Meadowlands: Friday 11/16 Analysis
Best Bet: SHADY CAROLINE (7th)
Spot Play: BEST OF JENNA (11th)
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 32 - 108 / $202.50 (-$13.50)
BEST BETS: 3 - 9 / $7.20 (-$10.80)
Race 1
(3) DOG GONE LUCKY spent plenty of time on the rim and came up short late after four months on the bench. Classy veteran can improve and will certainly offer a better price now. (1) GIANNI went a big mile from post nine a week ago; inside post should only help. (2) SHADY MCCOY worked out a great trip and stormed home; clear threat. (7) HOT SUMMER KNIGHT has a big late kick and only needs some pace help to set him up.
Race 2
(1) SUTTON SEELSTER comes off a throw-out mile from an outside post when dropping to this level last Saturday. Gingras joins the team here and the post switch is huge. (4) WESTERN TORO will be on the move early and could be very dangerous if left alone on the engine. (6) ATLAS ALLIANCE N is another with some early zip; using at least underneath.
Race 3
The fact that I’m on (6) VERDI D EM, who has a 14-0-0-1 record in 2018, tells you all you need to know about this field. Nine-year-old has been taking baby steps forward since moving into the Harmon barn and might have found the perfect spot. (3) PEGASUS POINT could be in control in a questionable field without much early speed. (7) AXIOS ships in from maine but has won here in the past.
Race 4
(9) TEARFUL OF HAPPY gets a major condition shift from NW8500 to this split condition race. I’m guessing we’ll see a more aggressive drive this time. (2) DELIGHTFUL FEATHER was spectacular last time while winning as she pleased. She deserves to be the favorite but is far from a lock. (5) GIVEMEYOURHEART finished just ahead of the top pick last time. (1) ODDS ON STEPHANIE has early speed and a good post; using underneath.
Race 5
(1) WAITING ON A WOMAN dropped and still stopped on the lead last week, but that was on a track that was favoring horses from off the pace. Veteran hits the basement condition here and should have every chance. (7) DOWNUNDERMATTER finds a field with a fair amount of early speed and could be finishing fastest in the lane. (6) MONTALBANO BI is plenty fast when he brings his best game; tough call.
Race 6
(6) MUSCLE DIAMOND has won three straight and while a step below the best trotters, he can take this group with another similar effort. (5) PINKMAN qualified back nicely. He really hasn’t had much luck in 2018. (2) ICE ATTRACTION takes on the boys after a solid Breeders crown effort. If things go her way, a win is possible. (7) WILL TAKE CHARGE hasn’t been good in a long time but is certainly fast enough.
Race 7
(7) SHADY CAROLINE was injured back in May, but a good run prior had her stuck in the Invitational class at Hoosier when she returned to the races. This looks like a good spot for her to shine for a barn that has been white hot since the meet started. (6) CLEAR IDEA picked up some confidence at Saratoga last week. She has the class to handle the class jump. (3) FOLLOWTHEWIND N comes off a strong effort in defeat.
Race 8
(8) PURE COUNTRY wasn’t done any favors with a post 9 assignment, but she looked great free-legged in her qualifier and there is no reason to leave a lot in the tank with only one more start left in her great career. A win here could be a difference maker in her reaching $2.5 million. (7) BLUE MOON STRIDE is a classy mare that can do it from on or off the pace. (1A) WINDSUN GLORY is another versatile mare with the capability of pulling off an upset.
Race 9
(5) MISSLAROSE was actually pretty handy for a change last week and just missed in a nice performance. I’m sticking with her. (2) POSSESSED FASHION has plenty of class and her comeback qualifier wasn’t bad. (8) CHROMEO is capable if he minds his manners.
Race 10
(2) WAR STORY was allowed to roll in his return from a long break and dominated versus lesser. This will be a nice test for him. (9) U NEED STONES drops down for Burke and Gingras. He’s going to be a huge favorite here but hasn’t been overly reliable of late. (3) NOHILLFORACLIMBER has been racing well and could get lucky.
Race 11
(4) BEST OF JENNA is back at The Meadowlands and three classes lower than his last appearance. Trainer/driver Stratton has a big chance to win with this one. (9) CUTS LIKE A KNIFE wasn’t up to stakes competition at the Red Mile but fits nicely with this bunch. (2) MYLITTLESURFERGIRL hasn’t been great lately but perhaps Gingras will shake her up. (1) ANGEL SPEAK goes for a trainer that is 3 for 5 at the meet.