Meadowlands: Analysis for Friday 6/28

MEET STATS: 197-66-39-27 / $412.10 (+$18.10)

BEST BETS: 14-9-1-2 / $37.00 (+$9.00)

SPOT PLAYS: 14-4-3-1 / $36.40 (+$8.40)

BEST BET: MARYLAND (3^rd)

SPOT PLAY: ASCENDANCE (4^th)

Race 1: Meadowlands Amateur Drivers Club 1 Pace - Pick 5

(5) GAZOO couldn’t quite get into the race last week from post 10 in a race dominated by early speed. He lands in the middle of the pack tonight versus a much softer group and could be handled more aggressively. (4) KISSINBYTHEBEACHES steps up off a narrow win last time. I can see Kleinhans being more conservative this week. (3) PERSIMMON A kept up nice at Gaitway in his first charted line in nine months. I’m thinking he’ll need a start but at least you know he was fastest enough to play with these.

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Race 2: Kindergarten 2YO C&G Trot - Survivor 7

(3) HILDAGO was Gingras’ choice here over three others but even more importantly this guy absolutely rolled to an easy win in his latest qualifier and was good finishing in his first start. Mom has sent out a trio of six-figure winners including a couple who were pretty fast 2-year-olds. (1) NOBLE WINE had no excuse for the first morning defeat but did win all out last time. Barn typically sends them out ready. (6) HE HUNTS recovered nicely in the start at Magical Acres and actually showed some early speed last time before aborting. $100K Harrisburg purchase could be an interesting price horse to consider.

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Race 3: Kindergarten 2YO C&G Trot

(5) MARYLAND has given every indication in the morning that he is the real deal, finishing with plenty of late trot in both miles, including an on the lead win. First foal from a $528K-winning mare could be one to watch this year. (1) SAFE TALK recovered nicely from a break in his first start and followed it up with a powerful win. Gingras chose off in the last qualifier and again tonight, so maybe #3 is better? (6) MR WALNER FASHION owns the fastest winning mile in the morning of this group and while you can say the trip worked out, he still had to have the speed to make it happen. Note that this family gave us 2YO standout Real Cool Sam and the talented but erratic Smart Schooner.

Race 4: Kindergarten 2YO Filly Pace - Pick 6

This is an extremely strong group of fillies with loads of talent. (8) ASCENDANCE absolutely cruised in her debut and was had plenty left in the tank while stuck in traffic last time. Filly from the family of Highalator ($675K) and South Beach Star ($443K) is more known for producing older stars but she could be game changer. Note that Zeron chose her over (6) ODDS ON YOU, who was in-hand in her first morning win and absolutely dominated on her own last time; one to beat! (9) SHES A STREAKER is perfect in the morning and finished under a hold late in her latest win; worth using in the Pick 5. (3) DURATION is also two-for-two in qualifiers and she did respond very nicely when asked most recently.

Race 5: Kindergarten 2YO C&G Pace

(3) SMOKEN BOB was a very impressive winner in his second qualifier and you have to like the fact that he won on the lead. This guy is a Bettor’s Wish half-brother to 1:49 3/5 winner Dean B Hanover. (5) PAPIS PISTOL rallied well in both recent qualifiers and could be anything at this point being a first-crop Papi Rob Hanover out of a Sweet Lou mare. (1) GANNON’S VELOCITY surged nicely in his debut mile before breaking on the lead last time. I’m inclined to ignore the break and hope this full brother to three $100k-plus winners including Continualou (1:50 2/5 as a 2YO) can deliver. (7) MANOLETE was a solid winner when asked for speed last time.

Race 6: Kindergarten 2YO C&G Pace - $50K GTD Pick 4

(5) NAMASTE HANOVER finished willingly in his first morning effort and may’ve been stuck in some traffic with pace last time (it’s debatable). Fourth foal from this mare is a half-brother to a pair of $299K-plus winners. (8) WORLD BEATER accelerated home nicely with the winner last time despite finishing second. If he is put in play I’d give him a chance. (1) STAY FOCUSED got the job done last time at The Meadows and he is a full brother to a 1:51 4/5 winner at 2 from 2023. (9) RAILROAD STATION has impressed me in the morning but seems likely to be overbet for a horse that I’m not sure has the early speed that seemingly appears on paper.

