Meadowlands: Saturday 1/26 Analysis
Best Bet: JACKSRLUCKYTOO (5th)
Spot Play: ALOTBETTOR N (8th)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 136 - 387 / $773.10 (-$.90)
BEST BETS: 12 - 31 / $39.20 (-$22.80)
Race 1
(1) THIS IS THE SONG put in a nice tightening mile at Freehold and should be ready to roll versus a weak field. (2) ALL ABOUT RUSTY moved to a better post and perked up last time; contender. (4) MAJOR WAR has a history of racing well here but no form to speak of now. He’s missed some time; maybe that helps.
Race 2
This looks like a competitive group, but (5) LARRY KARR seems to be a step better when on his game; narrow edge. (1) REBEL ROUSER has won four straight but this is a clear jump up in class; big test. (8) ART DANCER makes his first start since June. He has ability if the race sets up right. (6) SURFING TIDE looks like a player if you can ignore the scratch line.
Race 3
(2) MASTER OF PUPPETS steps down one level on the claiming ladder and doesn’t exactly face a sharp field. Veteran can be aggressive in this spot. (5) MCCITO was a good second two starts back with Gingras in the bike. (4) BEACH BLAST ships in from Monticello for a barn that tends to have them ready.
Race 4
(8) FOUR STACES was too far back last week and just missed. I’m sure Gingras will keep him closer to the action. (2) SUNSET DREAMER is back at the proper claiming level and might offer good value in a competitive race. (6) CC BIG BOY SAM hasn’t exactly been getting the best trips lately. (1) SPORTS VISION has been racing way over his head. He’s back to reality now and can do better. (4) SPAGHETTI EDDIE comes off a win for this claiming tag last time.
Race 5
(5) JACKSRLUCKYTOO has won his last five starts racing in this condition dating back to 2017. He simply doesn’t lose against this kind. (6) K-LEES SHAKENBAKE gets some post relief this week and has the class to awaken at any time. (1) PAPRIKE BLUE CHIP was a good horse at age 2 but clearly has his issues now. If he can find his A game, he’s a player.
Race 6
(7) DEPENDLEBURY A was short in his first start in the United States. I saw enough to think he can step up against a field without any solid NW8500 types. (4) ROUGH ODDS found a great spot and won last week. Maybe he can handle the class hike. (3) MR CARROTTS was second in this class two starts back.
Race 7
(7) K RYAN BLUECHIP is as sharp as any horse on the grounds. With Geez Joe taking the week off, he has a big chance to shine. (4) BAGS TO RICHES comes in from Dover on quite a hot streak and might just be up to the task. (1) DIVAS IMAGE was full of pace in the stretch in her lone qualifier, but she is likely to get a somewhat conservative steer to kick off her 2019 campaign.
Race 8
(9) ALOTBETTOR N ships in from Freehold off a solid try for a barn that wins at a high rate. (6) IDEAL JIMMY got in the win column for the first time in a while and could be ready to go on a run. (4) ODDS ON LAUDERDALE has been very consistent and clearly has a win chance. (2) IN A SINGLE BOUND moves back to the inside part of the gate and only needs a smooth trip to be a player.
Race 9
(6) ROOTIN TOOTIN put in an even try at Yonkers after two months off. He can be tighter this week. (9) WINDSONG JACK has tons of class and may just be gunning to the front this week. (2) ALL WEEK is clearly a threat given the right trip. (10) TACT TATE N is down in class but with the worst post. I wouldn’t be shocked if he won but I probably won’t be using him on top.
Race 10
(1) IWILLMAKEYOUSAYWOW was a winner when last at this level and should be in a good spot from the inside post. (3) ASLAN returns to The Meadowlands at a reduced level and deserves major consideration. (5) SMILEANDSAYCHEESE is in fine form and proved himself capable at this level last week.
Race 11
(1) JACK’S A ROCKIN was just even in his first start here for new trainer Julie Miller. Now that she’s had some time to work with this guy, perhaps we see improvement. (5) VILLE VALO comes into town for a good barn and certainly fits well. (4) GIACODELIGHT dropped to this level last week but couldn’t start due to weather. He’s worth a look.
Race 12
(4) ROGER MACH EM is down in class this week and with post 4 has the opportunity to get good tactical position on his main rivals to the outside; price play. (8) ITSNOPROBLEMMAN keeps climbing the claiming ladder and winning for a barn that is hitting at a 30% clip coming into the weekend. (5) OBSCENE BLUE CHIP was racing well before the break last time.
Race 13
(6) SPORTSMANSHIP is one of many class droppers in the field, but he actually raced reasonably well last time. This looks like a great spot for him to shine. (3) SISKEL was used hard dropping to this level two starts back and raced well last time; contender. (1) ANDWIN HANOVER should flash speed and stay in striking position. (10) UF ROCKIN DRAGON was dealt a tough assignment when he drew post 10 but he is good enough to win with the perfect trip.