Meadowlands: Analysis for Thursday 8/4

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 332-108-80-43 / $592.20 (-$71.80)

BEST BETS: 25-14-3-2 / $51.00 (+1.00)

SPOT PLAYS: 25-6-7-2 / $22.00 (-$28.00)

BEST BET: BELLISIMA HANOVER (4th)

SPOT PLAY: SVENGALI (5th)

Race 1: TrackMaster 74 (NW L3/5 74.5/75.65) or less/NW 1 race since 1/16/22 - Pick 5

(4) SHAVING MUG couldn't make magic from post 8 at Philly last time. Veteran 13-year-old is back at The Meadowlands where he was racing well week after week. (3) PAPIAMENTO has big early speed and seems likely to make others look for tucks early. That said, with just two wins in 74 starts over 2021-22, betting to win doesn't seem like a great option. (6) IDEAL SUSPECT is capable at this level given the right trip.

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Race 2: TrackMaster 70 (NW L3/5 80.5/71.15) or less/Opt. $5,000 Claiming - Survivor 7

(3) PURPLE SKY was out of the race early last time and got caught in a fast pace prior to that start. This looks like a prime spot for him to head to the front. (6) MAGAZINE THEME returns here where he just missed by a neck in this class. (2) IDEAL TYSON A tries his luck here again after a confidence-building win at Philly. Maybe this time will be different.

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Race 3: Non-winners $3,000 in last 5 or $2,100 1st money in 2022/TM 76.5 (NW L3/4 77.3/77.65) or less

(2) ZLATAN gets the type of class drop he needs and returns to a track where he's had past success. (1) WARRIOR WAY rallied nicely last time from far back and should enjoy the inside starting slot. (3) J-S JASPER found big early speed in this class when last here but couldn't go the distance. He should get a smoother road to the front tonight. (7) ALL RISE has been very consistent of late and would be no surprise.

Race 4: Kindergarten 2YO Filly Pace - Pick 6

(2) BELLISIMA HANOVER has looked sharp in both starts and may just be a bit too fast for these right now. (3) MIND BLOWING chased home the winner last out and will need to find more if she is going to turn the table. (6) CHARLESTON and BELTARA are both undefeated but lacking big-track experience. I wouldn't count either out.

Race 5: TrackMaster 70 Series Final

(6) SVENGALI gets a key driver change here for a cagey barn that is sure to have this guy on his toes racing for twice his normal payday. (5) ILLINI DUKE leads a three-headed uncoupled charge from the Estrada barn who are all sharp and capable of winning.

Race 6: Kindergarten 2YO Filly Pace - Pick 4

(4) CAVIART DAVIA picked up her game in start two of her career and even just a repeat of that effort could be good enough in here. (1) UCANTDOIT BLUE CHIP rolled through the NJSS and now has to prove himself against open company. (2) FALANA HANOVER was only a few lengths behind the top pick in her debut. Daughter of Always B Miki could certainly show more in start two.

Race 7: TrackMaster 74 Series Final

(1) SCRAPPIN GOLD got caught last week after being used hard in the early stages. The inside post here should help him stay close without doing quite as much work. (9) CODYS KNAPSACK came up with a mile I didn't know he had in him last Friday. He shows no early speed on his lines, but as of last week who knew he could pace in 1:51. I can't imagine this Burke trainee will be raced from last. (2) BARGAIN SHOPPER should be able to save ground and pounce for Dunn.

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Race 8: Kindergarten 2YO C&G Pace

(4) BLUE HUNT barely missed versus a horse that is tied for second on the leaderboard for the fastest rookie male pacers of the year. Interestingly the Huntsville youngster loses Tetrick to #5, which could help our price. Was that a barn call? (1) GOLDIN GREATNESS was a length shy of making me very happy last weekend at 40-1. The price will be much lower but this guy has talent. (3) SAVE AMERICA raced well while kicking home in 25 4/5 in his debut. High-priced Captaintreacherous 2-year-old can definitely take a step forward.

Race 9: TrackMaster 76.5 (NW L3/4 77/77.55) or less

(9) MARVELOUS KISS was last seen in the TrackMaster classes on June 10 and she posted a career-best mile. The outside post here isn't ideal but perhaps it's telling that Todd McCarthy chose this gal over three other contenders with better starting spots on the gate. (4) ALMOST KAREN ships in from Scioto where she was in a class that can come up tough at times. I'll be using her on my Pick 4 tickets. (6) VINTAGE GAL picks up a catch-driver this week after a number of starts in amateur races. (7) JOHNNY G'S STAR has been racing reasonably well and now adds Lasix.