Race 7: Meadowlands Amateur Drivers Club Trot

In a field that is seemingly loaded with early speed types, let’s take a shot with (10) EMPEREURTHEBEST FR. Veteran raced well in his first start for this barn and perhaps things will simply unfold his way at a big price. (2) FASHION CANTAB won two straight in this class before finishing fourth last time. He’s the one to beat still but not worth a short price. (9) POLO BAR debuts for new connections and perhaps they can tap into whatever latent ability he may possess.

Race 8: Trackmaster 77 (NW L2/2L4/L8 77.5/78/78.50) or less - Pick 5

(3) BIBLE THUMPER went a long mile last time and really had no shot in the prior start. While he’s winless this year, this is not an impossible spot and the price will be right. (2) GEMINI EXPRESS has early speed and good form; beat him to win. (6) FERRAGAMO HANOVER uncorked a good rally last time and certainly has a shot here if he can mind his manners again. (10) MASK ON MASK OFF exits some salty amateur races but is stuck in post 10.

Race 9: Meadowlands Amateur Drivers Club 1 Pace

(4) JUST A ROCKET MAN came up big for new connections at 63-1 last time. There is no reason to believe he can’t repeat, though expect closer to 4-1 now. (8) WAY TO CLOSE has been first or second in three of his last four starts in the amateur ranks. (6) WARRAWEE YANKEE always looms a threat but rarely wins; using underneath only. (10) MAJORLY SEXY A has one recent win and it came with Yogi in the bike; speed here?

Race 10: Trackmaster 80 (NW L2/2L4/NWL7 80.5/81/81.40) or less - $50K GTD Pick 4

(3) HEREITTIZ raced ok from off the pace in his debut for this barn. I can see a more aggressive effort coming this time around. (2) NATIONAL SPORT steps up off a win but has the early speed to make his trip. (1) VANDALISM moved up last week and never got involved but soundly defeated #2 when they last met. (7) AIR GUITAR hasn’t missed the board in four June starts.

Race 11: Trackmaster 76.5 (NW L2/2L4 77/77.5) or less

(3) P L PORTIA was used hard last time and held well while facing tougher. Most of these are moving up in company while she remains in the same class. The sharpest of the class-jumpers are (1) FLAMBOYANCE and (5) PHELGON. Either could win given a reasonable trip.

Race 12: Trackmaster 84 (NW L2/2L4 84.5/85.05) or less

(5) ABSOLUTE POWER moves to the middle of the gate after being used very hard early last time. The road to the top should be easier here. (8) AVF CLAIRE has gone some good miles in this class; value play. (6) SWEET CHEYANNE gets an interesting barn change. Mare has been keeping good company in top classes out of town. (4) DONTKARENIFIDO is seemingly always a trip threat in this class.

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Race 13: Non-winners $3,000 in last 4/TM 77 (NW L2/2L4 77.5/78) or less

(6) MONEY MATTERS returns to The Meadowlands at a reduced level. His last appearance here resulted in an easy win in a lifetime best mile. (7) TAILGATE BUZZ also gets class relief and is eligible to awaken. (5) SWAN CAPTAIN has the early speed to get the top with ease from a much better post, but he doesn’t last the mile very often. (3) IMPORTER EXPORTER picks up a catch driver and is eligible to show more.

Race 14: Non-winners 2 (NW L3 3) races lifetime/Maidens draw inside

(2) CHAPARMBRO finds a pretty good spot and draws inside. I can see him trying to steal this race on the engine. (3) BELLA’S MUSCLEHILL is getting better with every start. He’s the best in this field but may be at a tactical advantage since he’s likely to come from behind. (5) ALAMO MISSION raced ok in his first start of the year and could potentially improve.