Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Monday, June 2, 2025

Dick Powell handicaps the Monday card at Presque Isle Downs.

Race One:

1st: (4) BRIO – rallied from off the pace to win going away two starts back on the dirt at Thistledown, then tired after a fast half-mile. He makes his PID debut for Johanna Urieta, who wins 14% first start after being beaten as the favorite. 

2nd: (6) OUR ETHAN CHARLES – was beaten less than three lengths despite breaking slowly from post one at odds of 34-1. He has some decent back class on dirt and should be able to work out a stalking trip for Ron Allen, Jr. 

3rd: (5) COUNTRY RUCKUS – speedball is dangerous if he can make the lead, and Villa-Gomez can get him to relax. 

Race Two:

1st: (6) MR. SQUEAKY WHEELS – was soundly beaten on the Tapeta at Gulfstream Park two starts back, but then went to Tampa Bay and romped by almost six lengths on the dirt in fast time. Kevin Rice wins 17% first start after a win. 

2nd: (1) ROCKET DRAGON – just missed two starts back going five furlongs on the Tapeta at Gulfstream Park, then was beaten two lengths in a fast turf sprint at Tampa Bay. Versatile gelding can sit a perfect trip while saving ground for Scott Spieth. 

3rd: (2) RIDING A DREAM – won easily, then was up the track when moved up in class. He romped last out on the dropdown. 

Race Three:

1st: (4) AQUITANIA ARRIVAL – horse for the course has only been beaten once in four starts here, including a nice win from just off the pace here two weeks ago. He has the perfect running style for here and gets Willie Martinez back aboard. 

2nd: (3) PRAIRIE HAWK – held well going two turns two starts back, then tired last out going seven furlongs. Gelded son of Curlin tries Tapeta for the first time for Juan Arriagada, who wins 18% off short rest but has yet to win with Israel Rodriguez in 13 starts. 

3rd: (1) SAN COSTANTINO – rallied for second on the dirt at Tampa Bay against one class better. 

Race Four:

1st: (8) HIGH TRACK – was a game second here last year in her PID debut, then tired next out. Still a maiden after eight tries, she showed good speed last out going two turns and now drops down in class. 

3rd: (6) SlAINTE MHATH – still a maiden after 13 tries, but she had three seconds and three thirds. Well-bred daughter of Uncle Mo is out of a dam by Scat Daddy. She makes her first start of the year, but could be loose on the lead. 

3rd: (5) ISSA VYBE – did nothing in her career debut here last year but improved some next out on the turf last month at Laurel. 

Race Five:

1st: (4) COMBAT HOOFS – had two decent starts here last year, then began this year with a pair of decent efforts at Penn National on the dirt. Brandon Kulp wins 29% with this surface switch and 28% with his overall claimers.   

2nd: (5) CARLOTUK – beat this claiming level two starts back here last year, then raced evenly in fast time. Since he returns for the same price, she does not run for a tag here. Larry Hayes wins 21% with his overall claimers.    

3rd: (1) QUEEN ANNA T – won here last out going 5 1/2 furlongs for Larry Rivelli, who wins 33% first start after a win. 

Race Six:

1st: (4) PINK ROSE – ran well on the dirt at Penn National against allowance company, then won easily last out there in an off-the-turf event. She makes her Tapeta debut for Brandon Kulp, who wins 22% first start after a win. 

2nd: (1) SWEET NOLA – was beaten 26 lengths then won three straight races on the dirt at Tampa Bay when claimed by Juan Arriagada, who wins 21% first start after a win. Israel Rodriguez picks up the ride – 16% with his route rides.    

3rd: (5) SARATOGA GAZE – was a game second against this claiming level on the turf at Tampa Bay. 

Race Seven:

1st: (1) CAPTAIN COURTNEY – won her PID debut by 10 lengths last June, then she came back and beat state-bred stakes foes by six lengths. Off for 10 months, she was a good third as the odds-on favorite at Woodbine for Mike Trombetta. 

2nd: (2) KISS BLUE – won her PID debut last September, going two turns, then was a game second in fast time. Off for 116 days, she returns for Riley Mott, who wins 40% first start after being beaten as the favorite. 

3rd: (3) SETTLING STORM – was a good second on the turf at Tampa Bay and now tries Tapeta in her first start off the claim. 

Race Eight:

1st: (4) JOYS OF SUMMER – broke her maiden here by over five lengths when dropped to maiden claimers for the first time. She was a good third with Lasix added for Murray Rojas, who wins 18% when her daughter Martina rides for her.   

2nd: (2) LENA KAHLENA – tired in her well-bet career debut, then finished up last year with a smart, front-end win. Off for 228 days, she has already shown she can run well fresh for Randy Russell, who wins 13% first start after a maiden win.   

3rd: (6) MOMENTOUS MISS – has had many near misses, but they all came against better company than this.