Ocean Downs: Analysis for Sunday 5/31 and Monday 6/1

SUNDAY, MAY 31 and MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026

STATS: 3-6 / $18.60 (+$6.60)

SUNDAY Race 1: NW1 race or $5,000 lifetime Pace

This field is a combined 1 for 124 lifetime. With that said, at least (1) WINNINGMACHINE has an optimistic name, if that can be considered an angle. Despite the goose egg in the win column, he's likely been facing much better recently at Hoosier and has been mostly competitive. Gelding gets Russell Foster in the bike and from the rail he's very likely to sail down the road. There won't be much value on the win end so I'll try for a cold exacta with (6) FORTUNESFOOL, who does own a win over the half in a non-betting event as a 3YO and goes second-time Lasix tonight.

SUNDAY Race 4: Winners over $5,000 in last 4 starts or $80,000 Lifetime Pace

In the co-feature on the card (4) BROOKSFORREAL was forced into a long uncovered move in his Ocean Downs return and was understandably outfinished late by the trip sitters. He's only three races removed from a 1:50 3/5 win at Rosecroft and young driver Shane Griffith has generally done a good job with this guy. He may be able to make the front from this spot.

MONDAY Race 6: NW2500 in last 4 starts; AE $7,500 Claiming Pace

(6) ROCK THE CAPTAIN N was a top pick last week and he paced a good back half to enter contention but ultimately came up a bit short, settling for second. He draws the outermost post tonight but in a race with a couple of shaky speed types that could set things up for a closer and he should be an honest price.

MONDAY Race 7: Open Handicap Trot

(7) COLLEGE TUITION was actually in a Grade 3 event last week at Philly and was understandably overmatched facing some of the best trotters in the land but prior to that he was the King of the Open at Rosecroft. Veteran gelding was able to overcome outside post assignments there week after week and he figures to be on the move early as usual in his Ocean return. (4) SEAL THE DEAL AS is always close but rarely wins; no reason he can't be in the top flight here and pick up a nice piece. (5) DEADLINE HALL has a post edge on his main rival #7 but hasn't proven he can pass. Perhaps regular driver Roberts will insist on the front end tonight.

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