Tuesday, August 18, 2026
BEST BET: RACE 5 SHANE FALCO
VALUE PLAY: RACE 3 SMOKIN HOT DUDE
RACE 1
3-WHY TOMORROW RAY has been sharp in last 4 races since joining the Petrelli barn, has strong wins here in 155.3 and 156
1-LONG WEEKEND A throw out last race from 8 post, has 7 wins on the year, has been racing at a higher level most of the year
6-OVER HILL N DELLE two breaks in a row at start of races, amazing recoveries in both races, if stays flat can win this race
3-1-6-2
RACE 2
2-ASSET STATION has been racing against better, 12 times in the money, wide open race
5-WICKEDLY SMART has some good miles against ANNE BONNEY N and VEL QUICK DAISY
1-CELIA BAYAMA has 6 wins on the year and mark of 156.2
2-5-1-3
RACE 3
6-SMOKING HOT DUDE has been racing in the Open for last 7 races, has win here in 156.2
5-JOHNNY CHIP three races back made 3 wide move and won going away in 154.3, bad trips in last two races
7-PARKLAND ODDS post 7 hurts, competitive at this level
5-1-6-3
RACE 4
5-LEGAL JEOPARTY has raced against better horses all year, has win here in 156.2
1-COME ZOOM WITH ME almost lasted on the lead for victory, has rail
6-STARLITESIMPLE RIG raced okay at Saratoga at a higher class level
5-1-6-3
RACE 5
4-SHANE FALCO last two races have been outstanding, takes a step up in class to Open?
7-BETTER BE GOUDA two second place finishes in Open competition in last 3 races, 5 wins on the year, 7 post hurts
5-HURRICAN JOHNNYBOY has some strong races out of town, won at Pocono in 152.1
4-7-5-3
RACE 6
1-BLUEBIRD CRUSH raced well out out town at Batavia, has 5 wins on the year, some at Monti
5-DEFLAMATION very competitive in last 10 races, has win here in 156.3
6-ARCO N has two wins here at Monti, won here in 156.4, wide open race
1-5-6-3
RACE 7
6-BUSSIN finished ahead of TWIN B WISE GUY, has been knocking on the door with 4 second place finishes
8-TWIN B WISE GUY on paper looks like two horse race with BUSSIN’, post 8 hurts, had rail in race against BUSSIN’ on June 28
5-ULTIMATE FATE has shown some ability
6-8-5-2
RACE 8
6-KOURAGEOUS KEY has battled neck and neck with AIR GUITAR when they have met, has win in 154.1 and 154
5-AIR GUITAR neck behind KOURAGEOUS KEY last week and July 7 race, best trip and drive wins
1-SURFSIDE BEACH 2 races back has strong win going away in 155.4
6-5-1-4
RACE 9
4-BRENDAS DELIGHT strong winning mile in first over going away mile, has 6 wins on the year
2-VEL QUICK DAISY twice finished 2nd to BRENDAS DELIGHT, has ability to upset here, post advantage today
7-SENORITA DRAGO has some good miles in last 5 miles, will need to step it up against the top 2 horses
4-2-7-1
RACE 10
4-K J LEO has been at his best for the year in last 5 races, has win here in 155.4, looks large on paper
3-AMERICANGREATAGAIN two strong races in last 3 races, 2nd place finish in 155
1-IMWONCAPTTAINWISER has win here in 156, finally gets post relief after 8 races of bad posts
4-3-1-5
BRIAN’S COMMENTS: Today’s Card looks very chalky, Enjoy the warm weather racing as the summer moves on.
