ThistledownThu, August 14, 2025

EMPIRE'S FIRE (4) lines up for the hat-trick after registering a strong win last time over 6½f at Belterra Park (Dirt), scoring by 0.3 lengths. Has a strong record here, including eight wins. Leading contender. SILENT RULE (6) is having her first run since June 6. Goes very well when fresh with two wins from two starts, the latest over 6f at Mahoning Valley at the start of last prep. Key runner. BOOTS MALONE (3) finished 12 lengths from the winner in fourth last time out in stakes class at this track (Dirt) over 1m1f. Has found the frame in all four starts at this journey, including two wins. Likely to push forward and race on the pace. One of the main contenders. SCRIMPER (7) has been kept fresh for this since a disappointing seventh last start over 6f at this track (Dirt) six-and-a-half weeks ago. Expecting to see him turn things around.