Wednesday 8/27/25 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Jeremy Plonk: Saratoga Spot Plays | Wednesday, August 27, 2025

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August 26, 2025 | By Jeremy Plonk

Saratoga fires the final 6 shots of its longest racing year in history, beginning Wednesday and running through Labor Day Monday. Two-year-olds are spotlighted, first in the Race 2 $150,000 Funny Cide for New York-breds and then open-company turfers in the Race 8 $150,000 P.G. Johnson Stakes.

Saratoga | Race 4 | 2:52 pm ET

#5 Belouni (7-2 morning line odds) wheels right back off a similar victory July 20 over the course in a brazen attempt at the win-and-claim situation while not rising in class. Trainer Chad Brown ran up the score with a massive closing week at Saratoga last year and expect prolific win totals again this week. Win bet #5.


Saratoga | Race 6 | 4:00 pm ET

#3 Noguchi (7-2 morning line) should relish the inside draw while stretching out around 2 turns for the first time. Second straight class drop to a very winnable spot as Chad Brown’s closing-week 2024 featured an incredible 14 victories and $2.13 ROI for every $1 bet. Expecting more of that this week. Win bet #3.

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Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Thistledown - Race #3

#1 Dixie Man	He's not exactly full of good excuses at this point in time, but he's better than he showed last out and lines up inside nothing but chasing types who tend to give way late. Could settle and finish today?
#5 Eileen's Desperado	He's probably the best of the early pace, but I worry that a couple other forward players will at least keep him honest enough to give the top choice a chance to outfinish him.
#6 Prinsipito	Prompting pace got the best of the draw to attack from the outside, but I worry that he's still in a similar kind of spot as 'Desperado -- forces the issue and flattens enough late to get picked up?
Race Summary	Dixie Man has produced the only real finishing form in this whole group, so I'm hoping the others will settle an early score and leave this one for him to pick up to graduate today.

Thistledown - Race #5

#3 Amy's Star	She might find herself in a really good spot to press the pace and get first jump. Should always be close in this one at what I'm hoping is a playable enough price.
#5 Work'n on a Buzz	The only blemishes on the page right now have both come in stakes routes, and her one-turn form is pretty honest and competitive with this crew. Wouldn't argue too hard with anyone landing here.
#4 Praise N Glory	She's a good fit at this level but doesn't always bring her best stuff, and I am guessing the price won't be appealing enough to want to sign on.
Race Summary	Amy's Star looks competitive while stepping up -- her baseline fits well here, and she should get a pretty cozy run of things while up close throughout.

Thistledown - Race #8

#6 Pammy Sue	She showed some speed last out that would probably make her the one to catch again with this crew, and I'm hoping she'll stay just a bit better in this third lifetime start. Tough today.
#5 Jenn Sweet Jenn	Her two-back run fits well here, but she offered zero last time out at 40 cents on the dollar, and I'm not totally sure which filly is going to show up today. Maybe somewhere in the middle?
#2 Glitter Queen	She'll try the locals for the first time here, and she'll go third off the bench today with a June run at Horseshoe Indianapolis that looks like an OK fit here. Think she's in the mix while trying this price for the first time.
Race Summary	Pammy Sue should be controlling the early battle here, and I'm not really sold on any of the others. Think her pace will be dangerous enough to land this.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Colonial Downs - Race #1

#7 CONTEMPLATION (2-1)	Perfectly spotted for repeat, holds tactical advantage too.
#6 UPTOWNEAGLESLANDED (8-1)	Good record sprinting on turf, price attached, use in gimmicks.
#1 HOT N LUCKY (7-2)	Check-getting grass route tries sprint in first start as a gelding.
Race Summary	CONTEMPLATION shook a duel on turn and held off the closers to win in a longer sprint for more than twice today’s claiming price. He can make maximum use of his speed in this field and has the right pilot to guide him back to the winners’ circle. Bet to win and place.

Colonial Downs - Race #3

#3 IT’S FINE (3-1)	Good first-out barn, rivals in crowded field haven’t shown much.
#1 BABY BE GOOD (6-1)	Barn on 6-for-24 run with 2-year-olds, work sked began May 2.
#10 ANITA GLASSOFWINE (8-1)	Showed pulse in MSW turf sprint, sheds 7 pounds.
Race Summary	IT’S FINE arrives off a series of good workouts on Turfway Park’s all-weather track. She’s in capable hands and her dam, Craft Woods, was a second-out Maiden Special Weight winner on the Keeneland lawn. Bet to win and place and play 3-1 and 3-10 exactas.

