New Meadowlands Harness

Analysis by Derick Giwner

MEET STATS: 67 - 227 / $548.40

Best Bet: MANS TREASURE (2nd)   Spot Play:  ROCKIN GLASS (8th)

Race 1

(8) REI OF SUNSHINE gets back in against her peers tonight. This is the kind of field that could wake her up, and with Sears choosing off the price should be better. (5) TOLLFREE HANOVER took a shot first-over in the TLC final last week and didn’t fade too badly. That is a step in the right direction. (1) GRAY OLIVES hasn’t been seen in a month, but Sears did choose here; mixed signals.

Race 2

(6) MANS TREASURE has turned his fortunes around with the addition of hobbles. Gelding faces a dull-looking group and is a standout. (1) FALCOR BLUESTONE stayed flat last week; step in the right direction. (4) AUTOMATIC didn’t fire upon arrival; trifecta player.

Race 3

(3) GOGO BUCKEYE is the only one signed on to this event with even a hint of form. (4) AQUESTIONOFTIME A was a bit better in his second qualifier; maybe. (7) KEYSTONE RAPTOR is a fresh face, but he is winless during 2011-12.

Race 4

(2) TROUBLE was the most impressive performer in round one from where I was sitting. (4) CONNIE LAUXMONT also won in the first leg, rather easily in fact. (3) WHITE RUSSIAN was okay last time; needs more.

Race 5

(2) COLONEL MOFFITT pounced off cover last week to win his division of the Rags to Riches. With all due respect to Oscar Oscar, I think this guy is the horse to beat in the series. (1) BLADE RUNNER raced okay coming down from Woodbine; Sears chose #2 over this guy. (5) TOPGUN RAIDER has some speed in his tank and could be a sneaky exotics player at a price. (9) TYREE is stuck outside; along late for a share.

Race 6

Now this is a good race! Perhaps the top four or so stick out, but I can make a legitimate case for eight or nine in here. (6) MARKET FORCE was used up making two moves early in the mile and still hung around for a nice share last week. It looks like he can go with these and the price will be right. (7) OSCAR OSCAR is the likely favorite, but keep in mind that three others in this field paced as fast as or faster than him last week. (2) IN KENNYS HONOR comes off a nice mile; must use. (9) LAGUNA BEACH has won three straight. (3) WESTERN SMOOCHER has some serious class and was better last time.

Race 7

(4) ALASTAIR HANOVER could not sustain his rally as the 4-5 choice after making a nice move last time. Let’s forgive and forget at a much better price. (6) KENTUCKY REBEL looks spectacular on paper but really didn’t beat much last time. (2) MATTADOR D won’t have to close from last this week; interesting. (7) BERRY BERRY FAST loses Tetrick but is on a roll.

Race 8

(10) ROCKIN GLASS was trapped in the three-hole last time and finished up willingly when clear. Normally I would shy away from this type for fear of him being overbet, but from post 10, that should even things out. (5) LOBO BILLY hasn’t been bad since the claim and is capable of going as good mile now and then; price chance. (3) FLOAT BLUE CHIP is a clear player but not one I’m running to bet as the chalk. (1) SGT CHARLIE is a must use in the exotics.

Race 9

(8) RED LIGHT enters the Erv Miller barn and catches a soft group; narrow edge. (3) UPFRONTSTRIKESGOLD is another shipper off a layoff moving into a new barn. (5) WESTSIDE LINDY is fast enough when he is feeling good.

Race 10

(8) GOLDEN FIZZ is the only one signed on to this NW 4000 that has a win at the Meadowlands in the last two-plus years. (3) PANOPSIS hasn’t been racing often but has raced well when on the track. (6) SARASTAR returns to the races for half the claiming tag; qualifier okay versus a stakes quality mare.