Meadowlands: Friday 1/31 Analysis

MEET STATS: 106-23-20-18 / $117.40 (-$94.60)
BEST BETS: 8-4-1-0 / $16.20 (+$.20)
BEST BET: ALL AMERICAN N (6th)
SPOT PLAY: BELLAMENTE (13th)
Race 1 – Trackmaster Rating 77.7 or less - **$25K GTD Pick 5**
This looks like a tricky race filled with potential breakers and some spotty form. (5) ER SKYWALKER made a break last time but is capable of firing to the front for a good barn with trotters. The price should be right. (2) NAMJE scored impressively last week for a trainer who was red hot last weekend. (6) THE MAGIC OF LIFE is a capable horse who breaks way too often; demand value.
Race 2 – Non-winners 4/5 races or $50,000/$60,000 life
(3) ESA has loomed but can’t seem to apply the knockout punch, even with Lasix added. There really is no standout here and he can step up. (2) SOUTHWIND FROST should be handled aggressively this week and I don’t see much early speed in the field. (6) MISSION HILL was rolling along until the break last time; clear threat if everything is in order.
Race 3 – Non-winners $3,500 in last 5
(7) BIZET displayed some signs of life last week and he gets needed class relief tonight. (4) WILLY MOUSE comes off a decent mile for a higher claiming tag and picks up Dunn now. (1) TYSON stretches out to a mile track and perhaps that will cure his recent breaking issues.
Race 4 – Trackmaster Rating 74.5 or less
(2) ATOMIC REI gets a driver change to Dunn in a soft field. Veteran is capable and Dunn tends to get the best out of horses lately. (5) TAILGUNNER HANOVER finished well last time and should set up with a good trip considering there isn’t much speed to his outside. (4) BET ON JOE raced well in this class two starts back with Gingras at the helm. (1) SPORTS VISION was in a higher class when last seen here; wakes up?
Race 5 - $10,000/$12,500 Claiming Handicap
(4) KID PK looked awfully good while sweeping to the lead last time. I’ll roll the dice with him again assuming we can get 3-1 or higher. (10) DUCKIES DYNASTY has been climbing the claiming ladder without issue and we know he has the early speed to overcome the bad post. (8) SAPPHIRE CITY is a classy old-timer moving into a new barn and adding Dunn. Don’t be shocked if he steps up. (2) PREPPY ART reunites with Gingras and from an inside post this time.
Race 6 – Non-winners 6/7 races or $80,000/$90,000 life
(9) ALL AMERICAN N rolled to a win in his first start on these shores and while Gingras stays loyal to Burke, McCarthy picks up a seemingly nice ride. (5) RONNIE GOLDSTEIN has been racing well since coming here. While he may not win, he’s a big exotic factor. (3) WISHYOU’DTELLME pulled off a 30-1 win in this class in late December and could do it again. (4) DEPLORABLE TOM was done in by a tough post last time; chance.
Race 7 – Non-winners $6,500 in last 5
(2) MANHATTAN PLAY lost by six lengths last time but the winner won by five, so it isn’t that bad. With (1) I WILL DO IT to her inside, she could potentially make the front and sit no worse than second. The latter steps up in great form but I’m concerned that the rail isn’t the best spot for her. (10) MAJORETTE ANGIE has proven herself at this level. Can Dunn work out a trip from post 10? (9) CAROUSEL drops in class for a barn that excels with that move.
Race 8 – Non-winners $6,500 in last 5 - **$50K GTD Pick 4**
(5) GLORIA PIERRE has put together two solid races in a row and is a clean trip away from a win here. (2) SUDDEN PASSING will show early speed and should be sitting a good trip for top connections. (4) NARCIAN JEWEL won in this class last time out. (1) JEWEL LEHIGH A has plenty of class; not impossible.
Race 9 – Non-winners $10,000 in last 5
(6) MARION GONDOLIER drops back down to the proper class and seems to be sitting on a win. (3) ZLATAN also gets class relief. This may be his race to lose. (2) LASA DIDA LADY moves to the inside of the gate this week and should show more. (9) DW’S REVENGE and (10) PIERCEWAVE HANOVER both pick up top drivers and either could win with a decent trip.
Race 10 – Non-winners $15,000 in last 5
Going to take a wild shot here with (2) INFINITI AS. The Anette Lorentzon trainee has some big speed in his tank when he feels like behaving and I’m willing to roll the dice at a price. (6) DAYSON isn’t the horse he once was but still has enough in the tank to play with these. (4) MAX has been facing some killers of late and should enjoy this field.
Race 11 – Non-winners $7,500 in last 5
(3) U NEED STONES tends to get brave when he is down in class but I wouldn’t be running to the windows to bet him. (5) CLIVE BIGSBY is still trying to get his act together but I haven’t lost hope quite yet. (7) ALEX THE GREAT has been closing well of late and should be along for another share in what looks like a tough race unless the top pick fires.
Race 12 – Trackmaster Rating 74.5 or less
(2) SUMMER ROCK is a frequent player at this level and one that typically races well. I wouldn’t take 4-5, but he looks like the one to beat. (4) MAJOR MAID returns to the Big M where he raced well two and three starts back. (6) SWEET SUE has some early speed and decent form but I don’t see her as a strong win candidate. (2) PRINCESS HOLLY N finally draws well after a string of tough assignments.
Race 13 – Non-winners $3,500 in last 5
(7) BELLAMENTE raced evenly in her one start for Stratton over at Yonkers after a seven-week layoff. Five-year-old ships into a good spot and we’ve seen Stratton bring them here before and race well. (2) AXIOS never got involved from the outside post last time; driver change. (3) WINGS UP gets a driver and barn change; maybe. (10) CAMPBELLINI is coming off a solid effort but has to make some magic to win from post 10.