Meadowlands: Friday 5/26 Analysis
Best Bet: EVERY WAY OUT (2nd)
Spot Play: HERE COMES NUMBERS (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: 29 - 65 / $128.00 (-$2.00)
BEST BETS: 5 - 6 / $13.50 (+$1.50)
Race 1
(1A) SOUTHWIND HYDRO has turned the corner with hobbles added and seems to face a very suspect group tonight. You’ll have to take 1-5 but there doesn’t seem to be any other viable options. (3) DI OGGI chased a good group in a PASS last week. This spot as a whole is easier. (6) NORTHERN STARLIGHT picks up David Miller in the bike. (4) ROSESAREEXPLOSIVE was Tetrick’s choice, but hard to get excited about a horse coming off a break in a qualifier.
Race 2
(6) EVERY WAY OUT can’t lose unless he falls down. He is simply much the best. (2) DEO GALILEO raced well for second versus the top choice last week and seems doomed to a similar fate on Friday. (5) PRAIRIE MCDREAMY raced well in his pari-mutuel debut. Perhaps he can build on that and threaten for second.
Race 3
(6) EXPLOSIVE MAN could be considered a reach while making his first start since November, but I’m getting one of the top amateurs at a price with a horse that is more than capable if ready. (5) PANANA REPUBLIC blew away an amateur field two starts back after adding hobbles but broke on the switch to the smaller track last week. Mare has a big shot but seems like an underlay. (3) WINWOOD SCOUT broke when over his head last time. He wired an amateur field in his previous start. (8) REAL DJ HANOVER should be on the move early and has the potential to take this field a long way if left alone.
Race 4
(6) ROCK ME BABY has some stakes potential whereas the rest of these will likely stay at a similar level going forward. I’m going to ignore her break last time and look for a major rebound. (7) KEYSTONE I WISH keeps climbing the claiming ladder and coming out on top; hard to toss. (2) SUPER SOPH picked up some confidence at Tioga and might just be up to the task here at a price.
Race 5
(1) ICE ATTRACTION was gaining on top colt Enterprise two starts back and was seemingly ready to take a shot at Ariana G when she broke last week. There is clearly talent here and perhaps the switch to catch-driver Andrew McCarthy will make the difference. (4) FEED YOUR HEAD is one of a couple Brian Sears is in to drive likely to keep the mount for the final. Muscle Hill-sired filly raced well in her 2017 debut. (8) GLITZEY GAL got away with a soft half and was able to sprint clear last time. She has a shot but the price will be lower than I can accept in a nice field. (5) DREAM BABY DREAM is a nice filly that seems to be improving. I’m just not sure she is fast enough to win.
Race 6
(2) WHAT THE HILL has done everything right since returning to the races a couple of starts back. I’m not sure he is a lock, as there are a couple in here who could get fast in a hurry, but it is hard to play against him. (7) SIGNAL HILL wasn’t put into play in his first start of the year. You can expect him to show more now. (1) KING OF THE HILL gets a driver switch to Sears. If anyone can get the most out of this underachiever, it is him. (8) NEW JERSEY VIKING is another Ake Svanstedt trainee switching to McCarthy in the bike.
Race 7
(1) WINTER HARBOR had some sneaky late trot in his last qualifier. While this could typically be a difficult spot, the class came up a bit light and has plenty of early speed that likes to tire, which should help his cause for a closing effort. (3) DON DORADO should be on the move early and sitting a good trip. If (8) STONEBRIDGE COMBAT goes on another crazy speed mission, the Don should have first crack at him. The latter qualified well but was clearly tiring a bit late.
Race 8
(5) RINGING OF THE BELL moves into a new barn and picks up Gingras. We’ve seen this switch produce good results in the past and just a one second improvement would place her on par with likely heavy favorite (8) COLORFUL JASMINE. The latter is perfect in two starts this year and has never been worse than second in her career. (4) LIVINGTHEDREAM broke last time but seems like a fit with this group. I’ll be using her on my tickets.
Race 9
(3) HERE COMES NUMBERS is a bit of a tricky horse that is probably better suited for a regular catch-driver. Jennifer Lappe-trained gelding finds a great spot this week and should roll. (1) HYWAY MARCUS wasn’t catching a drop-down winner last time and seems likely to be in the same boat again. (4) SOBORO HANOVER is better than he has shown of late. (2) V FOR VICTORY has been stuck with outside posts on the half lately.
Race 10
(7) ALGEBRA might not be as fast as some of the others when they are on their game, but I’ve seen this driver change to Gingras work too many times to ignore. (4) THAT GIRL OF MINE closed well from the back versus an odds-on winner last time. She should have a major say in here. (3) MOJARRA HANOVER just missed last Friday and unfortunately won’t offer the same value this week. (1) BEAVERCREEK ANNIE rarely wins but seems like a must on the wider exotic wagers.
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