Wednesday 8/20/25 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Jeremy Plonk: Saratoga Spot Plays | Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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August 19, 2025 | By Jeremy Plonk

Travers Week gets rolling with a 9-race card in which 4 of the late pick 5 events are slated for turf. Rain is in the forecast, so keep loose with an eye on the sky and for updated changes.

Saratoga | Race 3 | 2:20 pm ET
#7 Chalky White (3-1 morning line odds) may benefit in price from a trio of rivals from higher-profile Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown barns. Trainer Amelia Green hasn't had a lot of success at the meet, but her 2-year-olds intended for turf have been much stronger than her rest. Chalky White's last race was excellent when rising star Tapit's Legacy drew off to win and this colt didn't fold, but easily held second on a wet main track. His third dam (great-grandmother) Brownie Points was a superior turf mare who earned nearly $1 million. Like him on either surface today. Win bet #7.


Saratoga | Race 8 | 5:07 pm ET
#8 Sky's Not Falling (10-1 morning line odds) deserves a longshot look as Mike Trombetta's barn has been outstanding all meet at the Spa, including 3 wins with his last 4 starters. This horse takes a big class drop from stakes to claiming, a move that nearly netted at 9-2 winner for the barn earlier in the meet with runner-up Maya Prince on July 3. Getting jockey Jose Ortiz is a rare, positive find for this outfit. Opened his career with a win and stakes third on dirt, so playable on either surface. Win-place bet #8.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Presque Isle Downs - Race #2

#3 Pancho Slips Away	He went clear early and softened up late after a solid tempo, and he probably has a right to stick around better today with that comeback race under his belt. Lots to like.
#4 Yes I'm Jess	He handled the rise nicely last out after the good debut with cheaper, and he should find a decent spot while keeping tabs on the top choice early again.
#1 Samdini	Wouldn't be a surprise to see him get home here, as his Turfway works suggest there might be some upside on the move to the synthetic footing. Capable.
Race Summary	Pancho Slips Away has some dangerous pace that could be a bit tighter after getting that layoff run out of the way. Sharper today.

Presque Isle Downs - Race #7

#2 Bless America	Think he might find the right spot up on or near the top in a race with a small field and no serious pace. Couple of sneaky good names in the company lines?
#1 Loose Wire	He was 9/5 in Grade III company at Woodbine last out and was just a bit one-paced, but his better stuff would be tough with a forward trip likely in the cards for him, too.
#5 Extrasexybigdaddee	He's meeting a decent crew while dropping out of stakes company, and while he's not the win machine he once was here, he still seems competitive for a piece with this group.
Race Summary	Short bunch with a bit of talent, and Bless America could be playable as maybe the second choice in here. Loose Wire should be tough, but I'm hoping 'America can land this with his best.

Presque Isle Downs - Race #8

#5 Echo Seven	Not much to write home about in the Finger Lakes comeback form so far this year, but there are some pretty solid back races over synthetic footing on the page, and she might be well-served to try to take a shot at the front end in a race without a ton of other committed speed.
#2 Vicountess	Positional pace has reliable local form and should find another good spot tracking the pace with this group. She tends to take a lot of cash, and I don't think she has to win this at another likely short number.
#1 Practicality	She might find a really cozy spot while tucked in just behind the pace from the fence, and a lot of her recent form has come against some better groups. In the mix.
Race Summary	Echo Seven has some appeal if she can show some pace here, and getting back over synthetic footing should work in her favor after a couple modest comeback runs.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Colonial Downs - Race #1

#5 PROTON (5-1)	Gelding appears ready to run in debut sprint; dam excelled in grass route races.
#2 DYNACITO (2-1)	Sire’s Top 25 turf ranking this year mirrors barn’s 20-plus percent with these types.
#9 JIGGER (9-2)	Ran third at 48-1 on switch to the lawn, half of today’s field have yet to run.
Race Summary	Motion-trained firster PROTON has a strong foundation of workouts to get ready for his debut. His dam, Charged (4-15, $111k), was a second-out Maiden Special Weight and three-time allowance winner, all going long on the turf. His works are fast enough to suggest he can sprint. Bet to win and place and play a 2-3 and 5-3 daily doubles.

