Meadowlands: Friday 4/19 Analysis
Best Bet: DEALER’S TABLE (5th)
Spot Play: D GS SHADOWSBELL (3rd)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 217 - 674 / $1321.30 (-$26.70)
BEST BETS: 16 - 53 / $54.60 (-$51.40)
Race 1
(1) EXS AND OHS finished up with steady trot last week but couldn't make a dent in the deficit. Maybe new driver Dexter Dunn will have her in better position. (3) MERCHANDISER hasn't raced a full season since 2016 and only started once in 2017 while exploring stallion duty during his off time. Seems like this son of Muscle Hill is back now after a win at Pocono and maybe he can handle these. (2) BIZET looks very competitive, but as the likely favorite, I'd rather look elsewhere.
Race 2
(6) FINAL CLAIM rolled in round one of this series and should prove tough as the chalk tonight. (1) WARRIOR ONE chased the winner two starts back and then his stablemate last time; second best again? (5) HL REVADON has been keeping up nicely and he does get a new driver this week.
Race 3
(6) D GS SHADOWSBELL ships down from Canada and into a very capable barn. Her one qualifier here is a tricky read because it seems she sat behind tired foes while chasing a much the best winner, so maybe it was a much better effort than it looks. (2) LIVE ODDS shows good late form and a key driver change to Gingras; expect very low odds. (3) BETTERTHANBRIE raced well despite taking air last time.
Race 4
(8) RECLAMATION rebounded in a big way last week as expected and now takes a sizable class jump to face older foes. She can handle it. (3) SHEZZA GNP N drops out of the Blue Chip Matchmaker series and deserves respect. (5) DELIGHTFUL FEATHER has never missed the board in her career. Is she ready off one qualifier?
Race 5
(5) DEALER'S TABLE raced gamely in defeat to a foe that worked out a golden trip. This is his race to lose. (1) RESPECT OUR FLAG was used on the front and paid the price. I'm expecting a less aggressive try this time. (7) ROCKME ROLLME is in fine form but can't possibly get a trip as good as last week.
Race 6
(2) HALLINTHECLOUDS qualified back very nicely and seems to have found a soft spot. (5) HALLIAMA tried his luck on the front and it paid off with a solid effort; expect more speed here. (7) SKY IS MINE wasn't bad last week off the bench versus a better field; using.
Race 7
(4) GOLD ORCHID N drops out of the Matchmaker series and tries her luck on the big track. Considering her off the pace style lately, that could be a good thing. (1) BRAZUCA just missed after missing some time and could certainly be sharper now. (8) OCEANIA suffered her first loss of the year last week at Yonkers and clearly deserves respect. (5) SELL A BIT N is another exiting the Matchmaker but she has yet to hit the board in seven 2019 starts.
Race 8
(6) FOR A DREAMER has a couple of qualifiers under his belt and seems to have landed in an easy spot for his debut for this barn. (4) RESITA is a clear player but seems better used underneath if recent efforts are an indication. (5) DW'S REVENGE can certainly be much tighter with last week's start under his belt.
Race 9
(3) KIMBERLEE finished up willingly in her most recent qualifier and seems to have caught the right field to fire at first asking in 2019. (9) SHESJUSTADELIGHT N gets some key class relief tonight and hopefully she'll be handled with aggression. (1) SHEER TALENT basically took the night off on Tuesday and should be much closer to the action here.
Race 10
(1) PRINCE OF TIDES rallied very nicely in his first start since August and I'm certainly intrigued. (3) ROLLWITHPAPAJOE comes off a strong mile and is hard to ignore. (6) BLACKLIGHT won at first asking for new trainer Per Engblom.
Race 11
(2) EXPLOSIVE RIDGE drops down and adds Tetrick. Against a dull field, those seem like good angles. (5) ROUNDTOWN ROCKER gets some class relief and has the early speed to make serious noise. (1) LANDONFITZ is more than capable but has been off his game; tough call.
Race 12
(3) SUTTON draws best of the major contenders and should be sitting in prime position. (6) PINKMAN raced better than I expected last time and I wouldn't be shocked if he won. (7) ALL CHAMPY comes in from Dover in fine form and seems to have picked up his game in his 5-year-old season.
Race 13
(5) TOO MUCH HANOVER gets another vote of confidence this week since he should be on the engine in steps versus a dull group. (8) PRINCE OF MINTO & (9) AVENTURE have some form but outside posts; capable. (6) KNIGHTOFVICTORY has a decent closing kick if the race sets up properly.