Colonial Downs - Race #6

#1 GENERAL’S DUTY (8-1)	Lost valuable momentum twice, finished willingly, added ground a plus.
#11 KENDAMA (7-2)	Best turf numbers, drops below claim level, draws outside.
#8 KENNEL CLUB (8-1)	Won pair of turf allowances last fall, gets class relief, use in gimmicks.
Race Summary	GENERAL’S DUTY steadied in heavy traffic on the first turn and approaching the far turn. He finished willingly between rivals in the stretch, finishing 2-1/2 lengths behind runner-up Sea Cottage, who defeated a 3-to-5 favorite next out at the same claiming level. Bet to win and place and play 1-8, 1-11 and 8-1 exactas.

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
PURCHASE

Louisiana Downs - Race 5	Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta / .50 Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)
Claiming $12,500 • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 85 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 5:57P
(RAIL AT 20 FEET). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 27, 2025 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $7,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT 1 MILE AND 70 YARDS)

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Trailer. QUATERNION is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * QUATERNION: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. HOT LEGS ROMOL O: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses coming off a layoff is at least 25. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. DR. NIKO: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 3 0 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
8	QUATERNION	9/5	5/2
1	HOT LEGS ROMOLO	7/2	4/1
7	DR. NIKO	9/2	7/1

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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
1	HOT LEGS ROMOLO	1	7/2	Front-runner	96	90	94.6	79.6	72.1
2	BEACH BLANKET	2	3/1	Alternator/Front-runner	78	75	88.9	65.8	60.3
5	BAYOU BOY	5	50/1	Stalker	53	49	72.1	54.8	40.8
7	DR. NIKO	7	9/2	Alternator/Stalker	83	83	88.2	77.8	72.3
8	QUATERNION	8	9/5	Trailer	97	92	62.7	82.9	78.4
3	HE'S CHARMING	3	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	64	65	68.0	60.4	50.4
4	DEFTLY DONE	4	10/1	Alternator/Non-contender	66	64	63.0	59.2	45.7
6	DUE WE DARE	6	15/1	Alternator/Non-contender	64	60	55.2	53.9	42.9

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delaware Park
PURCHASE

Delaware Park - Race 5	$1 Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta / $1 Double / .50 Pick 3 .50 LATE Pick 4
Claiming $16,000 • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 82 • Purse: $22,000 • Post: 2:53P
(RAIL AT 15 FEET). (PLUS UP TO 50% OTHER SOURCES) FOR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 27, 2025 ALLOWED 2 LBS. ; SUCH A RACE SINCE JUNE 27, 2025 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 4 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $8,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES). HORSES WHICH HAVE NOT STARTED FOR LESS THAN $10,000 HAVE PREFERENCE. HORSES WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR LESS THAN $10,000 AND HAVE SINCE FINISHED 2ND, 3RD OR 4TH FOR $10,000 OR MORE HAVE SAME PREFERENCE. DE BRED CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT NOT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT ONE MILE)

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Dominant Stalker. SILK WAR is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SILK WAR: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ARCTIC OUTBREAK: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven day s. PRALINE'S CAT: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. UPTOWN TAPPIN: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. MORNING MARCH: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
7	SILK WAR	7/2	3/1
6	ARCTIC OUTBREAK	10/1	9/1
2	PRALINE'S CAT	20/1	10/1
10	UPTOWN TAPPIN	15/1	10/1
8	MORNING MARCH	15/1	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
5	DOMINGUEZ	5	3/2	Front-runner	80	82	78.8	71.8	63.3
8	MORNING MARCH	8	15/1	Front-runner	87	85	74.8	70.4	64.4
7	SILK WAR	7	7/2	Alternator/Stalker	92	82	80.4	78.8	70.3
4	LONG ASTRIDE	4	6/1	Alternator/Stalker	74	77	65.4	62.6	50.1
6	ARCTIC OUTBREAK	6	10/1	Alternator/Stalker	77	68	61.6	69.0	58.5
3	MYLUCKEYVALENTINE	3	8/1	Alternator/Stalker	66	80	45.5	47.4	30.4
2	PRALINE'S CAT	2	20/1	Trailer	84	82	61.8	78.2	66.7
9	THE COLORA KID	9	20/1	Alternator/Trailer	0	0	62.2	72.5	57.0
10	UPTOWN TAPPIN	10	15/1	Alternator/Trailer	74	78	58.1	75.3	70.8
1	COMANCHE PEAK (GB)	1	12/1	Alternator/Trailer	83	57	39.4	64.4	49.9