Colonial Downs - Race #2

#3 BOLD DIVERSION (5-2)	Three wins and three seconds in last six starts with Lasix, goes well again.
#2 MR. KEYS (3-1)	Idle since smashing debut maiden claiming victory in February versus suspect field.
#7 EASTBOSTONBENNY (3-1)	Wire-to-wire three-peat attempt was foiled by his stablemate.
Race Summary	BOLD DIVERSION, on the improve throughout his career, tried stakes company to no avail last out, but he mounted a “relentless” rally to win at 6F in the race prior, beating Medgooch, a follow-up, wire-to-wire winner in a $32,000 optional claiming sprint. Bet to win and place and play a 3-ALL exacta.

Colonial Downs - Race #4

#6 STOP BEING GREEDY (4-1)	Farrior returnee is ideally spotted to get back on the winning track.
#4 BEN’S HERO (7-2)	Steady diet of low 60 Beyers translates well with Paco aboard.
#3 SIR CHANCEALOT (12-1)	Improved zip on the turf last out, use underneath in gimmicks.
Race Summary	STOP BEING GREEDY makes his first start around one turn in the last 17 months and runs for the cheapest price of his career. The barn excels with all types and this appears an ideal spot for the 4-year-old gelding to notch his second win. Bet to win and place and play a 4,6/3, 4, 6/ALL trifecta.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Special Wager
PURCHASE

Special Wager - Race 1	Leg 1 of the Horseshoe Turf Pick 3
Maiden Special • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 64 • Purse: $36,000 • Post: 4:14P
IND - R5 - (RAIL AT 24 FEET). FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. IF THIS RACE IS TAKEN OFF THE TURF, IT WILL BE RUN AT 1 MILE AND 70 YARDS ON THE MAIN TRACK.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * MY MISTER PERFECT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. LOOKOUT KID : Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. MILLARD'S LEGACY: Horse has a 4F workout since its last race, and the workout time is faster than its own half-mile time in its last race. COW CREEK KID: Horse ranks in the top three in av erage Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. HARD SCHOLAR: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
10	MY MISTER PERFECT	4/1	4/1
9	LOOKOUT KID	5/1	7/1
1	MILLARD'S LEGACY	10/1	8/1
13	COW CREEK KID	15/1	9/1
12	HARD SCHOLAR	9/2	10/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
12	HARD SCHOLAR	12	9/2	Front-runner	56	56	96.7	69.2	59.2
13	COW CREEK KID	13	15/1	Front-runner	66	62	67.9	59.7	45.7
1	MILLARD'S LEGACY	1	10/1	Alternator/Stalker	70	58	63.3	52.9	43.4
7	TOY'STROUBLEDHERO	7	10/1	Alternator/Stalker	63	57	59.7	55.0	42.0
9	LOOKOUT KID	9	5/1	Trailer	56	59	54.0	70.2	59.7
10	MY MISTER PERFECT	10	4/1	Trailer	68	73	51.6	66.5	60.0
3	MORDECAI	3	15/1	Trailer	65	57	47.4	57.8	43.8
14	MONEY MONDAY	14	20/1	Alternator/Trailer	0	0	61.7	46.1	32.6
4	EL JOVERO	4	6/1	Alternator/Trailer	65	57	43.6	46.4	29.9
2	DREAM FAST	2	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	68.3	37.0	16.0
5	JACKSON'S BUDDY	5	8/1	Alternator/Non-contender	70	60	55.3	49.5	35.5
8	SPECIAL GIFT CARD	8	30/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	48.3	51.2	29.2
6	AFTER BIG STORM	6	30/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	33.6	42.3	19.3
11	HEZ ALL OUT	11	8/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	33.6	39.9	21.9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
PURCHASE

