Meadowlands: Friday 2/24 Analysis
Best Bet: J A T O (6th)
Spot Play: STRATOCASTER (3rd)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 0 - 0 / $0.00
Race 1
(1) CROSBYS CLAM BAKE always gives a good accounting of himself and the veteran can trip out in this abbreviated field. (6) LADY'S DUDE seems ready for action off last week's qualifier and the Burke trainee has beaten better in the past. (3) OPULENT YANKEE spent overtime on the rim last out from the tough post and should be in line for a smoother journey from this spot.
Race 2
(3) PRETTY PHYLLY G behaved herself and trotted home willingly last week at a big price. She can be better tonight with Marohn signed on to drive. (1) MARION GOLDOLIER chased a tough one in that qualifier and he made decent money last season despite only one win. (6) ROSIE'S POCKETS hit the ticket in her last two and picks up Callahan.
Race 3
(6) STRATOCASTER was a winner three back at this level with Marohn driving; worth a look. (4) REAL NICE has been around seemingly forever and the millionaire has early speed to get good position. (7) QUALITY CLOSER gets Callahan in the bike off two encouraging efforts; threat.
Race 4
(7) CLASSICAL ANNIE has been close up in all recent efforts but has been burning money in the process; Burke-trained mare can offer more value tonight from this spot. (3) WAITING ON A WOMAN hasn't won in some time but is usually close up. (4) WINDSONG ILLUSION is another that seems to fit with these and only needs a smooth journey.
Race 5
(2) LIGHTNING STRIKE tried to take these down the road last week but faltered late after setting a decent clip; another chance. (3) WHO DO YOU LIKE draws well enough and has been sharp in recent overnight events. (6) SHAGUAR likely needed last week's acclimating effort and he seems capable of showing more.
Race 6
(5) J A T O was very gutsy in defeat last week at Yonkers, his first start for the Burke barn. That form should translate well on the move to the bigger track. (1) MONTALBANO BI steps up in class off some sharp efforts. (3) OHO DIAMOND is lightly raced but has shown serious ability on occasion; consider.
Race 7
(9) VINTAGE BABE ships up from Delaware in raging form for the Gannon barn and looks to find a good spot to do some damage despite the outside post. (3) THE SUMMER WIND was flat at Yonkers in her last two but was a winner three back at this level with Marohn driving. (4) FANTICIPATION has been very game in defeat in all her recent efforts.
Race 8
(5) HILL I AM dropped last week, added Callahan and got the job done; Laterza trainee may have gained some confidence and is certainly talented enough to repeat. (1) NOWUCIT NOWUDONT blasted down the road in his first start off the claim and is obviously the one to beat. (4) OPENING NIGHT failed on the front end in his return to the big track and he seems better suited from off the pace.
Race 9
(7) CARIBBEAN ROSE N may be ready to fire in her second start off the bench; consider if the price is right. (8) ICOMMANDMYSPIRIT was a solid two-move winner last week and can certainly repeat. (4) SAGE N qualified okay and has ability if she minds her manners.
Race 10
(4) EXQUISITE GLIDE hasn't won in the last two seasons where he was lightly raced but he's shown some decent efforts and hails from top connections. (1) LEAVE YOUR MARK hasn't had the easiest of trips in his last two. (8) SIM BROWN may appreciate the change in scenery.
Race 11
(1) CHEROKEE RANGER rallied nicely to power by and post the mild upset last week upon dropping to this level; no reason why he can't repeat from this spot. (5) SAILIN METRO just missed last out in an improved effort. (8) AUCKLAND FLYER aired it out on the front end last week before running out of gas. Perhaps he's tighter off that effort.
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the NEW FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]