Thursday 8/28/25 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Jeremy Plonk: Saratoga Spot Plays | Thursday, August 28, 2025

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August 27, 2025 | By Jeremy Plonk

Saratoga's closing week continues with 2-year-old turfers in the featured With Anticipation Stakes (Race 7). That one includes Dr. Agne, the debut winner out of the ever-popular mare Lady Eli.

Saratoga | Race 2 | 1:42 pm ET

#6 Cadenza (4-1 morning line odds) never got a breather from the rail in her debut in a big field. Showed some run before succumbing as the favorite. Damside pedigree is all grass and synthetic success and should like the surface change. Brad Cox barn has been traditionally strong closing weeks at Saratoga. His quieter-than-usual summer 2025 at the Spa might help the price Thursday. Win bet #4.


Saratoga | Race 8 | 5:03 pm ET

#3 Iron Sight (10-1 morning line odds) didn’t live up to expectations for his $400,000 purchase price and just 2 starts through the second half of his 4-year-old season. But the Justify offspring arguably have been better on turf and this colt has one of the classiest damsides in the history of horse racing. August 16 workout looks like a major wakeup call and drawn beautifully for first 2-turn try. Win-place bet #3.

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Jeremy Plonk: Kentucky Downs Spot Plays | Thursday, August 28, 20

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August 27, 2025 | By Jeremy Plonk

The first of seven racing programs at Kentucky Downs kicks off the all-turf meeting on Thursday. I'll use some traditional handicapping as well as the Betmix Angler database to try an unearth some gems in the deep fields and competitive racing, based on successful past angles at Kentucky Downs.

Kentucky Downs | Race 2 | 1:58 pm ET

#2 Petronella (12-1 morning line odds) makes her career debut for trainer Brendan Walsh, who far and away has been the most successful conditioner with first-time starters the past 5 years at Kentucky Downs. He’s got 5 wins, 5 seconds 6 thirds from 25 rookies during that span and a whopping $2.00 ROI for every $1 bet. Win-place bet #2.

Kentucky Downs | Race 8 | 5:23 pm ET

#6 Mackinac (3-1 morning line favorite) looks like a highly reliable sort off a debut rallying second after a tardy start. Horse who beat him at Saratoga returned to win Bolton Landing Stakes next for Pletcher. Sire Twirling Candy is a strong 16% winner with a rocking $1.48 ROI for every $1 bet at Kentucky Downs over the past 5 years. Win bet #6.

Kentucky Downs | Race 11 | 7:05 pm ET

#4 Montador (8-1 morning line odds) was disqualified from victory at Colonial Downs and now gets to run against maidens again for more than double the purse. Extra distance suits. Trainer Mike Stidham has shown a flat-bet profit the past 5 years at Kentucky Downs and the Colonial shippers have as well. Win bet #4.

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Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Del Mar - Race #6

#1 Thermal	There are a few other potentially competitive early players lined up further outside, but she's a serious burner drawn on the fence with only one plan. She has been sticking around OK and only needs to find about a length to win a spot like this.
#9 Miracle Ball	Riser has been in sharp form on the main track, and she didn't have the easiest go of things in her debut here last season in her only turf try. Bet she's in the frame late.
#10 The Wild Grazer	Finisher has been a handful when racing outside of stakes company, and she should find a really good spot while settled just in behind the forward players. Think there's a solid argument to lean hard on her.
Race Summary	Went back and forth on what to do with The Wild Grazer -- in theory her baseline stuff is supposed to get the job done, just like it has in her other non-stakes races since 2022. No argument from me if you land there and rely on her in multis, but I think Thermal might be speed of the speed and could find something in the tank if she can shake free of the other early players at some point.

Del Mar - Race #8

#3 Remember April	Taking a price swing with her in the finale after a dull try, but I liked that race a little bit overall and wonder if that first turf run will set her up for something better.
#4 Druliner	She has the kind of pedigree that gives her a chance to take to the grass, and her last run suggests a tactical, first-jump kind of run could be in the cards for her.
#11 Let It Begin	Wonder if she's still meant to be a bit better than she has shown so far, and maybe the move around two turns will help her find more while keeping tabs on a more modest route tempo?
Race Summary	Remember April has some price appeal here, and I'm hoping for better after a modest try in an OK race. Tons of question marks in here with lots of firsters and horses stretching out from dirt sprints -- find a horse you like, for whatever angle you like them here, and lock in. I wouldn't question an honest case for a single one of them today in a total scramble on paper.