Parx Racing - Race 1	Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3) / Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta 10 cent Superfecta / 50 cent Philly BIG 5
Claiming $7,500 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 65 • Purse: $21,000 • Post: 12:40
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 20 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Front-runner. ROYAL UPSTART is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * JUSTHEART: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. TWIST HER: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. ROYAL UPSTART: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). Today i s a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. MELODY'S KISS: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figur e at the distance/surface.
4	JUSTHEART	2/1	5/1
6	TWIST HER	4/1	6/1
3	ROYAL UPSTART	5/1	6/1
7	MELODY'S KISS	6/1	10/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
3	ROYAL UPSTART	3	5/1	Alternator/Front-runner	63	70	46.6	45.6	34.6
2	SUNNY SIDE UP	2	6/1	Stalker	62	57	58.0	48.6	35.6
6	TWIST HER	6	4/1	Trailer	72	70	52.8	59.4	54.9
7	MELODY'S KISS	7	6/1	Trailer	72	64	44.8	63.4	56.9
5	MISS NEO	5	6/1	Trailer	66	61	43.2	62.2	53.2
4	JUSTHEART	4	2/1	Alternator/Trailer	76	67	36.0	63.8	61.3
1	UNION BELLE	1	6/1	Alternator/Non-contender	67	55	44.8	44.6	33.1
9	BROOKLYN HEIGHTS	9	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	63	51	40.2	48.2	32.7
8	RAICHU	8	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	64	47	36.4	38.6	23.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delaware Park

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 7 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $46000 Class Rating: 101

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON 20,000 ONCE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR RESTRICTED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 20, 2025 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JUNE 20, 2025 ALLOWED 4

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 11 MICKEY SHILLELAGH 3/1
# 4 NOBLE JON 7/2
# 9 TREVESSO 12/1

MICKEY SHILLELAGH looks to be a decent contender. Trainer boasts solid win figs at this distance and surface. Could best this field based on the speed figure - 101 - of his last effort. He has garnered strong numbers under today's conditions and will almost certainly fare well against this field. NOBLE JON - Has to be used in the exotic bets. Will more than likely be one of the leaders of the group going into the halfway point of the contest. TREVESSO - Players should note that this racer runs with second time Lasix today. Earnings per start in turf route races is reliable for this animal.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Penn National - Race #5 - Post: 7:41pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 55

Rating:

#6 OLLIE BOY (ML=5/2)


OLLIE BOY - Last time, was entered in a race at Penn National in a race with a class rating of 65. Dropping considerably in Equibase class figure today puts him in a solid position in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 DIAL IT UP (ML=2/1), #5 LOCK BARREL (ML=3/1), #2 ECLIPTICALS FEVER (ML=5/1),

DIAL IT UP - This gelding notched a speed fig in his last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's race. LOCK BARREL - This gelding finished out of the money on Jul 23rd and wasn't close to winning last time around the track either. This gelding recorded a fig in his last affair which probably isn't good enough in today's race. ECLIPTICALS FEVER - I'm foreseeing a lackluster attempt out of him this time.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#6 OLLIE BOY to win at post-time odds of 1/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Pass
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Assiniboia Downs

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 6 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10100 Class Rating: 70

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE IN 2025 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000. MANITOBA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 6 AMBROSE SUNSET 8/1
# 7 MAGENS BAY 6/1
# 5 FRANKLY 9/5

I've got to go with AMBROSE SUNSET especially at a long price. Hanson has her trained solidly to break rapidly out of the starting gate. Very strong shot today with second time Lasix. MAGENS BAY - Fraser has her trained admirably to break swiftly out of the gate. A solid 77 avg Equibase class rating may give this filly a distinct class edge against this field. FRANKLY - Could beat this group given the 53 speed figure posted in her last outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Colonial Downs - Race #8 - Post: 3:55pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $32,000 Class Rating: 69

Rating:

#12 MISS BANKS (ML=8/1)
#7 RED ROYALTY (ML=6/1)
#3 LYRIC STREET (ML=5/2)


MISS BANKS - Stalking speed. My peers and I like this horse. I expect a lot from this race horse. Her speed figures under similar conditions are tops in this group. RED ROYALTY - Finished off the board last out at Churchill Downs, but was within 5 lengths of the winner. Opening at 6/1 makes me think she's got a chance. Taking a drop in Equibase class figure points from her June 14th race at Churchill Downs. Based on that information, I will give this animal the advantage. You have to like that latest race speed rating, 74, which is the highest recent race speed rating of this bunch. This thoroughbred has increased her speed ratings from a fig of 65 to 68 to 74 in a row. LYRIC STREET - Rider jumped on this filly's back for the initial time on July 30th. Should be in touch with the horse even better in today's contest. This filly is in good form. Finished fourth on July 30th. The July 30th contest at Colonial Downs was at a class level of (75). Dropping to a lower class level considerably, so she should be in a good spot. This filly is clearly on the improve with speed ratings of 57, 59, 73 last three out.

