Meadowlands: Friday 3/27 Analysis
Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 134 - 522 / $728.50 BEST BETS: 18 - 43 / $68.60
Best Bet: HANDOVER BELLE (7th)
Spot Play: MATTIE TERROR GIRL (9th)
Race 1
(1) BIG BANG HANOVER tucked, brushed and stopped badly last week while battling the elements in what looked like a blizzard a first glance. His prior effort was fine and the price should improve now. (3) STONEHAM is another who was part of the pace on that bad-weather night. Don’t be shocked if he shows more now; Lasix added. (7) FERRAGAMO comes off a decent placing against similar. (5) MUSCULARITY finally stayed flat last time and the result was a win.
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Race 2
(3) WHATNBLAZES is an honest horse that knows how to pick of the pieces when the race falls into his lap. With the possibility of a fair amount of outside speed from (7) POUNCE HANOVER, who wired many of these last week, and (6) MR RIDGETAKER, who moves into a decent win percentage barn, this race could fall into David Offenberg’s hands with Whatnblazes. (5) FALCOR BLUESTONE was a bit flat when he needed his best last time, but I can certainly seeing him winning with modest improvement.
Race 3
(4) OUTBURST has gone a bit sour facing more seasoned foes. Four-year-old gets some class relief tonight and should perk up. (3) STRUCK BY LINDY comes out of the same race as the top choice and performed much better; must use. (2) HELIOS is also back down in class and looms a trip threat.
Race 4
(6) PERMANENT JOY came up with a good mile a week ago to finish second behind a much-the-best winner. If he minds his manners during the mile, he should be very tough to beat. (2) CURVATURE HANOVER has three wins in her last five starts and should be forwardly placed. (8) CELEBRITY STIMULUS sports some early speed and a nice 1:55 2/5 win here last year.
Race 5
(3) SWEET JUSTICE didn’t show very much while completely uninvolved last week, but it was a post 10 start. He moves down to the (near) basement condition and has no excuses. (5) MUSCOLO returned from winter break with a good attempt and should be involved again. (7) HOME TURF arrives on the scene for Burke/Gingras; respect.
Race 6
(1) SCANDALICIOUS can’t seem to buy a good trip lately. She lucks-out into a field without much early speed and may have the option of making a quick early brush. (5) ADDYS WAY has been very consistent and was second in this class last time. (6) TWIN B ELITE hasn’t started in a month but has only missed the board once in six starts this year; mixed feelings.
Race 7
(3) HANDOVER BELLE raced steadily in her 2015 debut but visually appeared like she would be ready for more with that race under her belt. She can be a major player in the older trotting mare division this year. (8) ODDS ON AMETHYST has been first or second in four of five starts this year; must use. (1) APPOMATTOX comes off a nice win but tackles tougher and loses Gingras.
Race 8
(7) BALLINEEN rallied off cover to win two of her last three starts at this level. She is far from a lock in here, but seems worth a play if the odds drift to about 5-2. (1) SMOKIN N GRININ comes off a game effort and seems to be rounding into form. (9) JANIE BAY turned things around last time and has been known to go a big mile now and then. (4) CRAZY ON YOU made a nice bid before weakening a week ago and could be a player with smoother sailing.
Race 9
(7) MATTIE TERROR GIRL put in an even mile in her first start since December while facing much better than tonight’s competition. All systems should be on go now. (1) PAN LUIS OBISPO, (2) DREAM’S BAR, (9) WESTERN EMPRESS, (4) BLACK MAGIC EYES and (3) TREVOR’S BEBE would all appear to be in with an even shot if the top ones fails to bring her best game.
Race 10
(3) STITCH IN TIME actually starts in consecutive weeks for the first time this year. Gelding finished up okay last time out and faces an easier group tonight. (9) FOX VALLEY LEGEND is clearly the one to beat and only needs a reasonable trip to score; using on every ticket. (1) LOOKING HANOVER reunites with co-owner Yannick Gingras and should get a share.
Race 11
(7) DREAMS OF THUNDER returns from a two month break with an even qualifier and a decent run of past success here. With no standouts in this group he seems worth a shot. (6) IN NOMINE PATRI drops way down in class and really should bring a good effort. (4) WORTH THE MONEY AS should be along for his usual decent check.
Race 12
(5) DETROIT RAPPER should cruise down the road at even money or so. (6) KEYSTONE BOCA can go with the top one on her best day. (7) AGGRESSIVE hasn’t raced in three weeks and comes off a scratched-sick line; chance if feeling good.
Race 13
(8) NO LIES ships in with form for a barn that has performed well here this year. With Yannick signed on to drive, I’ll take a shot. (10) LIGHTNING PAIGE gets tons of class relief and can fire off the gate; big chance. (9) THE SUMMER WIND would be the likely favorite from an inside post and could still take enough money to be a lukewarm choice. (1) CANDY STYX N should save ground and get into the exotics.
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