Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025

Dick Powell handicaps the Tuesday card at Presque Isle Downs.

Race 1

1st: (2) SCHNITTKER – ran well in three starts against open company $25K claimers. He went off as the 4-5 favorite in his last two starts and can run on or off the pace for Pablo Morales – 21% with his sprint rides. 

2nd: (4) HURRICANES ABLOWIN – was beaten 58 lengths after dwelling at the start, but bounced back with an easy win when he rallied from far back. He missed by a neck against this state-bred allowance level last out. 

Race 2

1st: (2) UP IN TIME - showed speed for about six furlongs in his well-bet career debut going two turns, then turned back to a sprint and was an even third. His sire, Not This Time, sired It’s Our Time, a monster first-out winner at Saratoga Saturday.

2nd: (1) SNOWSTORM – was beaten 50 lengths in three dirt starts at Finger Lakes, then came here against this maiden claiming level and was a good second. Ron Potts wins 22% with his synthetic-track starters. 

3rd: (7) EASTERN EXTENSION – drops down in class and distance for Matt Kintz, who wins 27% with this class move.  

Race 3

1st: (6) STARSHIP MACYS – tired badly two starts back when he pressed a fast pace, then he held better nine days later with a pace every bit as fast. Horse for the course has more than enough gate speed to overcome the wide draw.  

2nd: (5) LINNY KATE – beat better in her PID debut, then tired when moved up in class off the claim. She just missed last out when dropped back down by Juan Arriagada, who wins 29% with his overall claimers.  

3rd: (3) DOMINANT STRANGER – woke up last out when stretched out to this distance off four straight sprints. 

Race 4

1st: (1) RIDING A DREAM – was an even third against this class level, then romped when dropped in class. He was able to move back up and beat these easily last out for Arriagada, who wins 23% first start after a win.  

2nd: (2) BARTULIA – has been running well against this claiming level, but it’s been going two turns, and now he turns back to a long sprint. Drawing inside should help him stalk while saving ground. 

3rd: (3) VENIK – broke his maiden here in his PID debut, then came back and beat similar claiming company. 

Race 5

1st: (2) PEACHES POINT – made a decent middle move into a slow pace in her PID debut, then ran about the same race with blinkers added. After racing evenly again, she drops way down for Kevin Rice. 

2nd: (6) HIGH TRACK – was a good second two starts back behind a next-out winner, then she came back to break her maiden. She takes on modest winners off short rest for Hank Miller, who wins 10% with his synthetic-track starters. 

3rd: (1) TANGO ZULU – one-dimensional closer just missed two starts back against this class level. 

Race 6

1st: (4) ON RESERVE – improved some when Lasix was added two starts back from post 8, then she was a good second going this distance. She draws well for Katy Cheeks, and Scott Spieth wins 25% with his sprint rides. 

2nd: (5) HAZARD PAY – woke up when dropped down in class three starts back. She battled for the lead two starts back, then opened up a big lead before getting caught last out for Tim Hamm, who wins 21% with his claimers. 

3rd: (2) BUCCHINI – began the year with a poor effort, then broke her maiden last out by three lengths. 

Race 7

1st: (3) SWEET NOLA – was claimed for only $6,250, then promptly won five starts in a row as she moved up in class. She was a good second here last out as the 2-5 favorite for Arriagada, who wins 29% first start in this spot. 

2nd: (2) LA GIRVINA – romped in her second PID start, then came back to beat optional claimers and open allowance foes. The daughter of Girvin draws well, and should be able to work out a trip with Spieth. 

3rd: (4) CLARAMENTE – improved when blinkers were added, then was a good second against allowance foes. 

Race 8

1st: (6) GREY CHARMER – horse for the course has had four starts this year to revive past success. He rallied from far back to get third last out behind a next-out winner for Kevin Rice, who wins 18% with his synthetic-track starters. 

2nd: (2) EXPRESS STAR – one-dimensional closer made up some ground two starts back, then got up in time off the Potts claim when blinkers and Lasix were added. Willie Martinez rides back – flat-bet profit with his route mounts. 

3rd: (3) THIRD CITY – is dangerous when he shows good speed away from the gate, and it’s there for the taking.