Presque Isle Downs Horse Racing News: Monday, July 28, 2025
Track Overview and Headlines
Live Thoroughbred racing returns to Presque Isle Downs this afternoon with a full card and several competitive races expected across the schedule. The program kicks off at 3:30 PM ET and features multiple claiming and maiden events that promise intriguing betting opportunities and potential upsets. Local trainers and jockeys are looking to build on recent form as the meet settles into its midsummer rhythm.
Weather and Track Conditions
The expected weather for today at Presque Isle Downs is mild and mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s (°F) by post time. There’s only a slight breeze and little chance of rain, ensuring the synthetic Tapeta surface should play fast and fair. Both trainers and jockeys anticipate limited track bias with conditions ideal for nearly every running style.
Trainer and Jockey Notes
Leading trainer office Todd Beattie has entered several live runners this afternoon, eyeing another strong showing with formidable stock in the claiming and allowance ranks. Also of note, regular colony riders Antonio Gallardo and Pablo Morales enter today’s card in high form, with both picking up mounts in nearly every race.
Insider chatter points to Frankie Pennington as a rider to watch; his mounts are well-spotted throughout the day. Look for several shippers from Ohio-based barns to be competitive in maiden and lower-level claiming events.
Race-by-Race Notes, Picks & Predictions
Race 1 – Starter Optional Claiming
Summary: The opener features solid veteran claimers over six furlongs, several of whom have recent wins at this level. Speed is drawn both inside and out, making it likely the pace will be honest.
- Contenders: “Rayo” and “Expensive Lesson” rate as the horses to beat, both sporting good form and quick workouts into today.
- Pick: #4 Rayo (projected to control pace) over #2 Expensive Lesson and #5 King’s Court.
Race 2 – Claiming (3YO+; 6f 110y)
Summary: This is a wide-open claiming event featuring a mix of hard-knocking campaigners and recent class droppers. The pace projection is moderate, suiting both mid-pack and closing types.
- Contenders: Trainer Lisa Allen has “Send It South,” ideally drawn and likely to get first run, while “Finish Strong” looms a threat off a brief freshening.
- Pick: #3 Send It South, with #6 Finish Strong and #5 Rider’s Reward for exotics.
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming
Summary: Inexperienced runners will sort themselves out in this six-furlong maiden claimer. Several debutantes add questions to the equation, and paddock appearance will be key.
- Contenders: “Big Wind” shows fast works and gets top rider Pablo Morales. “Sandy Road” drops in class and offers solid value for the price.
- Pick: #7 Big Wind, with #2 Sandy Road for value and #8 Storm Factor as an upset chance.
Race 4 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Summary: This is the day’s feature at 1 mile over Tapeta, drawing a competitive group with several past local winners and some trying to step up in class.
- Contenders: “Knockout Punch” steps up off back-to-back wins, but faces “Cerulean Sky,” a consistent closer with a big late kick.
- Pick: #1 Knockout Punch to wire the field, with #3 Cerulean Sky closing late for second.
Race 5 – Claiming (F&M, 3YO+)
Summary: A field of fillies and mares lines up for a competitive sprint, and several runners come in off well-beaten efforts and drop in pursuit of easier company.
- Contenders: “Shesa Winner,” now with blinkers added, may show improved early speed, while “Miss Management” is consistent underneath.
- Pick: #2 Shesa Winner over #7 Miss Management and #6 Play It Again.
Race 8 – Maiden Claiming
Summary: The finale is a large field of maiden claimers, with several recent class-dropping entrants and a few intriguing new shooters. The betting should be wide open.
- Contenders: “Itza Kitty” and “Bucchini” draw inside posts and bring the best previous efforts into the race, while “My Angel Does” rates a look for trainer Mike Rogers.
- Pick: #1 Itza Kitty for the win, #2 Bucchini and #3 My Angel Does for the minors.
Other News and Observations
The local racing office expects strong handle with several full fields and compelling betting races throughout the day. The riding and training title chases remain close, adding some extra drama for the regulars. With fine weather, fair track conditions, and a healthy mix of formful favorites and live outsiders, Presque Isle Downs promises a competitive and entertaining afternoon of racing.
