Meadowlands: Friday 2/28 Analysis

MEET STATS: 184-38-38-35 / $242.40 (-$125.60)
BEST BETS: 14-6-2-0 / $26.60 (-$1.40)
BEST BET: TUVALU (4th)
SPOT PLAY: KOTARE YARRA N (8th)

Race 1 – GSY Amateur Leg 2 - **$25K GTD Pick 5**

(6) SCIROCCO MISTYSAID was used hard fending off early challenges and got nipped in the stretch by a fresh foe. He should get away softer on the engine in this field. (4) TOP OF THE MARK gets a better post to work with and looks like the other speed. He should be chasing from the pocket. (1) MAKE IT BIG tried to rally on the rim and couldn’t do it last time. A ground-saving trip could make a difference. (5) PARKLANE JET rallied impressively last week but gets a new driver now.

Race 2 – Non-winners $6,500 in last 5

(6) CAVIART JANE just missed in a nice try to start her 3-year-old campaign. Any small step forward should result in a win. (1) DARKRSHADEOFPALE N returns here at a reduced level and could make some noise. (2) EXOTIC DANCE shows the best early speed and her form is good enough; maybe. (7) ILANA Z TAM need some pace help, but I wouldn’t be shocked if she won.

Race 3 – Non-winners $3,500 in last 5

(2) TOUGH MAC gets post relief and a new driver at the helm. His most recent start was his first try at this level and he had no shot from post 10. (3) CHIEF JUSTICE changes classes after displaying some late pace lately. He looks like a serious player in here. (7) CHASIN’ DREAMS raced well last time and a similar effort puts him in the picture.

Race 4 – Non-winners 2/3 races or $20,750 life – Pick 6

(4) TUVALU was a solid second upon arrival last week and he should be controlling the action with a big shot again. (2) ONDINE switches to the big track this week and might just step up. He raced well here a few starts back. (8) I GOT THE LOOKS lit up the board nicely off the bench. A repeat effort would make him tough.

Race 5 – Non-winners $6,500 in last 4

(4) TRIXIE DUST has been racing well from off the pace at Saratoga. He returns here at a reduced level and should be a player. (2) CYCLONE MAXIMUS raced well when he showed speed last time and now Gingras joins the team. A similar try puts him involved. (6) CRAZY ABOUT PAT drops back down to the proper level. Can he stay flat? (3) SOUTHWIND FROST won at first asking for this barn; steps up?

Race 6 – Non-winners $6,500 in last 4 - **$50K GTD Pick 4**

(10) RUBBER DUCK drops again and really has no excuses this week despite the bad post. (1) INFINITI AS picked up his game in start three of 2020. Veteran trotter has some go. (7) MAGIC MVP finished well with Lasix added a week ago and might step forward again. (9) ALL CHAMPY rallied nicely with hobbles added; ready to take on classier here?

Race 7 – Non-winners $10,000 in last 5

(1) CARRICK figured things out while overcoming post 9 at The Meadows on Monday. In a field loaded with potential early speed, he seems very interesting. (3) BIZET is also a capable closer and he should offer value with McCarthy picking off for (8) EXPLOSIVE RIDGE, who could be very dangerous if I’m wrong about the amount of early speed and he makes the front easily.

Race 8 – Non-winners $10,000 in last 4

(5) KOTARE YARRA N drops down off a good third from a tough post last time. Why can’t she be a big player? (4) ELENIARK A won 22 times in 64 starts in her homeland, which is very good. The qualifier was ok but short of great; overbet? (7) SHE’S ALLRIGHT qualified back well. She showed some good things as a 3-year-old.

Race 9 – Winners over $10,000 in last 5

(8) ODDS ON ST LUCIE took a month off and qualified well, finishing in 26 1/5 while getting out-kicked by one of the best pacing mares in training. She should provide fair value despite Dunn getting in the bike. (4) LILY HAMMER has early speed and form. What’s not to like? (9) WRITE ME A SONG was getting a bit leg weary in the final yards of her qualifier, but that is he M.O. even at Yonkers. I see her being an underlay in this spot.

Race 10 – Non-winners 4-7 races or $50,000-$100,000 life – Pick 4

(5) FINAL CLAIM came back from vacation with a strong mile and you’d have to think he can only get sharper. (1) GOTWUTEVERITTAKES also came back from the bench with a solid try; improvement very possible. (9) OBERTO is rounding into form and has a powerful late brush. If the pace is reasonable, he’ll be gaining with every stride in the lane.

Race 11 – Trackmaster Rating 74.5 or less

(3) CINDER RITA has been trying to rally into some slow paces lately. This field came up plenty soft and perhaps the trip will work more in her favor. (2) DANGEROUSPRECEDENT refused to give ground last week after making the front; clear threat. (10) FINNISH YOUR WAY raced well in her first start for Pelling but post 10 hurts. (4) MAJOR MAID hasn’t been on her game but still seems like a player.

Race 12 – Non-winners $3,500 in last 5

(7) ROCKIN PRALINE drops to the basement condition and will be offered no excuses. (5) TRAFFIC JAM wasn’t bad in her qualifier. Perhaps the month off has changed her form. (2) PRINCESS HOLLY N has early speed and form.

Race 13 - $7,500 Claiming

(1) MAGNUM MIKE should be in form now after two starts back from the long break. Dunn driving is a nice plus for this horse who is shipping in from out of town. (8) STEVE SAID has form but switches barns. I’ll use him but not if the price nears odds-on territory. (4) DRUNKEN DESIRE A moves inside and could find early speed. (2) THAT’S MY OPINION could be dangerous if allowed to relax early and pounce on the leaders.