Meadowlands: Friday 12/21 Analysis
Best Bet: HOT SUMMER KNIGHT (4th)
Spot Play: PAPPY GO GO (1st)
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 83 - 229 / $471.70 (+$13.70)
BEST BETS: 7 - 19 / $20.00 (-$18.00)
Race 1
(7) PAPPY GO GO had plenty of go late in the mile last time but never got a chance to stretch his legs. This is no easy race with (8) MELADY’S MONET signed on, but the price should be reasonable. The latter charged home to win last time and lured David Miller off #7; one to beat. (1) TUONOBLU REX won easily but wasn’t that impressive in his last start.
Race 2
(1) HAMMER TIME never got involved from post 10 coming off a long break. This looks like a great spot for a win. (2) LUCKY SHEILA also gets post relief and has the speed to stick close to the action. (5) GODSPELL HALL only needs to stick close to the action and remain trotting to have a big shot. (4) CHARLIE ONA HARLEY recovered well after the early break last time.
Race 3
(4) RECLAMATION has looked super since coming in from what looks like Ireland. This will be a nice test of class. (6) ROBYN CAMDEN chased willingly in her first stateside appearance and does own a perfect record in 11 starts. (9) DELIGHTFUL FEATHER has never missed the board and could offer value despite winning four of her last five starts. (8) CATCH AN ACE & (10) BRONSKIMACKENZIE A comes in from Yonkers with form.
Race 4
(2) HOT SUMMER KNIGHT gets class relief and picks up Gingras. I’d be surprised if he didn’t bring a big effort. (6) FOX VALLEY STEFFEN scored versus lesser last time but is classy enough to handle the bump up here. (9) TRIUMPHANT’S CHIP has a 1:53 2/5 win here this year, so you know he is capable of upsetting.
Race 5
(3) FLY ON won after a break but missed six more weeks and came up short due to an uncovered trip. Coming right back after just eight days, I’m expecting a top effort. (8) IF NOT WHY NOT found a soft spot and won going away a week ago. He can compete with a decent trip. (4) UHLAN NOIR has good form but hasn’t been able to get over the top lately.
Race 6
(7) PENPAL did her best to rally but a slow pace did her in last time. She drops in class now and really doesn’t have any excuses. (1) OK HEAVENLY might be helped by the inside draw here. If she can stay no further than mid pack, maybe she could work out a trip. (8) THE SPINSTER N broke last time; worth another shot.
Race 7
(7) TROLLEY has climbed the ranks seamlessly and I see no end in sight to his winning streak. (8) MUSCLE DIAMOND is riding a four-race winning streak of his own but has missed five weeks of action. (4) THISGUYISONFIRE owns four wins in his last five starts with the only second-place finish coming vs. the top pick.
Race 8
(6) BRAZUCA comes off a win at Philly. Her previous starts here were against much better and she just missed in those starts. (9) STYLISH BEACHWHERE is getting class relief but drew poorly. Hopefully Miller can’t work out a smooth trip. (3) SEVENTIMESAVIRGIN comes out of a nice effort in the Open at Saratoga and put in a decent effort when last seen at this track.
Race 9
(1) CASH FOR GOLD has dealt with post 8 and two second-tier posts in the last three starts at Yonkers. It’s hard to get excited about this guy on paper, but his upset possibilities seem real in a wide-open field. (5) STAR STUDDED CAST raced well here last week. (7) MISS RUBY comes off a convincing win at Philly. (10) CASINO CUTIE IT should be a fit at this level for the exotics.
Race 10
(6) CHEYENNE REDIER hasn’t been able to get over the top lately. Perhaps the driver switch will make the difference. (2) PUMPED UP KICKS & (1) THE BRUISER are drawn well, have early speed and form. (3) ITSNOPROBLEMMAN is down in class this week.
Race 11
(8) FILLY FORTY SEVEN was a solid second behind an obvious winner last week and seems to have perked up with Lasix added. (7) GIVEMEYOURHEART comes out of the same race as the top one and did ok, but she needs to pick up a few lengths. (3) D GS ELSA was in a tough spot last time.
Race 12
(6) DELCREST HOLIDAY gets a huge class break this week and has no excuses for failure. (4) DERF HANOVER was a winner when last seen here with Callahan in the bike. (5) INAPERFECTWORLD has been racing well at Philly.
Race 13
(5) ICOMMANDMYSPIRIT is back at the right level after one start over her head. She should be in control of the action or sitting the pocket. (10) STORMTRACKER returns to the track where she took her lifetime mark earlier this year. (3) SHADY STELLA has been in some bad spots of late. She should give a good account of herself in here.
Race 14
(1) ROCKIN ROGER is down in class versus a dull group of horses. He gets the narrow call. (6) HE CAN FLY N has been racing reasonably well from off the pace in some fast miles. (7) TWINCREEKS JESSE finished ahead of #6 last time but drew worse this week. (3) POP ICON moves into a new barn.