Meadowlands: Friday 5/12 Analysis
Best Bet: BETTOR CHILL OUT (10th)
Spot Play: BILLS MAN (9th)
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: 8 - 21 / $26.60 (-$15.40)
BEST BETS: 2 - 2 / $5.80 (+$1.80)
Race 1
(5) WINDSUN FIREBALL comes off a decent effort from the back at Yonkers and has displayed the ability to leave fast here. Joe Lee has done a good job in these amateur races; narrow call in competitive event. (6) PINE TAB seems to be coming into form for trainer Nick Surick, who sits third in the country in wins. (4) KEYSTONE THOMAS found his form at Plainridge and does have a good history here. (9) WINWOOD SCOUT is fast off the gate and has form as well. My main concern is there may be too many other leavers to his inside.
Race 2
(4) MYAMMIE DRAMA scored at first asking to start her 3-year-old season while beating a colt that was a next out winner. Let’s keep rolling with her. (2) BEACH CREDIT comes off an impressive-looking win at Pocono on paper, but was kept to task most of that mile rather than cruising on his own. It is also worth noting that Matt Kakaley was listed and isn’t showing up. (6) SHEER ASSAULT was simply second best in his qualifier but showed some promise last year and has early speed.
Race 3
(6) REAL DJ HANOVER fought gamely in defeat versus a better group than he faces tonight. There are no excuses for failure. (2) HYWAY MARCUS has been pretty bad of late but deserves major consideration in this newly created bottom level condition here. (4) CAPTAIN PRIMEAU is off a win and has been known to surprise here in the past versus better than he faces tonight.
Race 4
(2A) SOUTHWIND HYDRO was second behind Dexter Cup winner Lord Cromwell and talented Enterprise in two qualifiers. The missed time is concerning, but trainer Nancy Johansson reports that the colt trained fast on Saturday and was very good. (1A) EASTERN PROMISE was sneaky good late in his recent qualifier and comes with a capable teammate in (1) MUSCLE HIGH, who was a decent third after removing hobbles here. (8) SWEETCHAP finished willingly for the win in his latest qualifier and Trond calls on David Miller to drive.
Race 5
(6) JAYE’S A LADY flashed good speed and tired at Miami Valley and now shows up with Lasix added as she apparently bled. Filly raced well in her prior attempt versus one who returned to win a second time. This looks like a good spot. (3) SKY FULLA STAR CHASED IN SOME FAST MILES AT Pocono in the Weiss series; should have every shot tonight. (2) CARLY GIRL is off a solid effort here and merits a look. (7) ROCKINSANGRIA is another Weiss series participant looking for a better spot now. (8) WINDSUN BROOKLYN took tote action and romped last time; outside post hurts.
Race 6
(6) DAYSON raced ok in his first start of the year and should be ready to roll now. (7) OPULENT YANKEE puts in an honest effort every week. If the top choice somehow decides to take it easy early, this guy will be tough on the engine. (5) B YOYO got back on track versus inferior competition last time; capable but up against it here. (4) BROADWAY DONNA wasn’t exactly awesome in her qualifiers and now gets thrown to the wolves in her 2017 debut.
Race 7
(4) MANHATTAN MISS raced well in her first start for this barn but broke last time. In a field without a clear standout, she seems worth a shot. (1) SOUTHWIND WOODY is back on the big track with Gingras in the bike. (7) SHEER FLEX seems to be up in class but this field is closer to a NW8500 than NW11500. (6) SWEET JUSTICE is a classy veteran that is capable of stepping up at times. (9) SIDE BET HANOVER was dealt a tough post in her 2017 debut. If the trip is clean, she can win.
Race 8
(1) SOFT IDEA wasn’t ready for life as an older mare and promptly got a couple of months off. She returns to the races now in a much easier spot and has a chance to step up. (2) DAUT FULL was a victim of circumstance when she broke last time. I’m expecting a good effort but perhaps a shorter price than warranted. (7) KEYSTONE I WISH has raced well in nearly every start this year; must use. (6) LET HER ROCK has some early speed and may reverse form on the big track.
Race 9
I loved the last qualifier from (2) BILL’S MAN. He did everything right and would have won if set free by Callahan. With a talented Burke entry signed on, the price should remain right. (1A) WHAT THE HILL made over $315k in 2016 and was probably somewhat disappointing. I still think his best is yet to come and his qualifier was sharp. (6) MIGHTY SURF comes off a toss-out mile at Yonkers. Filly could sneak into the trifecta here at a big price. (1) DEACON TONY has won two straight and gets tested for class.
Race 10
(1) BETTOR CHILL OUT was flat with a perfect trip last week, but she gets HUGE class relief tonight and should take charge and dominate at short odds. (7) BACKWOODS BARBIE was tackling a much sharper group when last seen here; room for improvement. (5) LITTLE MISS MARIE arrives from Freehold and seems to be in a good spot to unleash some early speed. (10) THEWAYULOOKTONIGHT comes out of some tougher spots but was dealt a major blow with post 10.
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]