Meadowlands Analysis: Thursday 2/9/12

MEET STATS: 46 - 159 / $347.20

Best Bet: Social Network (2nd)   Spot Play: Mackenzies Bliss (9th)

I'm going to be taking some chances tonight with some drivers with fewer accomplishments, and in many cases picking horses which some top drivers elected to opt off. That will result in some better prices should I prove correct.

Race 1

(7) BETWEENTWOPILLOWS finished with a nice rally in her career debut. Trainer Daley tends to take his time with his youngsters, so you can expect more tonight. (5) BROADWAYS FORTUNE comes off a good qualifier; capable. (10) CR DREAM CATCHER has double the career earnings of the rest of the field combined.

Race 2

(2) SOCIAL NETWORK was super last week and looks like a lock on paper. (5) JIMMY WHIZBANG took a shot and expired last time. A better trip could produce better results. (7) WOOP D DO BAZZLE improved with Andy Miller driving.

Race 3

(1) SOUTHERN BEAUTY really perked up with Lasix added. Perhaps that is a difference-maker for her. (6) M C FELIX gets plenty of class relief. (5) NOT AFRAID posted some big qualifiers. That catches my attention. (10) ITS A DIAMOND deserves some Burke barn respect.

Race 4

(7) ROCK THREE TIMES raced pretty well in his first start in many months. Rocknroll Hanover-sired gelding is certainly eligible to show more with the hottest pilot in town in the bike. (2) IM THE PIED PIPER rallied very well in his career debut; another that could step up. (6) TAKE A WALK was held together brilliantly last week, but Campbell did opt off; telling, no? (1) VARSITY HANOVER gets a catch-driver.

Race 5

(5) IDEAL IN VEGAS came up short as the favorite last time after seven weeks on the bench. David Miller jumps ship and many bettors will too. I'm sticking around at what should be a much bigger mutuel. (1) WINNING IT raced big in her 2012 debut; dangerous. (6) GOTTASEEABOUTAGIRL was very game in round one; Miller's choice. (7) AIR GUITAR HANOVER raced well upon arrival. (10) JAMIE SUE looks good but starts from the second tier and might have a sluggish foe in front of her behind the gate.

Race 6

(1) ARTS IDEAL HANOVER is one of heard some good reports on. Jimmy Takter trainee has posted some nice morning efforts. (5) DUNGEON DRAGON was driven conservatively and clearly had stretch pace. I fear this guy will be overbet now. (2) EASTWOOD BLUE CHIP was a very strong winner in round one but Pierce stuck with #1.

Race 7

(9) BEAUTY AND A BEAST is in a new barn now and has the early speed to overcome the outside post. I'll take a shot. (7) MILLIONDOLLARTOUCH comes down from Canada and finds a decent spot. (1) FAT MANS ALLEY is another down from north of the border. Trainer one a race here last week. (3) WESTERN SMOOCHER was better in his last qualifier; not impossible.

Race 8

(5) GLAM CAM is one I'm going to roll the dice on. I've seen signs that this barn is waking up. (1) CHARTREUSE HANOVER got Tetrick's call over my top choice. (7) ARIANE HANOVER is clearly in form now. (4) HOT LIST is down in class. I'm going to use him at a big price.

Race 9

(7) MACKENZIES BLISS qualified back well enough and faces an awful bunch of lower level pacers. Notice his 1:52.3 mark from last year, which is nearly two seconds faster than any of these could muster in 2011. (3) MR VITTI had some late life last time. Funny, he hasn't won in years and he is a legitimate contender. (8) ART STAR had a bit of late life last time, but that was a month ago.

Race 10

(8) ISTHMUS OF PANAMA has a couple of starts under his belt since taking a mini-vacation. He won't find an easier spot here. (4) RACHEL drops down and has speed; use. (7) ART PAPER is another getting some class relief.