Meadowlands: Analysis for Saturday 4/2

MEET STATS: 272-61-48-41 / $389.20 (-$154.80)

BEST BETS: 20-10-4-2 / $37.40 (-2.60)

SPOT PLAYS: 20-4-5-2 / $30.20 (-$9.80)

BEST BET: ONE EIGHT HUNDRED (1st)

SPOT PLAY: LIKE CLOCKWORK (12th)

Race 1: Winners 5-7 races or $80,000 lifetime - Pick 5

(4) ONE EIGHT HUNDRED made a half-hearted attempt at leaving and quickly aborted in his 2022 debut for a more conservative approach. Now with that start in hand and from a better post, expect him to take it to this field. (1) CALIBER shouldn't be faulted for needing a couple of starts after missing more than a year of action. He could offer some value here. (3) AS ALWAYS has been very consistent and he seems likely to be "in the number" again.

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Race 2: Non-winners 2 races or $20,000 life/Maidens draw inside

(6) FIGHT SONG chased slow fractions while simply getting around the track in his first start since September before kicking into gear with powerful late strides nearing the wire. This guy might just have more in the tank then what you see on paper. (4) TELLING THE STORY moves into one of the best barns with newcomers, but this outfit can't buy a win lately (0-for-10) after being unbeatable in late February/early March. (9) FLYHAWK EL FUERTE went down the road last week but seems likely to face more resistance this time around. (2) HALLANCE lured Dunn off #4 but that is likely because this one is a 3yo filly with a chance to race in stakes down the road.

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Race 3: TrackMaster Rating 77.5 (NW 2L5 79.32) or less - Survivor 7

(3) ROCKABILLY CHARM continues to be a presence at this TM level even though he was soundly defeated by #9 last time. Seven-year-old hasn't been doing his best work on the engine and perhaps he'll aim for a pocket or cover trip this week. (1) CASINO BAGS ANSO exits claiming races where the majority of the field is usually a bit sharper. He should be a big player tonight. (9) EL'S DISCO JOHNNY blew away the top pick out of the pocket last time and gets another chance in the same class.

Race 4: Non-winners 2 races or $20,500 life/Maidens draw inside

(3) CAPTAINGIDDYUPNGO was very impressive in his return qualifier, showing some early speed and chasing Water Sports Teen willingly. Late developing 3-year-old seems ready to roll at first asking. (2) ENERGETIC HANOVER rolled off cover nicely in his qualifier and as a $325,000 yearling purchase expectations have to be high. (9) FIKA TIME went down the road in this class

Race 5: Non-winners $4,500 (NW L3 $4,950) in last 5

This is a race loaded with options so it is probably best to avoid the off-time favorite. (2) BOBCAT BAY finished second when last in this class versus Decision Day, who would certainly be the chalk in this field. It is interesting that Dunn chose (9) ROCKIN THE ACES, who drops in class as well. (3) MINDTRIP drops out of claiming action where he was facing some killers. This field should suit him better. (4) TRU LOU moves into the Burke barn and is immediately eligible to improve. (5) HEZA REAL DIAMOND is certainly in a winning condition but has burned enough of my money.

Race 6: $35,000-$45,000 Claiming Handicap - $50K GTD Pick 4

(8) COLOSSAL STRIDE A tried to close from another time zone and gained good ground while having no shot in his return from a long break. He was claimed out of that race, wheels back in the same class and seems assured of being closer to the front since there are fewer horses in this field. (1) WRAPPERS DELIGHT A went down the road versus these last time; obvious player. (6) THE BOOK OF LIFE has raced well for this claiming price before and the improved post will help.

Race 7: Hello Spring Series for NW $7,500 in last 5/TM 83.20 (NW 2L3 84.82) or less/Leg 1

(3) LEON DAVID finally gets his February 12 win in this class off his earnings card and gets to face a field he can handle even in his current form. Bruce Saunders trainee seems highly likely to awaken. (1) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N came up from Pompano to join the Drennan barn and blew away a field at Freehold. Classy veteran finds a good spot but will need his best against the top pick. (9) IM A POWERPLAY A progressed nicely in his second start back from a brief break. This field is much tough but he could be worth using in the exotics at a price.

Race 8: $20,000-$25,000 Claiming Handicap - Pick 6

(7) WINDSONG JACK went down the road in his first start for new connections and basically faces the same field tonight. He's clearly the horse to beat. (8) COOL BLUES MAN is back in for a claiming tag where he won his last start and also has a couple of seconds. (4) HES GONE BADDER should leave inside of the top pick and secure a good trip.

Race 9: Hello Spring Series for NW $10,500 in last 5/TM 87 (NW 2/5/10 87.5/88/88.8) or less/Leg 1

(5) TRUMP NATION might need to two-move to be in prime position but at least you know he'll be forwardly placed tonight. Seven-year-old is back down in company and should bring a top effort. (7) IGNATIUS A finished willingly in his qualifier, which is all that really matters. This guy won 30 of 69 starts Down Under and clearly has some ability. The question is whether he'll be put in play or be at the mercy of the pace. (9) OLLIE’S Z TAM has developed a bad case of seconditis, so underneath is probably the best option, but he has the early speed to get into the race.

Race 10: Non-winners $20,000 in last 5 or $14,000 in last 5 draw inside - $50K GTD Pick 4

(6) SHVAIKO has the speed to make the top and put himself in great position. Betts trainee won his last start at this level. (2) ANA AFREET N had no chance last time versus Vettel from post 9. He moves to the inside of the gate now and faces a NW20000 field that plays much more like a NW14000. (3) DE LOS CIELOS DEO got back on track last time. His best is certainly good enough to win. (7) I’M A BIG DEAL fired down the road versus cheaper last time and lured Dunn off #2.

Race 11: Hello Spring Series for NW $7,500 in last 5/TM 83.20 (NW 2L3 84.82) or less/Leg 1

(2) IMAGINARY LINE has steadily improved since the return to action this year and this seems like the perfect time for him to pop a big mile for Team Bongiorno. (5) ACTON HANOVER drops down and will certainly be gunning to the front. He's another coming back from vacation that should show more. (6) STRAIGHT TALK has been stuck in outside posts and never got into the race. Don't be shocked if tactics change slightly here.

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Race 12: Non-winners $2,500 (NW L8 $3,755) in last 5

When last seen here (6) LIKE CLOCKWORK was racing three classes higher and all of his recent starts have been from outside posts on half-mile tracks. This looks like an ideal spot for a quick form reversal. (4) EMBLAZE HANOVER drops to the basement level for top connections. (10) BARBADOS was done no favors by the post-position draw. That said, he's more than capable of winning if Miller can work out a trip.

Race 13: Hello Spring Series for NW $7,500 in last 5/TM 83.20 (NW 2L3 84.82) or less/Leg 1

(4) GOOD ROCKIN picked up some confidence versus much easier last week. Tonight he lucks into an easier division of this mini-series and perhaps he can go back to back. (2) MEET THE CREEPER has arguably been facing tougher horses in the "Winners of X races" class than he tackles tonight and the driver change to Zeron is huge. (5) A BETTOR BEACH raced much better in his second start back from a long vacation. He shouldn't be hindered by the barn change that allows him to race here. (7) MICKEYS SPIRIT added Lasix and showed immediate improvement last time. Maybe he can take another step ahead at a big price. (3) WAIMAC ATTACK N has done good work in the amateur ranks. This is a big step up but maybe he can handle it.