Lavallee Twist the logical candidate in optional claimer

A little more than two weeks ago, Lavallee Twist earned her fourth win in her last 11 starts over the past three seasons at Presque Isle Downs. That makes her an extremely logical win candidate when she comes back to face similar second-level $40,000 optional company in Tuesday’s co-featured third race at one mile.

But the presence of Nasty Noozie two slots to Lavallee Twist’s outside could mean both frontrunners will duel each other into defeat, making this a spot to take a stand against the 3-1 morning-line favorite.

Come Acorkin, who missed by a head to Lavallee Twist on July 13, last-out three-length winner Two Wonders, and Cindy’s Casino, a half-length behind Come Acorkin and Lavalee Twist in her local debut, all merit respect.

Cindy’s Wonder and Miss Tapit, the beaten favorite at this same level in each of her last two starts, are the only two horses in the field of seven not entered for the optional $40,000 tag.

Key contenders

Lavallee Twist (Last 3 Beyers: 73-47-83)

Owns a 5-for-8 record at the distance, including a wire-to-wire victory last time out.

Formulator Fact: Trainer John Guciardo is 4 for 9 with last-out winners back in a route within 21 days, including a 2-for-3 record with this horse.

Unlikely to get an uncontested lead in this spot.

Come Acorkin (Last 3 Beyers: 73-73-68)

Formulator Fact: Trainer Greg Compton is 3 for 9 second time off a layoff in synthetic routes.

Nasty Noozie (Last 3 Beyers: 77-75-76)

Winless in five starts locally.

Horse is 5 for 12, with a nose loss in a stakes, when coming back in 21 days or less in a route.

Front-running style conflicts with Lavallee Twist, which could mean a speed duel.

Two Wonders (Last 3 Beyers: 83-80-74)

Won by three lengths at this level June 16.

Mandy Ness, wife of high-percentage trainer Jamie Ness, is 3 for 11 at Presque Isle this meet.

Cindy’s Casino (Last 3 Beyers: 72-45-32)

Formulator Fact: Trainer Darien Rodriguez is 7 for 28 with a $2.09 return on investment with horses who finished in the money last time back in 21 days or less in a route.

Miss Tapit (Last 3 Beyers: 70-77-79)

Formulator Fact: Trainer’s record with synthetic route runners back in 21 days or less is 1 for 44.