Meadowlands: Friday 7/27 Analysis
Best Bet: LAWMAKER (7th)
Spot Play: METEORIC (10th)
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 89 - 250 / $437.10 (-$62.90)
BEST BETS: 15 - 23 / $46.00 (+$0.00)
Race 1
(2) BIZET has been tackling tougher foes including the likely Hambletonian-bound Zephyr Kronos. This is a spot where he should have a huge shot to win. (7) EXARCH raced well in PASS action in his first start for trainer Ron Burke. He’s the main danger and will likely offer little to no value. (8) E L PLATINUM has been consistent, which means he’ll likely get a piece of the exotics.
Race 2
(4) DANCE BLUE has been sharp and seems to have ability. Switch to a catch-driver this week should only help. (7) BUTCHIE BEACH is back on the big track where she has a recent first and second. If she won the draw her chances would’ve been higher. (6) HURRIKANE EMPRESS flashed speed at both ends of the mile to win after four weeks on the bench. She’ll need to go a bit faster against this group.
Race 3
(3) ASIAGO qualified well but was scratch-sick in her first start. Since she is right back in for Hall of Fame trainer Jimmy Takter, I’m not too concerned about the missed week. The inside post should serve her well. (5) MA WAS RIGHT just missed twice in state-bred action in PA and now returns to the scene of her lone win; big shot. (1) TAYLOR SWIFTLY has cruised in two qualifiers with hobbles added; clearly dangerous versus these.
Race 4
(9) MOTHER BONNIE is a tricky call this week with the outside post, but I do still believe she is the best filly in the race. Daughter of Trixton was driven like an aged pacer in just her second career start and wound up breaking. Hopefully the trip will be less taxing this week. (3) SUSY is the one to beat on paper after wiring a field last time. (4) THE ICE DUTCHESS won her only start and could offer some value in here after the scratched-sick line. (1) HANNA DREAMGIRL & (6) SPEED TITAN are both coming off wins and neither has missed the board in their careers.
Race 5
This race is something of a crapshoot. (1) DANISH DILIGENCE finally gets some post relief at this level and should be firing off the gate. (3) URBANITE HANOVER drops to the basement condition and also figures to get some aggressive handling. (7) RING WARRIOR wasn’t going to do much after taking back off the gate last time. He does fit at this level.
Race 6
I’m going against the grain here for the price play with (4) WHISPERING OAKS. Gingras picked off but Zeron should be more than capable of getting this talented daughter of Father Patrick going. (7) BEAUTIFUL SIN is undefeated and where Gingras landed. She’s a safer play than the top pick but hasn’t blown me away enough to accept an odds-on price. (8) FRENCH CAFÉ raced well in NJSS action and now tackles open foes. She could be this good.
Race 7
(2) LAWMAKER gets away from stakes competition. Trotter with pacer-like speed off the gate should be pointed down the road. (7) SHOSHIE DEO put in a decent effort versus better older foes after seven weeks on the sidelines. He should have a say in here. (1) U NEED STONES has some ability but is very erratic.
Race 8
(1) WINDSUN GLORY isn’t my favorite mare in the world, but she does seem to be in a winning spot. Gingras will likely hustle her away from the gate and end up sitting no worse than the pocket. (6) PENPAL romped as expected last week. This spot is tougher but not impossible. (5) LYONS RIVER PRIDE sat behind a rated pace and was unable to gain in the stretch despite a 26-second final quarter. With a better trip she can make some noise.
Race 9
(3) CHECKMATE TIME gets some serious class relief and you have to think that driver Donald Dupont will try to bottom out this field. (2) COMMANDER PARIS N won at first asking on these shores and must be considered. (5) MISSLAROSE is another moving down one class; clear player. (4) UHLAN NOIR couldn’t keep up with Hambo player Fourth Dimension in his qualifier. He’s somewhat of a mystery. (8) NEW JERSEY VIKING came back from a layoff with a solid effort. He’s in with a shot.
Race 10
(1) METEORIC came back from a long break and raced very well to be second. Any small step forward would result in a romp against this weak field. (6) MAN OF MUSCLE gets some post and class relief; wakes up? (5) SWEET JUSTICE can’t seem to find his form but is still loaded with class. I’m going to avoid him on my tickets but I’d understand if you wanted to give him another shot.
Race 11
This is an interesting race with many options. (3) SUDDEN CHANGE N has been facing tougher lately and has some legitimate excuses for recent failures. This looks like a winnable spot. (1) CLARA BEA has been coming up well short versus some much better ladies. Driver change to Miller and class relief could help. (2) DAENERYS HANOVER has early speed and form; player. (4) CRACKLIN ROSIE returns to The Meadowlands at a reduced level.
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