Meadowlands: Analysis for Friday 4/23

MEET STATS: 263-64-38-38 / $339.80 (-$186.20)

BEST BETS: 20-11-1-1 / $37.00 (-3.00)

BEST BET: EMMA TOWN BUD (10th)

SPOT PLAY: GOTTALOVEMYSHADOW (6th)

Race 1: GSY Amateur Series - Pick 5

These amateur races tend to produce a contested early pace and this one looks to have a bunch of early speed potential. (9) STATESMAN N lost to a rated leader and pocket-sitter last time at Freehold and took way too much air previously here in the amateur ranks. If trainer Sheridan can be patient in the bike, this race could certainly come back to him. (8) JUSTIN CREDIBLE has been showing good late pace for minor shares against slightly tougher competition. Trainer Michelle Crawford will likely have this guy at the back early but if the pace is hot as predicted, she could be picking them off at a huge price. (3) MASTER CONRAD won this race last week and has taken three of four; clear player.

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Race 2: $10,000 Claiming

This race is the opposite of the first with few early speed types in a shorter field. (1) WHATSTROUBLNUROCKY went nuts on the engine last time and now gets a new driver who has been doing well for this barn. I like the lack of speed in here for him and the fact that he should be tight off that fast mile. (2) AMRCANBOOTSCOOTA A drops back down and should be able to track the leaders from the inside post. (7) BEBOP ON THE BLOCK steps up off a win and certainly has a shot if able to clear the lead or get an easy tuck.

[DRF BETS: Wager on tonight's Meadowlands card at DRF Bets.com!]

Race 3: Non-winners $2,500 (NW L3 $3,000) in last 5/TM 80.60 or less/NW 1 since 9/25/20 - Survivor 7

(6) ZLATAN double drops in class in his third start back from winter vacation and figures to awaken, though he's far from a lock. Tetrick hops off to show loyalty to the Cullipher barn but this Dunn guy is pretty good, too. (1) CHARLIE ONA HARLEY is back at the basement condition where he tends to be very competitive. (5) MY BOY CHRISTEN is prone to making breaks but does get a sure set of hands in Sears at the controls here. (7) MARVELOUSTRIX has been better the last two weeks and she's capable here if on her game.

Race 4: $7,500 Claiming

(6) ROCKIN PANDA gets a big driver change here as he drops below the level of the claim. Normally that is a concerning move, but I think they are simply looking to cut their losses. (7) BETTOR BB is coming off a sharp win and merits major consideration. (4) NA NA NA BAATMAN should be firing to the top and could take these a long way.

Race 5: Non-winners 1 (NW L2 2) or $6,500 life - 3YO C&G

(5) RITSON was a bit better in his qualifier than the line looks. Cantab Hall youngster will likely get a conservative steer, but if Miller can sit mid-pack, this guy seems good enough to run them down. (6) MYCROWNMYKINGDOM had a two-length lead in the stretch and lost in his qualifier, but at least he's likely to be put in play here and these are top trotting connections. (4) SWAN HILL has a start under his belt now and could certainly take a step forward.

Race 6: Non-winners $4,500 in last 5/TM 78.1 or less/Opt. $15,000 Clm. - $50K GTD Pick 4

(7) GOTTALOVEMYSHADOW gets some key class relief this week and may even show some early speed in this spot. Seven-year-old has won two of three at this claiming level. (2) RED DIRT STAR is one of many Woodbine shippers. Trainer Amanda Fine had this one going good north of the border and she seems like a fit in here. (1) RUBY ON RAILS shifts conditions and really does get away from a solid group. She may prefer this class.

Race 7: Winners 1-2 races life - 3YO Fillies

I'm really rolling the dice here on the come with (4) DOUBLEOFFTHEWALL hoping that driver Corey Callahan sees there is no true early speed to his inside and revs this gal up to send her to the front. She really wasn't bad in her first start of the year and could be tough with some improvement. (3) STAYCATION HANOVER is clearly the horse to beat but one that has consistently come from off the pace; likely underlay. (1) THEBEACHISCALLING remains winless but has cashed in some big stakes. Her comeback qualifier was sharp. Only knock is a potential patient drive in her 2021 debut. (8) OURLITTLEMIRACLE has good early speed that should put her in prime position to win if she can find a bit more in her third start of the year.

Race 8: Non-winners $4,500 (NW L3 $5,100) in last 5/TM 87.37 or less - Pick 6

(7) CHIPLOSIVE went a good mile in defeat while up in class a week ago. He should prove tough in this spot. (3) MEADOWBRANCH RICKY also steps down the class ladder and figures to be fowardly placed tonight. (5) BLAZING TRAIL raced well with hobbles added in his first start for this barn; improves again? (6) ALL AMERICAN N went a monster mile in defeat last Friday. This guy is fast enough to win when he feels like trotting the entire mile.

Race 9: Non-winners $7,500 (NW L3 $8,500) in last 5/TM 81.80 or less

(3) IDEATION HANOVER double-drops in class tonight and has actually been racing pretty well in those higher condition races. With the aggressive Allard in the bike it could be a 'catch me if you can' scenario. (2) TEAM KIWI N moves to the inside of the gate and only needs a decent trip to get involved. (9) BETALADY broke again last week, which is not a good sign. That said, she plunges two classes and if she can mind her manners should give these all they can handle.

Race 10: Non-winners $7,500 (NW L3 $8,500) in last 5/TM 88 or less/NW 3 draw inside - $50K GTD Pick 4

(5) EMMA TOWN BUD improved nicely in his second start of the year and should be 3-5 in this spot and win easily. (7) GOES DOWN SMOOTH comes off consecutive breaks on half-mile tracks. He's a decent horse that should appreciate the bigger oval. (9) KENZIESKY HANOVER beat up on weaker last time. Perhaps that has given her some confidence.

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Race 11: Non-winners $2,500 in last 5/TM 78.51 or less

(9) SHEIKH YABOOTY N has been working her way down the ladder for weeks now and finally hits the basement condition. Her last couple of starts were a bit better and she may finally be ready to awaken. (4) BE BEST has a win and a second in her last two starts in this company. (2) SHES SPORTY A showed some signs of life last Friday and could possibly have turned the corner.

Race 12: $10,000-$12,500 Claiming Handicap

(3) SUGARTOWN gets claimed for the second straight week off a race where he chased a slow half and couldn't get the job done despite a 27 2/5 final quarter. He should show some speed here and be in prime position. (4) TJ BLAST has aired it out a couple of times and got caught. This is a short field and perhaps he can rate this week. (6) IDEAL SON has been a steady closer week after week. I'm not sure that style will work in this field, but I wouldn't count him out.

Race 13: TrackMaster Rating 73.5 (NW L2 75.88) or less

(4) SUPERIOR RAVEN switches barns upon arrival from Florida and gets a two-second driver change to Dunn. Also note this guy won here in 1:51 3/5 last year. (3) DATELINE HANOVER is another getting the trainer/driver change daily double; very playable. (7) TRACK MASTER D should have done better last week but was perhaps too active in the mile. (1) GRANDPA DON is as good a choice as any of the rest for a low exotic spot.