Presque Isle—Saturday Card

Race 1
Perry’s Wish placed in her first start; she’s a half-sister to multi-placed stakes winner Bedroom Blues, and another half-sister Bedroom Chatter has foaled winners at two such as stakes-winner Chatter Chatter. First-time starter Lady Mimi is a half-sister to turf stakes-placed Slew Slayer, and has had regular works leading to this start for trainer/owner Dale Baird. No Mas has good all-weather surface pedigree, with grandsire Cozzene (22.2 percent winners), and Danzig (29.4 percent) in her dam line.

Race 2
Curtain Bluff hasn’t exactly performed up to expectations this year, but he has also been racing against tough allowance company, including two losses to Indian Chant (who won wire-to-wire on opening day at PID), the last in track-record time at Churchill; his previous AW surface attempts (include the G3 Kentucky Cup Sprint last September) and class should aid him. Telling that leading jock Miguel Mena chose to ride Curtain Bluff over Power Jeans. Coronado’s Strike comes in off two month layoff, but convincingly won only start on all-weather surface, at Turfway last New Year’s Eve. Rectory Hill has two in-the-money results on turf in route races this year so not convinced he will like the shorter distance; Plunder an Pillage has early speed and may prefer the sprint.

Race 3
Rocketinthegate did well her first time out, on Keeneland’s polytrack, where she finished third, less than ½ length behind Marquee Delivery (who most recently finished third in the G3 Arlington Oaks). However, her connections switched her to turf routes where she didn’t last, although she ran well. After 2-1/2 month layoff and three strong workouts, she should fire here. Drop a Line—by Lemon Drop Kid—has had extensive workouts over Fair Hill Tapeta in advance of this first-start for Graham Motion. Medousa Storm finished in-the-money three times in four races, and led the last (at seven furlongs) before tiring; with new trainer and recent bullet workout, she could be back in form. If not, Strikes of Thunder—who just missed on Arlington polytrack last out—should finish in the money.

Race 4
Wazoo City likes the distance and synthetic surfaces; won last out driving. Deputy Connor won easily wire-to-wire after layoff last time. Talega Creek had decent effort on Hollywood Cushion track last December, finishing fourth, just 1-1/2 lengths behind the winner; consistent speed figures over routes indicate he should fit well with this group.

Race 5
Painted Clown ships in from Delaware off of two big wire-to-wire wins; she’s improved in each of three races after claim and has taken to turf in previous efforts, so may enjoy Tapeta. Prize Packet has finished in the money in five of six races this year, including three wins; persevered from rail post in slop to finished third last out at Mountaineer. All Bold probably needs a race after layoff to get in winner’s circle, but could challenge for money here; she’s defeated race entrant Loveland three times in past year.

Race 6
Gold By Gold is obvious selection, with three wins and one second in four races this year; he’s also run well on all-weather surfaces before, and with 1-1/2 month refreshener, this gelding looks well placed for owner Maggi Moss. Imreadyimready likes the mile distance and won on all-weather surface before; second race off claim leaves room for even more improvement. No Surgeon (who’s coupled partner Ww Conquistador should scratch after running here three days ago) has improved in each race this year, and should get in money.

Race 7
Angel Island won her maiden at first asking last year, then suffered rough trip in G3 Schuylerville before placing in NATC Futurity at Monmouth last September; she opens her 3-year-old campaign here after series of impressive works at Arlington and Presque Isle including bullet work last out. Glitter Glitter is turf veteran who should enjoy the cut-back from route to sprint. Coatue has run consistently, and two nice works over this surface aid her chances.

Race 8
Komax has yet to finish off the board this year in seven tries, including five wins for three different owners and trainers. While likely the post-time favorite, I’m leaning toward Hammered for an upset; he comes in off five-month layoff for new trainer Scott Lake having posted three extremely fast works, including one here. Doctor Decherd also looks to improve off layoff with shorter distance; two strong works over this surface indicates his readiness.