Meadowlands: Friday 9/15 Analysis
Best Bet: LIVE LAUGH LOVE (1st)
Spot Play: SEVIYORUM (3rd)
MEET STATS: 8 - 23 / $30.80 (-$15.20)
BEST BETS: 2 - 2 / $7.00 (+$3.00)
Race 1
(4) LIVE LAUGH LOVE remains a filly with ability in my mind and this is undoubtedly the easiest spot she has seen in some time. (3) MEGADOLCE has five placings in six career starts. (6) VENUS DUHARAS typically shows some early speed and gets a decent check. The price should be right to use underneath.
Race 2
(6) PATENT LEATHER loses Miller to (1) LINDY’S BIG BANG but gets a strong substitute in Gingras. Broadway Hall sired colt is plenty fast enough to win here and could even offer decent value. The latter has shown some speed lately and comes off a good race, but in his lone start from post one he came out fourth. (2) GLIDE IN THE WIND is unlikely to win but could stay close and get into the trifecta.
Race 3
(6) SEVIYORUM took a shot in the PASS Final but was turned away by superstar Manchego. This would appear to be a spot where she can do some damage. (5) DAB HANOVER comes off a convincing win and may offer value with Johansson driving. (1) DEFIANTSNOWFASHION has been racing well with hobbles added.
Race 4
(7) CALIFORNIA CRUISIN couldn’t handle the division’s elite up in Canada and now returns to the more comfortable Kindergarten ranks. This isn’t the easiest group but I believe in his talent. (1) ROCKAPELO picks up Tetrick and has never been worse than second in his career; likely favorite. (3) FASHIONONTHEBEACH is coming off perhaps his best career effort.
Race 5
(3) MET’S HALL looked like the best rookie trotting colt in Pennsylvania winning a consolation on Sept. 4. I’m staying on board. (1) U NEED STONES has done well in these B level stakes and is a must on most tickets. (7) CRYSTAL FASHION couldn’t rally from the back in the PASS Championship; threat with decent trip.
Race 6
(1) BORN TO BE BAD changes barns with the conclusion of the Ohio Sire Stakes season. Those races aren’t easy by any means and he should fit nicely with this group. (3) POINTS NORTH seems like the post time favorite while searching for three straight wins; using. (2) WHATS HIS IS MINE can save ground and get a piece of the exotics.
Race 7
(6) HEY BLONDIE was second behind standout Manchego in the PASS Championship and I’ll give her the slight edge in a battle with (5) BASQUIAT, who has never been worse than second in five starts. (1) PIRANHA FURY closed well last time and now adds Hall of Famer Miller.
Race 8
(4) LADY DUDETTE moves into a new barn and picks up Callahan after a solid effort in Kindergarten action last time. A small step forward should make her tough. (2) SOLITARY & (3) REIGN ON ME have top drivers and are clear players for the win slot.
Race 9
(4) FARSETTI HANOVER has found himself in recent weeks and may have a tactical edge over (7) FASHIONWOODCHOPPER with the better post. The latter is the PA champion after a 38-1 upset. He also seems to be coming around with two straight wins. (3) CHUCKY DE VIE has been racing very well but I can’t endorse on top without a catch-driver.
Race 10
(1) ALDINE HANOVER flashed speed at both ends of the mile to win a Kindergarten leg last week. She’ll get a challenge likely from (4) I’M TRIGGER HAPPY, but I think it is still Aldine’s race to lose. The latter goes for four straight and put up a pretty quick mile last out, though she had a nice setup in front of her. (5) SANDY’S BEACH only has one win but it was in a very competitive time.
Race 11
(6) JK WILDFIRE raced reasonably well in his overnight races. With the switch to the big track and Yannick in the bike, maybe a career best mile is on tap. (8) YO APOLLO CREED has that 1:51 win which jumps off the page but the rest of his lines are just ok. (2) PASSA-GRILLE BEACH ships in from Philly off a win and deserves a look. (7) ASTON HILL DAVE may be only 1 for 19 but is capable given the right journey.
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]