17:20 thistledown Wednesday 22nd April 2026

SMOKIN JOE (3) resumes in a similar race to his last run eight months ago when he scored by 2. 25 lengths. Has found the right race. AUTHENTIC COWTOWN (4) made it back-to-back wins when successful last start over 6f at Mahoning Valley (Dirt), getting home by 0. 8 lengths. Winning rider Erik Barbaran retains the mount. Going up a level this time but he deserves plenty of thought. SILENT DRILL (5) met with solid support last start over 6f at Mahoning Valley (Dirt) when sixth, beaten 11 lengths. Great chance to atone. MERGER (7) returns from a layoff of six-and-a-half months. Worth noting he filled a minor placing when returning from a lay-off last time in work over 5½f at this track. Yet to win when resuming but generally runs well with two minor placings from three tries. Looks a strong top-three prospect.