Del Mar - Race #5

#4 Bear's Board	She was a good fit with similar behind an easy winner at first asking, and she's right back at the same level in a spot that looks winnable with any small step forward.
#11 Fire Ile	She has been knocking on the door at this level with a couple of good runner-up finishes, and she draws well to spy the pace from out here. No surprises here.
#12 Not Happy	She's another who got a good draw for the likely trip -- she's dropping in class for this one after prompting the pace into the stretch in a couple special weight spots. Dangerous.
Race Summary	Think you can give a look to a handful of them in here, but Bear's Board has some upside with blinkers on after what felt like a useful debut run.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Delaware Park - Race #1

#6 FAB GIRL (4-1)	Hit board in three straight, cuts back to one turn, sheds 6 pounds.
#7 RAMA BAMA LANA (2-1)	Ness claim disputed pace in Churchill sprint that produced winner.
#5 RUN SWEETLY (9-2)	Finished in the money in pair of well-bet tries off the layoff at Delaware.
Race Summary	FAB GIRL contended in her last three sprints out of town, making a last-to-2nd rally at Oaklawn, then finishing in the money from on and off the pace in two-turn sprints at Charles Town. She’s worth a win and place bet upon exiting MSW company. Also play 6-5 and 6-7 exactas.

Delaware Park - Race #5

#7 C’EST CHOUETTE (6-1)	Has all the ingredients for a debut win in what appears a contentious field.
#3 INSPIRE COURAGE (2-1)	No threat 5-1/2F Saratoga debut, barn on 4-13 run with second-timers.
#6 UNDERTONE (4-1)	Strong work foundation for Godolphin-owner firster, second-leading jockey up.
Race Summary	C’EST CHOUETTE offers a rare opportunity to get a Cathal Lynch-trained first-time starter at a price. She is by champion Gun Runner and her dam, Chic Thrill, was a debut Maiden Special Weight winner on the Woodbine lawn and stakes-placed on the all-weather track later that year. Bet to win and place.

Delaware Park - Race #6

#3 COMPASS FIRE (3-1)	Can enhance solid Delaware record with projected good trip.
#5 RITABOOK (3-2)	Led at every call in four victories since June at Delaware.
#4 MADDIE TEN (8-1)	Steps up off claim, seeking three wins in a row.
Race Summary	COMPASS FIRE hit peak form with back-to-back July wins at Delaware and should work out an ideal stalking trip today at a track where’s she’s 4-for-6 overall. She’s the last horse to defeat speedy favorite RITABOOK and gets an extra half furlong to try and do it again. Bet to win and place and play 3-4 and 3-5 exactas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Del Mar
PURCHASE

Del Mar - Race 8	$1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / 50c Trifecta $1 Superfecta (10c min) / 50c Super High 5
Maiden Special • 1 Mile • Turf • Age 2 • CR: 75 • Purse: $80,000 • Post: 5:30P
(RAIL AT 24 FEET). FOR CALIFORNIA BRED OR CALIFORNIA SIRED MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. (WINNING OWNER TO RECEIVE $12,500 FROM CTBA).

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 * DRULINER: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. CEE DREW: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. Sire's win percentage is at least 25 in two year old races.
4	DRULINER	9/2	9/2
1	BLAME IT ON ABBY	4/1	5/1
10	COYOTE CAFE	7/2	8/1
8	CEE DREW	12/1	9/1

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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
11	LET IT BEGIN	11	8/1	Alternator/Front-runner	0	0	47.1	47.1	37.6
5	PRISCILLA	5	5/1	Alternator/Front-runner	63	51	43.2	43.2	30.2
14	KEEP THE PAVELS	13	15/1	Alternator/Stalker	0	0	67.3	67.3	59.3
1	BLAME IT ON ABBY	1	4/1	Alternator/Stalker	81	69	62.9	62.9	56.9
7	EIGHTIES	7	15/1	Alternator/Stalker	0	0	38.0	38.0	26.0
6	STYLISH COLLEEN	6	20/1	Alternator/Stalker	0	0	22.8	22.8	5.8
4	DRULINER	4	9/2	Trailer	81	69	62.9	62.9	59.4
10	COYOTE CAFE	10	7/2	Trailer	80	57	54.0	54.0	47.0
3	REMEMBER APRIL	3	15/1	Alternator/Trailer	0	0	80.6	53.1	43.1
12	TAYSHA	12	30/1	Alternator/Trailer	0	0	7.6	7.6	0.0

Unknown Running Style: IT'S A FAIRLIFE (5/1) [Jockey: Fresu Antonio - Trainer: Glatt Mark], CEE DREW (12/1) [Jockey: Ayuso Armando - Trainer: Blacker Dan], NANCY TWO POINT O (12/1) [Jockey: Kimura Kazushi - Trainer: Baltas Richard].

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

Special Wager - Race 3	Leg 3 of the Horseshoe Turf Pick 3
Allowance • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 90 • Purse: $40,000 • Post: 5:16P
IND - R7 - (RAIL AT 24 FEET). FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 28 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). 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 * MITCH: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. MACKADOO: Horse's win percenta ge at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. FACE THE FUTURE: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. SHIESTY TO CHASE: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance ( within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). LOOKIN FOR GLORY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
3	MITCH	7/5	5/1
1	MACKADOO	9/2	5/1
8	FACE THE FUTURE	5/1	8/1
10	SHIESTY TO CHASE	30/1	9/1
7	LOOKIN FOR GLORY	6/1	9/1

