Meadowlands: Saturday 11/15 Analysis
Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 0 - 0 / $0.00
Best Bet: LIMELIGHT BEACH (7th)
Spot Play: JK ENDOFANERA (5th)
Race 1
(7) NOT AFRAID finds the type of spot where he typically takes charge. (5) MA CHERE HALL should enjoy the class relief she gets tonight. Talented 4YO mare is the other likely winner in the group. (2) BLOODSTOCKSHALLTAB comes in sharp for Burke/Gingras.
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Race 2
(5) PINKMAN took a couple of weeks off following his Valley Victory score. Gingras chose here over (6) HABITAT (11-7-2-1), who he has driven just about every week. The latter came up short two weeks back but rebounded nicely. If he is offering a much better price than my top choice, you may want to jump ship. (4) GUESS WHOS BACK has the talent and now adds hobbles; interesting.
Race 3
(1) ANNDROVETTE & (1A) SHELLISCAPE form a powerful entry for trainer PJ Fraley. The former figures to be on the engine and possibly setting a soft pace while the latter is a strong closer that can get the job done if the pace quickens early. (5) CAMILLE never got involved last time, but should be forwardly placed in this spot; big threat.
Race 4
(4) MUSCLE DIAMOND has been as consistent as they come and finds a field with plenty of early speed to set up his late charge. (9) CRUZADO DELA NOCHE is getting better with each start; don’t count him out. (7) FRENCH LAUNDRY sports a sparkling 6-for-10 record, but the competition gets tougher this week.
Race 5
(1) JK ENDOFANERA was given a conservative steer and even a 25 4/5 final quarter couldn’t help him make a dent in the hole he was in late at Hoosier. Now he draws inside and figures to be front and center for the early action. (4) ALWAYS B MIKI has been on a tear and may just be the best 3YO in the country right now. (3) SOMEWHERE IN L A rebounded from a rare subpar effort with his usual workman-like performance; tough to toss. (6) HE’S WATCHING returns to the scene of his greatest win; ready for a big one?
Race 6
(4) WAKE UP PETER is a bit of a grinder who can wear down horses late. That move is better suited to the Meadowlands. Time for Peter to wake up. (6) CLEAR VISION excels in small fields where he can attack on the rim without much traffic; very dangerous. (3) AL’S HAMMERED has been a killer in Illinois. Can he handle the big time?
Race 7
I always seem to find a reason to pick against (8) LIMELIGHT BEACH, but this looks like a perfect spot where he can control the action; all systems go. (3) MCWICKED was better last time, but his recent form hasn’t been great. Maybe new driver Brian Sears can get him going. (5) CAPITAL ACCOUNT is making a good living as a fringe player against the divisions best.
Race 8
(5) RICH WISDOM missed more than a month prior to his last start and never got in gear. Looking further into his PP lines you see the talent is there. (7) LYONS AGAIN couldn’t handle the trip in the Governor’s Cup. I’m sure he’ll be on or near the lead this week. (2) LOST FOR WORDS didn’t get the job done in Canada, but he isn’t the first horse to head north and have trouble. David Miller is back in the bike now and Lasix is added; plenty to like.
Race 9
(2) HALL BRO has really picked up his game for new trainer Ron Burke. This is a tougher spot but he might be too sharp to deny. (1) SWEET ROCK picked up his biggest career win when last here on Hambo Day in the NJ Classic. I wouldn’t be shocked if he stepped up. (4) LORD OF MISRULE seems as good as any of the rest.
Race 10
(2) YOUR SO VAIN proved back in July that he can fire a big shot off the bench. I’m willing to take a shot in a wide open race. (8) ARCH MADNESS couldn’t handle the extra quarter-mile at Yonkers last time. Ten-year-old veteran seems to be in form now and would be no surprise. (10) MAVEN switches trainers once again after the $750K purchase at Harrisburg. She proved last time the talent is still there; tough post. (4) MASTER OF LAW has ability but remains volatile; maybe. (7) WISHING STONE is a horse that gets lost in the wagering but usually races well.
Race 11
(10) IN THE ARSENAL has proven himself the best 2YO colt pacer in training right now. I don’t love the post, but I’m not sure I see another horse I feel confident can beat him. (3) LYONS LEVI LEWIS kept up with the top choice last time and might be moving in the right direction. (5) HALL OF TERROR put in his best mile with Lasix and gets the medication back again for Saturday. (7) TOMY TERROR was never worse than second in 10 starts prior to last week; don’t forget him.
Race 12
(3) WORD POWER should be right at home against these B-1 horses. The only question mark is the recent scratched-sick line. (4) ADVENTURE BOUND just paced under 1:50 at Rosecroft; that’s impressive. (1) BAD BOY MATT & (6) MUSTANG MACH N are also legitimate contenders.
Race 13
(4) IDEAL CHAMP should be leaving away from the gate and sit first or second. McDermott trainee is very capable of winning and may be overlooked in the wagering. (1) OK COMMANDER has tons of class and may prefer the switch to the bigger track. (10) SECOND WIND N lured Tetrick off my top pick; post the only issue. (6) BLATANTLY BEST adds Lasix. (7) LAST DRAGON has plenty of form.
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