Meadowlands: Friday 4/21 Analysis
Best Bet: CHAT SNAP (11th)
Spot Play: TUONOBLU REX (6th)
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: 179 - 605 / $908.60 (-$301.40)
BEST BETS: 26 - 52 / $100.40 (-$3.60)
Race 1
(3) REV IT NOW finally found himself in his third start back after missing the entire 2016 season. Veteran should be hustled away by Hannah Miller and end up sitting a good trip. (4) DETROIT RAPPER has come alive of late but tends to race better when he does his own thing, which means he could be a victim of the pace scenario. (2) FOX VALLEY STEFFEN missed six weeks around a scratch-lame line and was a bit flat in his return. Eight-year-old has upset potential in this field.
Race 2
It just seems odd to me that a Maine owner is shipping a 3-year-old with career earnings of $2,786 to The Meadowlands to race for Jonas Czernyson. In a field without a clear standout, I’m intrigued enough to roll the dice with (6) MADISON MUSCLE. (8) CELEBRITY RUTH flashed good early speed in her qualifier and trainer Trond Smedshammer is calling on David Miller here. (7) DEACON TONY did qualify against a killer that is racing in the Preferred tonight. I’m not sure what to make of this guy yet. (1) NORTHERN STARLIGHT also qualified well for Smedshammer; worth a look.
Race 3
(7) FIRST CLASS FILLY raced well in her career debut and could be an upset player with modest improvement. (2) CHAPTER TOO went from having no fight when I needed her two starts back to be ultra-game last week. I have no idea which version of this gal will show up tonight. (4) ANGEL CINDY did much of the work and tired in the former’s win last time. (1) ROMANCING RACHEL & (1A) SOUTHWIND WOODY could be win players if they improve slightly.
Race 4
(5) ENTERPRISE and (7) TOP FLIGHT ANGEL both posted very sharp qualifiers last time out. I’m giving the edge to the former as he gets the added plus of a driver change from the trainer to Tim Tetrick. Both of these colts have a right to be quite good. (3) DEJAROVER couldn’t handle #7 in their recent qualifier, but he did race reasonably well that morning. (8) SOUTHWIND COBRA finished between #’s 3 and 7 in that qualifier; post hurts tonight.
Race 5
(6) MONTALBANO BI drops for the second straight week and I’ll give him one more shot. (2) DANISH DURANGO is probably the horse to beat as he may have an early speed tactical edge on the top pick. If he is offering better value, I’d lean his way. (1) LANDONFITZ picks up a catch-driver this week after a string of races with an amateur; improvement likely. (8) STITCH IN TIME comes off a decent try and does get Tetrick tonight.
Race 6
(2) TUONOBLU REX was spectacular in his U.S. qualifying debut. While this is a tough spot, from what I saw he should be up to the task. (3) CRAZY WOW put in two solid qualifiers and should be ready to add to his $1.5 million in career earnings. (4) B YOYO, (5) MUSCLE DIAMOND and (6) OPULENT YANKEE are all capable with a top effort.
Race 7
(6) PENPAL has blown away her competition in consecutive starts as a 4-year-old. While the waters get deeper here, I’m setting sail with her until she hits an iceberg. (4) INITTOWINAFORTUNE has early speed and is plenty sharp. Veteran is likely to offer fair value considering her form. (7) CALL ME QUEEN BE scooted up the cones nicely to beat a quality foe in Darlinonthebeach to start her year. Breeders Crown champ from last year could take it easy in her first pari-mutuel start.
Race 8
(5) ROCK OF CASHEL rallied nicely versus a pumped-up Appomattox last time. He drops a notch tonight and should prove tough. (3) OHO DIAMOND reunites with Brett Miller. He steered this mare to a win while in a higher condition back on March 3. (2) HOT SUMMER KNIGHT is certainly sharp and Tetrick joining the team won’t hurt one bit. (1) KARETS picks up Gingras and could show more now.
Race 9
(5) ANDERSON SEELSTER raced well as a 2-year-old when under the care of Casie Coleman in Canada last year. She lands in a good spot for her 2017 debut and could score at a good mutuel. (4) TWINKLE got away with soft fractions and sprinted home last Friday; threat again. (3) JAYE’S A LADY raced in some nice stakes last year without much success. Her return qualifier was solid enough, though I would have liked to see her win. (1) STAIRWAYTOTHESTARS & (10) ALL ABOUT THE PACE finished behind #4 last time but are capable of improving.
Race 10
(5) GWENEEEE J was raced more conservatively last time and closed okay with no shot. If she is put in play early, she can make amends. (4) GOLDEN IDOL hails from a barn that is capable of popping with one and this young lady only gets into the race under the AE condition. (2) KEYSTONE I WISH & (2A) VORST form a strong entry, though the former looks more imposing and will likely be the favorite.
Race 11
(3) CHAT SNAP has done nearly everything right to start her career and looks like the clear chalk in here. (9) PHYLLIS JEAN comes off a win at this level and gets a free ride, but she gets unlucky to run into the top choice. (7) TOUCHAMATIC showed some guts digging in to win her qualifier; worth following. (10) DUSTLANEMISSMOLLY has high speed and should hold on for a fair share. (8) BACKWOODS BARBIE arrives for a barn that is having a good meet.
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