Vulnerable Contenders: #14 PRACTICAL ROMANCE (ML=3/2), #10 INSOLENTA (ML=4/1), #1 TERRIE T (ML=5/1),

PRACTICAL ROMANCE - 3/2 odds isn't enough for this one when checking the most recent outings. Hasn't been on the Colonial Downs oval in the last three weeks. Cause for some concern. INSOLENTA - 4/1 is too low of a price to take on most any horse that has run poorly in back to back outings. TERRIE T - This thoroughbred just hasn't looked sharp of late.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - LYRIC STREET - I start with the classiest horse in the group then work my way down. This one's got the top earnings per start. No need to look further.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Put your money on #12 MISS BANKS on the nose if you can get odds of 7/2 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [3,7,12]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [3,7,12] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	[3,7,12] with [3,7,12] with [3,7,10,12,13] with [3,7,10,12,13] Total Cost: $36

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at Grand River Raceway

P#	PP	HORSE NAME	M/L	DRIVER - WIN%	POINTS
RACE 8
3	3	CHICKABELL	7/5	Fillion, Samuel - 18	460.32
5	5	QUIET ASSURANCES	6/1	Richardson, Bruce M - 16	431.30
1	1	WAITINONAWOMAN	9/5	Cullen, Travis A - 15	429.84
6	6	LA PETITE GRISE	10/1	Sorrie, Austin - 19	422.40
2	2	LOLAS SUNSHINE	4/1	House, Lorne S - 7	384.74
4	4	PLAISIR	9/2	Ryan, Jason D - 15	348.41

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at Northfield Park

P#	PP	HORSE NAME	M/L	DRIVER - WIN%	POINTS
RACE 6
2	2	FRED'S DREAM GIRL	5/2	Merriman, Aaron - 26	517.93
5	5	COCONUT KATE	12/1	Ciocca, John Jr - 8	498.45
3	3	NACHO RODEO	3/1	Sugg, Kurt - 13	487.11
1	1	KING FELIX	12/1	Thompson, Jason - 4	485.22
7	7	MAGIC HILL	8/1	Irvine, Justin - 12	481.80
4	4	MO BAY	7/2	Lems, Chris - 14	476.12
6	6	I LOVE MY MVP	5/1	Rhoades, Braiden - 9	461.96
8	8	O U STACEY	25/1	Angus, Tyler - 7	440.61

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hastings

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 3 - Post: 1:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$6000 - NON WINNERS OF$1500 L 4 STARTS A/E N/W OF 2000 L 4 DRAW OUTSIDE

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
	# 4 DON'TCALLMEFRANCIS 8/5
# 5 HASTE MAKE WASTE 7/2
# 1 QUICK SNAP 9/5

DON'TCALLMEFRANCIS figures to be our best wagering option in this gathering. Could surprise us at a fair price. Don't leave out. This standardbred may have some hidden form, a win would be a pleasant surprise. The consortium will always toss in a solid standardbred from the 4 post here at Hastings, keep in mind for your exotics. HASTE MAKE WASTE - Pluta fits this solid standardbred's style perfectly. They've enjoyed some tremendous results when working with one another. QUICK SNAP - The panel of smart guys knows that speed is King in harness racing. This harness racer will unlock our way to a nice top prize. This solid standardbred looks tough considering the high class ratings. Don't throw out of any exotics.

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 2 - Post: 6:17 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$7000 - HORSES AND GELDINGS NON WINNERS OF $2,100 IN THE LAST 4 STARTS AE: WINNERS OF BASE CLASS NW1000 LAST START

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
	# 9 SHANE FALCO 3/1
# 8 CREEKSIDE JOHNNY 6/1
# 5 FOX VALLEY SAMPSON 2/1

SHANE FALCO will not be denied the victory in this event. Overall numbers look very good. Can't throw him out of the picture. Tough to pass on this gelding with cagey Page in the cart. Major player for the score. CREEKSIDE JOHNNY - You have to love a horse that wins regularly, very impressive win percent. This interesting entrant looks dangerous considering the high class rankings. Don't toss out of any exotics. FOX VALLEY SAMPSON - Reason to like this gelding as he has in the sulky one of the top drivers in win percentage the last 30 days. The consortium gives this fine animal a very nice chance to win this one, class figures are tops in the race.

[ConleyPicks]

Free play from Mike Wynn

Free Pick: Miami w/Alcantara -125 over St Louis