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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
8	FACE THE FUTURE	8	5/1	Front-runner	77	89	83.4	75.8	66.8
6	CLASSIC EXPRESS	6	10/1	Alternator/Front-runner	81	76	67.8	76.8	63.8
1	MACKADOO	1	9/2	Stalker	84	89	78.0	81.2	70.7
10	SHIESTY TO CHASE	10	30/1	Stalker	82	83	70.4	73.8	65.3
9	REVS MEDAL	9	15/1	Alternator/Stalker	84	75	57.8	76.8	65.8
3	MITCH	3	7/5	Trailer	79	90	81.5	86.3	81.8
5	DAVID'S CREED	5	30/1	Trailer	74	72	57.8	74.9	62.9
7	LOOKIN FOR GLORY	7	6/1	Trailer	83	78	54.0	70.2	59.2
4	POSITIVE CHANGE	4	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	81	78	67.6	71.9	62.9
2	LOOKIN AT JUSTICE	2	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	75	61	22.4	58.7	39.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Horseshoe Indianapolis

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

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Race 8 - Optional Claiming - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $49680 Class Rating: 106

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $18,000 TWICE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, RESTRICTED OR STATE BRED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2025 OR CLAIMING PRICE $50,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 28 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $50,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 4 DRAGOON GUARD 4/5
# 5 SECRET CHAT 9/2
# 7 HERN 20/1

I think DRAGOON GUARD is a competitive choice. Has solid Equibase Speed Figs and has to be considered for a bet in this event. Competitive try today with second time Lasix. Trainer boasts strong win numbers at this distance and surface. SECRET CHAT - Has quite good Equibase Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet in here. Look for a formidable pace improvement from this horse who enters with second time Lasix today. HERN - Keep this gelding in your exotics as Gutierrez has given backers some double digit gains. Could beat this group of animals given the 106 Equibase Speed Figure put up in his last outing.

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Evangeline Downs - Race #6 - Post: 7:46pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 60

Rating:

#5 COUNTRY DEALS (ML=8/1)
#8 TORPEDO CHARLIE (ML=7/2)
#3 QUEEN'S KNIGHT (ML=12/1)


COUNTRY DEALS - Likes to go to the lead and the fact that today is a shorter trip should be favorable. You have to consider the solid works of late. This gelding notched a good speed fig of 54 in his last affair. That speed rating should be strong enough to score this time. TORPEDO CHARLIE - Faces state bred foes today after finishing fourth versus 'open' company on June 12th. Don't throw this thoroughbred out due to his last race at Evangeline Downs where he finished fourth on a sloppy track. Should improve this time around. QUEEN'S KNIGHT - Vargas is back up for another event today after riding aboard this horse for the first try on Aug 2nd and ought to know the ropes to this one a little better. State bred races are generally easier than 'open' company, and this gelding's move into the 'state bred' class today should make him tough in here. Ran last time around the track against a better field at Evangeline Downs. The move down the class ladder should suit him well. Vidana moves this gelding to the main track today. Look for improvement from the most recent race on the grass.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 BLAZING SABER (ML=3/1), #10 BANDIDO DEAL (ML=5/1), #9 LIFELIKE (ML=6/1),

BLAZING SABER - Didn't perform too well last out. Probably won't make an impact in today's race. BANDIDO DEAL - 5/1 odds isn't enough for this entrant when looking at the most recent showings. Finished fourth in his most recent performance with a disappointing speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this field. LIFELIKE - Hasn't been getting close at all recently.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#5 COUNTRY DEALS is going to be the play if we are getting 2/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	5 with [3,8]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [3,5,8] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delta Downs

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

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Race 5 - Maiden Claiming - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 66

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 126 LBS.; OLDER, 128 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 4 AMERICAN STREAKIN 12/1
# 3 BC WHOS DRIVING WHO 2/1
# 6 I AM A PATRIOT TOO 10/1

AMERICAN STREAKIN looks respectable to best this group of horses especially at such a decent 12/1. Could beat this group of horses given the 58 speed figure recorded in her last outing. BC WHOS DRIVING WHO - Has solid early speed and ought to fare soundly against this group of horses in this race. Has to be given a chance based on the solid speed figure garnered in the last race. I AM A PATRIOT TOO - Hoda has her trained solidly to break promptly out of the gate. Could beat this group given the 58 speed figure posted in her last outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Remington Park - Race #2 - Post: 6:28pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,500 Class Rating: 63

Rating:

#7 WARHAMMER (ML=4/1)


WARHAMMER - When this jockey and trainer team up you have to take a look. Diego and Ashford have been fabulous together. Comes out of a last race against 'open' company on May 13th and faces what I believe are easier 'state breds' today. This horse wins a lot of money per race. Tops in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 WRISTBAND (ML=5/2), #2 GOSPEL NATIVE (ML=3/1), #6 CHI TOWN ROAD (ML=9/2),

WRISTBAND - Improbable that this steed can take the punishment of another grueling stretch run after the last two efforts. Not probable that the speed rating he garnered on Aug 11th will be enough in this event. GOSPEL NATIVE - A pattern of deteriorating speed ratings 54/43/25 for this questionable contender. CHI TOWN ROAD - 9/2 odds isn't enough for this entrant when looking at the most recent efforts.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Play #7 WARHAMMER to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:	Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip