Saratoga suggest she may be
sharp enough right now to hold her own with these too – willing to include underneath. (2) HALLELUJAH HANO
VER was a solid 3rd last week, even if helped by an easy trip – chance for another good piece tonight with another
kind journey. (5) CELIA B MONEY has lost as the favorite in 3 straight, the last pair being disastrous efforts – hard
to stay on her team. (7) SUGAR BRITCHES trailed all the way last week BUT the effort was still much better than
her prior pair (distanced both times) – keep an eye for future considerations! (8) GAME OF SHADOWS drops a win
off her card after tonight, and may be worth considering in the next couple of weeks (but pass for tonight).
RACE 7 – (4) SILK CLOUD A was really sharp for a couple of starts in March – wasn’t quite as good in her next
few but her last pair have been outstanding, and it says a lot that Stratton takes her over KARMA SEELSTER –
we’ll go with her as well. (5) COACHELLABOUND N will probably be ignored a bit tonight off that last effort but
she likely bled that night, and adds Lasix for tonight – on her best she’s right there with these, and worth considering
tonight. (6) LIT DE ROSE just went ridiculously slow on the lead last week and was actually fortunate to be able to
hang on for the narrow win (over a flying #4) – her success the past few years at Yonkers is well documented, and
she remains a threat to win almost any time she’s in to go...her trip IS a bit iffy for tonight, however. (1) KARMA
SEELSTER won her last start before the Matchmaker began, was unable to grab any wins in the series but put in a
big one last week, finally getting the lead to the sizzling 1:22.4 three quarters and then drawing away – a good trip
puts her right there again tonight. (2) GOLDEN QUEST N was simply scary last week, parked for the lead to the
quarter in :27, leaving out KARMA SEELSTER to a half in :55.2, finally giving way to 3/4s yet STILL holding on
for 2nd – she’ll likely get a far more conservative steer tonight, but that may help her rally for a piece. (3) RACINE
BELL has an outstanding local history but she’s just 1 for 9 so far in ‘24, and feeling a bit vulnerable at the moment.
(7) TONYS MOM has been away for 25 days and somehow gets stuck with Post 7 – watch only mode for tonight.
(8) MC ANGEL is having an amazing season and holding her own in her 2 Open attempts – seems pretty unfair that
she ends with Post 8 against these, however.
RACE 8 – (1) PEMBROKE SOUTHIE was off 3 weeks to her last but was a solid pocket 2nd to the perfect trip
winner – she’s done fine work all year (for her new connections) and we’ll give her the edge from the pole tonight.
(2) DRAGONS LUCKY LADY can be forgiven for lacking a 2nd move last week after being used hard from Post 7
and chasing a sizzling clip from close up– she’s more than capable here if things go her way (3) ULTIMATE SPEED
kicked in just in time to get there 2 back, but was a little slow to get rolling last week and could only manage a tight
4th – she’s very consistent, and the right trip gives her a chance at the mild upset. (6) REC TIME seems to lag badly
every week, unable to find her best until late in the mile – that may leave her too far back tonight to do anything
more than some mild late damage. (5) HELLO YES HI was a game front end winner 2 back, but not quite able to
make things hold up on the lead last week – she may have to race from off the pace tonight, and it’s hard to say if
that’ll work out for her. (4) LISA LANE ships in from NJ and will face tougher tonight, with a lesser pilot and
having missed 3 weeks – leaning towards others. (8) LUCKY ARTIST A would be hard to like from Post 8 after
back to back dull efforts – waiting for an easier spot to consider. (7) ALWAYS WATCHING has been doing some
good work at the top level at Stga. but may have trouble getting herself in play from all the way out here.
RACE 9 – Wide open! (1) RULE OF LAW may be worth a stab tonight – he was no factor in his last 2 starts but
finished up ok each time – barnmate DUVAL STREET was a well backed, aggressive winner here last week off
similar form...maybe this guy can be next? (6) YOROKOBI N had plenty of pace for 2nd behind DUVAL STREET
in his last, and his overall form has been solid all year – tough post, but a good price makes him worth a look. (2)
GREAT SOMEWHERE perked up with a much better effort for 3rd three back – was caught battling first over in his
next, then worn into submission by BUGABOO LOU while cutting the mile last week– an easy trip could make him
dangerous tonight. (5) CYRUS N had to work harder than expected to prevail as the favorite on the lead last week
but it’s possible that he just prefers racing from behind – another with a chance. (4) BILL HALEY N may have built
some confidence with last week’s win over easier at PcD but he was just 1 for 17 here last year, and has a history of
disappointing at short prices. (7) SPLASH BROTHER figures to reverse form and throw a big one at some point...
but his current form makes him tough to endorse, especially from out here. (3) MY CARBON COPY N is winless
on the year and 0 for 20 locally over the past 2 seasons – minor spoils? (8) DIAMONDBEACH would be a surprise
from out here, to say the least.
