Live racing returns to Presque Isle Downs on Friday, August 15, 2025, with a special early post time at 11:00 AM. An eight-race card is scheduled, featuring competitive fields and several local standouts. Here’s today’s preview, including weather forecasts, track conditions, and handicappers’ picks for key races.
Weather Outlook and Track Conditions
Race day at Presque Isle Downs is expected to feature partly cloudy skies, mild temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s (Fahrenheit), and only a slight chance of afternoon showers. The region around Erie, Pennsylvania, has seen seasonally normal precipitation this week, and the all-weather Tapeta surface is rated as fast and in excellent shape for today’s races.
Presque Isle Downs presents an eight-race card today with a mix of claiming races, maiden specials, and allowance conditions. The track is running fast with good racing conditions expected throughout the afternoon.
Race-by-Race Analysis & Picks
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight (4:00 PM ET)
Distance: 6 furlongs
Purse: $30,000
Top Pick: Spanish Cara (2)
Our analysis highlights Spanish Cara as the standout selection after breaking her maiden easily last out at 6-5 odds. She drops to the bottom level to secure that maiden-breaking victory and now faces modest winners from post position 2. The combination of jockey Pablo Morales and trainer Tim Hamm shows strong statistics with a 36% win rate when paired together.
Contenders:
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Dancewithmyfather (1) – Listed among the main contenders in this maiden field
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Resolute (2) – Another horse drawing attention in the opening race
Race 2 – Claiming (4:27 PM ET)
Distance: 6 furlongs
Purse: $17,000
Surface: Dirt
Top Pick: Starship Belmont
The drop in grade is expected to benefit Starship Belmont, who receives strong backing from handicappers as the preferred selection. This horse has shown competitive form recently and the class relief should prove advantageous.
Contenders:
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I’m Heading East – Showed good early speed in recent starts, finishing second in last outing
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Half Birthday – Won last time out as the heavy favorite at this track
Also in the field: Rock N Reward, Float Away, Urban Cowgirl
Race 4 – Allowance (5:21 PM ET)
Distance: 1 11/16 miles
Purse: $32,000
Betting Line & Analysis:
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Uncle Truly 3/1 (favorite)
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Why Not Me 7/2
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Prince Of Ayrshire 9/2
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I Lucked Out 5/1
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Outsider 8/1
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Clapping 8/1
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Adios Buccaneer 8/1
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I’m No Angel 10/1
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Tempus 12/1
Top Pick: Uncle Truly
The morning line favorite at 3/1 odds suggests this horse has drawn the most respect from track handicappers in this allowance field.
Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight (6:42 PM ET)
Distance: 6 furlongs
Purse: $18,900
Top Pick: Moms Tribute
Moms Tribute is “the one to beat” if she can build upon a strong runner-up effort over course and distance. This consistent performer has shown the form needed to break through in this maiden company.
Contenders:
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Going Streakin – Listed as a main threat to the favorite
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Maurya – Another horse that “can give her the most to think about”
Also in the field: Celestial Speed, Ms. Aventina, List, Smarty Pants, Lucky White
Jockey & Trainer Notes
Key Jockey Connections:
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Pablo Morales with trainer Tim Hamm – 36% win rate partnership, notable in Race 1
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Mike Allen – Riding Adios Buccaneer in Race 4
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Antonio Gallardo – Aboard Clapping in Race 4
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Martina Rojas – Riding I’m No Angel in Race 4
Trainer Insights:
Analysis shows several trainers with multiple entries, suggesting confidence in their horses’ condition and placement.
Best Bets Summary
Win Bets:
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Spanish Cara (Race 1) – Strong maiden graduate with favorable jockey/trainer combo
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Starship Belmont (Race 2) – Class drop should prove beneficial
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Moms Tribute (Race 6) – Best chance to break maiden based on recent runner-up effort
Value Play:
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Uncle Truly (Race 4) – Allowance favorite with reasonable 3/1 odds