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Mountaineer Park - Race #5 - Post: 8:40pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 64

Rating:

#3 FOCUS POCUS (ML=5/2)
#2 EMM ESS EH (ML=6/1)
#7 HONESTLY (ML=5/1)
#5 COACH CALEY (IRE) (ML=3/1)


FOCUS POCUS - Jockey and handler do well when they team up. Pagan and Vazquez have been dependable together. The rest of the bunch may trail this horse all the way around the track. Should do well in today's race. Weight shift of -11 from Aug 12th race at Finger Lakes. Earnings per race is something that I believe can be an important handicapping factor. This racer is ranked at the top in this field. EMM ESS EH - Faced tougher in the last race at Presque Isle Downs. Based on Equibase class ratings, this is a weaker bunch, so I will put this one on my list of contenders. HONESTLY - This thoroughbred coming off a strong contest in the last month is a solid contender in my opinion. COACH CALEY (IRE) - This filly has been posting some excellent workout times. Mathes brings her back again. I suggest you stay with this hot filly. That 66 fig this filly earned in her last event tells me she's a main player today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 S S ALTERNATE (ML=4/1), #4 FRIENDLY LUCY (ML=6/1),

S S ALTERNATE - This thoroughbred just hasn't looked sharp recently. FRIENDLY LUCY - This horse just hasn't looked fit recently. This closer looks to have little chance without an early speed duel on the front end.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Bet on #3 FOCUS POCUS to win if we can get at least 3/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	3 with [2,5,7]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	3 with [2,5,7] with [2,5,7] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	3 with [2,5,7] with [2,5,7] with [2,5,7] Total Cost: $6

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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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

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Race 5 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $21000 Class Rating: 56

FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD OR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 27 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 4 FIFTY NINE FIFTY 3/1
# 1 INCAN MOON GODDESS 4/1
# 5 I'M A LUCKY GIRL 5/2

I think FIFTY NINE FIFTY is a respectable choice. She should have a strong showing versus this less demanding lot. In fine fettle, and coming back almost immediately again this time around. Have to take a chance on this filly with the sound earnings per start in dirt sprint events. INCAN MOON GODDESS - Earned a strong speed figure in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this contest. Her chances to win are much better this time out facing this softer group. I'M A LUCKY GIRL - Correa should be able to get this filly to break out sharply in this race. Sotomartinez has a solid 22 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Saratoga

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

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Race 6 - Maiden Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $55000 Class Rating: 84

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $50,000

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 8 CAPTCHA 12/1
# 6 RETEKO 6/1
# 1A BATTLE DRUM (FR) 2/1

CAPTCHA looks respectable to best this group especially at a such a nice price. RETEKO - Looks very strong to be on or close to the lead at the first call. Earned a respectable speed figure last time out. BATTLE DRUM (FR) - He has been racing very well as of late while recording sharp Equibase Speed Figs. Must be given consideration based on the solid Equibase Speed Figure earned in the last race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Thistledown - Race #6 - Post: 3:20pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,300 Class Rating: 61

Rating:

#3 BAD BOY BOOGIE (ML=8/1)
#2 A PRAYER FOR KIDS (ML=2/1)
#4 ORVILLE B (ML=6/1)


BAD BOY BOOGIE - Zip is always important in horse racing, but the lone speed horse is always dangerous. This rider and conditioner have a beneficial return on investment when they team up. Was in a $7,500 Claiming race at Thistledown last time around the track. That affair had an Equibase class figure of 67 and he is moving down right here. A certain contender. A PRAYER FOR KIDS - Rettele drops him down to this class. You don't need too much more information to believe this animal has a darn good chance at this level. This gelding notched a nice figure of 60 in his last race. That speed rating should be strong enough to triumph this time around. You always have to be on the prowl for money making jock/conditioner combos; we have it right here. Another way to assign class is earnings per start. This horse has the topmost in the field. I think he'll be close at the finish. This gelding is clearly on the improve with speed figures of 54, 56, 60 last 3 out. ORVILLE B - Batista and Morales partnered up are a horse gambler's friend. Gelding took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 VENTURE ON (ML=9/5), #1 RAY'S EMPIRE (ML=7/2),

VENTURE ON - This gelding is always close, but just doesn't get the job done. Difficult to wager on him on the top end. RAY'S EMPIRE - Difficult to keep stabbing at this kind of 'bridesmaid' horse.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#3 BAD BOY BOOGIE to win at post-time odds of 7/2 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [2,3,4]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [2,3,4] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass