Meadowlands: Friday 5/5 Analysis
Best Bet: ENTERPRISE (2nd)
Spot Play: BETTOR CHILL OUT (4th)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
FINAL FALL/WINTER STATS: 190 - 649 / $958.60 (-$339.40)
BEST BETS: 29 - 56 / $108.40 (-$3.60)
Race 1
(3) YES MICKEY returned to the races in 2017 with hobbles added and had no trouble in his qualifier; narrow edge. (5) STEALTH HANOVER raced very well in his first start of the year despite an outside post and facing a good-looking foe. (4) SHAQ TO THE RACK comes off two useful qualifiers and Schnittker lists a catch-driver for the assignment.
Race 2
(3) ENTERPRISE looked the part of a good one in his Meadowlands debut two weeks back and gets tested a bit for class in this tougher spot. (2) TOP FLIGHT ANGEL chased the top one around the track last time and seems destined for a similar fate on Friday. (1A) MAGIC PRESTO is a talented sophomore filly taking on the boys. She beat Ariana G in her latest qualifier, but if Sears didn’t show up to drive I’m not interested.
Race 3
(6) DUSTLANEMISSMOLLY wired many of these last weekend and seems destined for another good performance on the lead or in the pocket behind (7) PHYLLIS JEAN. The latter was a solid second last time behind the top choice. Maybe she’ll be placed back on the engine this week? (5) SENSELESS BEAUTY arrives for a hot barn. Mare has done her best work on bigger tracks.
Race 4
(3) BETTOR CHILL OUT won five races last year, three of them at The Meadowlands in this class or higher. After a steady effort in her first start of 2017, I’m expecting a big performance. (4) BLUSH HANOVER comes off a strong mile but I like her better in spots where she lays over the field. (5) ROCK ME GENTLY brushed and tired last time. Maybe different tactics will produce better results.
Race 5
(4) CELEBRITY STIMULUS has been racing well and should be sitting on or near the lead, a must in most of these amateur races. (3) EXTRACURRICULAR came up with an improved effort last week and may be ready to turn a corner. (1) DETROIT RAPPER keeps burning money as the favorite but the public loves this guy. He has a chance but I’d demand better odds. (5) KEENAN has high early speed and knows how to win here. (9) PANANA REPUBLIC is in a tough spot from this post. If Hannah Miller can work out a trip, this mare has a chance.
Race 6
(6) MANIANA was far back in her lone qualifier, but that was against some stiff competition including Pure Country. Four-year-old mare had a decent campaign last year and debuts for new trainer Ron Burke. (4) SCANDALICIOUS gets huge class relief. I’m a bit confused about Tetrick choosing off; mixed feelings now. (7) GWENEEEE J has been winning every other week and this is a ‘good’ week. (5) SHEEZA SHARK N hasn’t been herself this year but is certainly capable of stepping up.
Race 7
(2) B YOYO grinded on the rim and was nailed by a fresh foe in the stretch last time. He rises in class on paper but doesn’t really face a difficult group for this condition. (7) IL MAGO has been stuck with outside posts at Yonkers; prior form is fine. (4) CAN DO is capable of gunning to the front and taking them a long way. (5) TRUEMASS VOLO will certainly be handled patiently and could close for a trifecta share.
Race 8
(4) SKATERLY won a qualifier in good time with the trainer in the bike about a month ago. Against a field full of question marks, I’ll take a chance. (1) ANNAPOLIS HALL gets a major driver change to Tetrick and figures to get pounded at the windows. Can we accept a short price on a horse that is 0 for 12? (9) GLITZEY GAL was driven conservatively and rallied well for second in her 2017 debut. An outside post and another start versus the boys could mean similar tactics. (5) DEW IN THE DESERT gets a trainer change; worth a look.
Race 9
(1) REAL DJ HANOVER didn’t get involved versus a runaway winner in his first start of the year. Dropping to the basement condition this week, I’m expecting a much more aggressive try. (4) EXQUISITE GLIDE drops down and was stuck in some traffic last Friday. He’ll be on all my pick four tickets. (8) DOWNUNDERMATTER takes a similar step down and should be considered. (7) LUV AT FIRST SITE upset in this class last out.
Race 10
I’ll come right out and say it, I really don’t love anyone in this race and will likely press the ALL button in the pick four. That opinion is increased by the fact that it is supposed to rain all day and night. For statistical purposes, (1) GYPSY ROSE raced reasonably well in her debut and could show more for team Burke. (4) CAVIART CHERIE displayed high speed last year and could run away and hide from this field if feeling right. (8) THAT’S HOW WE ROLL gets a driver change to Zeron. (6) ALL ABOUT THE PACE could improve with post relief this week.
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