Meadowlands: Saturday 11/30 Analysis

MEET STATS: 156-48-24-23 / $224.40 (-$87.60)
BEST BETS: 12-8-2-0 / $23.90 (-$.10)
BEST BET: I’M AN ATHLETE (13th)
SPOT PLAY: MRS BROWNS BOY (3rd)
Race 1 – GSY Amateur Drivers - **$25K GTD Pick 5**
(9) AMERICANFIREWATER has been stuck in tough posts out of town and doing the best he can. The starting spot isn’t much better here, but at least it is on a larger track with a horse seemingly getting a bit of class relief. (4) SCIROCCO MISTYSAID doesn’t look great on paper but has early speed, a quality most seem to be lacking. He could be in the right place at the right time. (1) SO TAKE THAT has been closing ok from awful spots. He finally draws well and could show more. (10) POLAK A roared past the field from last a week ago and certainly looks like a player despite another bad post.
Race 2 – Winners 2-4 races lifetime
I’m going to roll the dice with (4) DON’T JUDGE A BOOK purely on the trainer change angle. Sometimes a new set of eyes on the horse makes all the difference. (1) BRASSY HANOVER raced well for third versus a much better group last week. (7) ROCKIN JIMMY BROWN has found himself in difficult spots lately versus mostly older foes. Don’t be shocked if he wakes up seemingly out of nowhere.
Race 3 – Trackmaster Rating 74.5 or less
(3) MRS BROWNS BOY lands in a cozy spot upon arrival for new trainer Michael Russo. Three-year-old’s second qualifier was strong and I’m expecting a fine showing. (5) MAKE IT BIG switches to a catch-driver and figures to perk up some. (1) HERE WE GO AGAIN is probably not good enough to win, but he should show speed from the inside and get a piece here. (10) IDEAL SON has tons of form but an awful post.
Race 4 – Non-winners $6,500 in last 5
(4) ALWAYS A SHARK was used too hard last time and raced over a sloppy track versus much better in the prior start. Before that he was a winner with Gingras in the bike. (6) EVER AGAIN moves in a few spots on the gate and could make some noise if Miller gets aggressive. (1) DOWN ON MAINSTREET comes in sharp but I also expect him to be overbet. I may use him in the pick 5. (2) BOOGIE NIGHTS has no form but faces easier foes; wakes up?
Race 5 – Trackmaster Rating 79.5 or less
Trainer Shaun Vallee wisely found this soft Trackmaster Rating spot for (1) VANQUISHED. He’s missed a few weeks after taking nearly nine months off, which isn’t ideal, but I’m sure Vallee will have him ready with a huge chance at the first-place check. (3) MASTER OF PUPPETS was a solid second in this class last time. (5) ROCKS NOBLE ARTIST didn’t fire from post 10 versus tougher after missing months of action. He can certainly improve and win. (7) OHIO LARRY is a consistent sort who should get a piece.
Race 6 – Non-winners $6,500 in last 5
(4) MCTHRILLER drops down and adds Tetrick. I’ll be somewhat surprised if he doesn’t win. (1) MISTER INDIANA also moves down in class and he gets out of post 9. (6) BLUEBIRD RECON should be pushed away from the gate and find good position. (9) MACHIAVELLI draws outside again. He’ll need a trip but can compete on his best.
Race 7 – Trackmaster Rating 82.65 or less
(2) GRIFFON HANOVER shifts to an easier condition and adds Tetrick. I’ll give him the narrow call in a race where I don’t love anyone. (9) THESPYWHOLOVEDME has a win and a second in his last two starts in this class yet will likely offer good value here. (4) PROPHET BLUE CHIP switches to the hot Dunn and seems worth a look on that change alone.
Race 8 – Non-winners $20,000 in last 5 - **$50K GTD Pick 4**
(5) HARAMBE DEO continues to impress, last time with a 25 3/5 final quarter to pass much of the field for second. He moves inside a few slots on the gate and looks as good as any in a strong field. (9) TRUMP NATION qualified very nicely in his first outing for new trainer Ron Burke and I expect he’ll be ready. (8) SAN DOMINO A has early speed and is capable of popping off a big mile. (6) STATEMENT MADE A was only a couple of lengths behind the top pick last week.
Race 9 – Trackmaster Rating 86 or less
(4) CITY HALL has missed four weeks of action and that along with other sharp horses being signed on may result in a good price on a horse that loves this track. (2) WINNING LINC couldn’t be any sharper; one to beat. (9) ALL IT TAKES also has speed and form; player.
Race 10 – Non-winners $15,000 in last 5
(3) SEEING EYE SINGLE was flat in his second start since August but he is a quality horse. Four-year-old should be ready to roll now. (4) BARIMAH A took some air and held well last week. A better trip could make the difference for a solid veteran. (1) GINGER TREE MARTY and (2) JEREMES GENERAL are reasonably sharp and capable given the proper journey.
Race 11 – Non-winners $10,000 in last 5
(6) KEPT UNDER WRAPS A has raced well in this class without winning recently. He should offer great value and doesn’t seem far behind the rest. (3) WILD GOOSE CHASE has done his best work lately when down in class, but this isn’t exactly a tough NW10000. (2) SANTAFE’S COACH has been burning money lately and his 1 for 25 record the last two years isn’t very inviting for another shorter price. (1) ROOTIN TOOTIN took care of business versus lesser a week ago and has the ability to go with these.
Race 12 – Non-winners $3,500 in last 5
(8) IWILLMAKEYOUSAYWOW came back from a month off with a win at Monticello and has a history of success here in the lower levels. (6) ARCHANGEL THREE qualified back well after some time off and perhaps that is just what this guy needed. (5) THE CATAMOUNT KID was in too tough last time; this is easier.
Race 13 – Trackmaster Rating 77 or less
(5) I’M AN ATHLETE has dominated the amateur series for consecutive weeks and the former Cal Expo star looks much the best versus this group. (2) TOP OF THE MARK returns to The Meadowlands with Gingras in the bike this time. (8) KARPATHIAN KID raced ok in his first start for this barn; more now? (3) JUSTIN CREDIBLE finished well last time.