RACE 10 – (4) GAELIHILL cut the mile last 2 weeks but was worn down by sharp first over rivals both times – he
did hold decently for a pair of 3rds, and perhaps his front end tactics can hold up better tonight. (6) MISSISSIPPI ST
ORM is sure to take plenty of $$ tonight as he drops in class off a sharp rallying 2nd last week – he’s the one to beat,
but he’s still winless in 2024 and may just be a tough vulnerable at a short price. (1) WICKENBURGH was on a
good roll after arriving here in march but he made an early miscue on 4/17 then was caught in the back (with no
chance) in his last pair – he should be much closer to the action tonight, and may deliver a much better effort. (2)
HOOLIE N HECTOR is now 0 for 11 on the season and despite finishing 2nd last week, he was 10 lengths behind
the winner (and not particularly sharp) – willing to use underneath, but sticking with others for the top slot. (5)
BLACK TIE BASH has been a bit in and out recently – needs things to unravel a bit up front if he hopes to use his
late rally. (3) MYCROWNMYKINGDOM has been struggling ever since that sharp front end score on 3/27.
RACE 11 – Another tough race: (1) MY AUGUST MOON A was handled very conservatively for her U.S. debut
but had no shortage of pace finishing – she has the credentials to be a pretty nice mare, and the price will definitely
be better with Bartlett not here for this...one of several possibilities. (3) TWIN B SUNKISSED didn’t fire her best
shot last week but she may have struggled with the very hot clip – she throws big ones when in the mood, and could
be a decent value horse to consider. (4) NO WIN NO FEED A was aggressive last week and rewarded with a front
end score – she’s been ultra consistent all year, and always a threat to land somewhere in the exotics. (2) UPTOWN
HANOVER seemed a little off her best recently but did look very solid wiring the field last week – if she can build
off that effort, she’s more than capable with these. (5) VIOLETS RAINBOW was still racing well when she went on
the shelf last July – she resurfaced in time for this year’s Matchmaker Series but went back on the shelf after racing
in the first leg – qualified back nicely last week, but has to be seen as a question mark coming into tonight. (7) JIVE
DANCING A has thrown a few big efforts from her 7 starts this year but she’s also disappointed in others – insist on
a good price if considering her from out here. (6) EASY TO PLEASE used a perfect trip to pick up last week’s
victory but may not be as fortunate from this spot tonight.
RACE 12 – (3) FIX A DRINK was well backed and came up with a much better effort on 4/12, cutting the mile
before finishing 2nd to PARISO – added Lasix for his last and was a solid 3rd behind a pair of very sharp rivals,
despite missing 3 weeks – feels like the one to beat tonight. (7) FOR A DREAMER was the odds on choice 2 back
but ran into an insane front end winner and had to settle for 2nd – made amends (at 4/5) last week, and could be a
threat tonight as well...with some trip luck from Post 7. (6) BLUFFINER ships in showing some solid tried vs.
decent stock at Stga. and may be able to grab a good chunk with the locals as well. (1) CREATIVE VENTURE
would normally be very dangerous from a spot like this but he just seems a bit off his game right now – leaning
elsewhere, but wouldn’t be shocked if he was able to perk up a win here. (4) DRACO S gets some class relief but his
current form is questionable – maybe one to include underneath? (2) ALONG IN TIME ended up way back early
last week (because of a bad gapper) and may deserve a pass for finishing 13 lengths back – we’ll see if she can be a
bigger player tonight, assuming a much better trip. (5) MISTER CONTESTANT ships in off a couple of miscues
and we’ll wait to see a clean/solid mile before considering. (8) SWISS HOUSE ONFIRE lands all the way outside
after missing 3 weeks due to sickness.