Meadowlands: Saturday 12/8 Analysis
Best Bet: MCTHRILLER (11th)
Spot Play: INDY INGOT (1st)
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 62 - 178 / $370.70 (+$14.70)
BEST BETS: 6 - 14 / $15.80 (-$12.20)
Race 1
(1) INDY INGOT flashed early speed but had to settle for a tuck from post 10. When clear in the stretch he rallied willingly. Moving way inside and staying at this reduced level, all systems should be on go. (4) SUNSHINE WEST gets an interesting driver change and clearly has the early speed to get involved. (2) FRANKANDJOANNE is capable of saving ground and getting a nice piece like he did last week.
Race 2
(5) DUCKIES DYNASTY lost to a solid pair of older horses who are racing this weekend at much higher levels. Against this soft field, he has a big shot off the bench. (6) FOX VALLEY B GUMP finished steadily in a very fast mile last Saturday. This race will go much slower. (4) CAPTAIN AMERICA raced well two starts back and threw in a clunker as the favorite last time; tough call.
Race 3
(8) MONTALBANO BI rolled to the front in the stretch last time and now has behaved in consecutive starts. He’s far and away the fastest horse in the field and should be able to string wins together staying in the same class. (4) BIG CHECKMATE picked up his game with Lasix added last time. He worth including on at least one pick five ticket. (3) TALKOHOLIC has been in some difficult spot of late. (5) ONE FINE LADY has early speed and was Marcus Miller’s choice.
Race 4
(8) CHEYENNE REIDER just missed in this class last time; another shot. (4) ROCK ON THE HILL remains razor sharp and only needs a decent trip to menace here. (1) DUKE OF DELRAY had no shot from post 9 upon arrival. Five-year-old could wake up moving inside. (3) DAYLYN HORIZON drops down this week and deserves a look.
Race 5
(2) CC BIG BOY SAM has improved in each start since the claim by Lounsbury and exploded with a monster effort last time. I’ll stay here. (5) MAGNUM MIKE continues the merry-go-round at the claiming box and returns to the Surick barn this time; clear player. (3) ITSNOPROBLEMMAN should be put in play early and get a small piece of the exotics.
Race 6
(3) PLAY JET RAY has been in against some very tough competition in recent weeks. Condition switch from older foes to age restricted company should help. (8) WISE IMAGE came up with a monster effort in his first start for Team Harmon. A repeat would likely result in a win. (6) ALTA SHELBY N qualified well here and scratched-sick. If ready he should compete.
Race 7
Now that everyone is off the bandwagon of (4) TACT TATE N, let me jump on. He raced well but didn’t seem to enjoy the pocket trip in his first U.S. start. I’d like to see him first-over or on the lead here. (5) NEW TALENT is one of many arriving for the Cullipher barn with strong credentials; big shot. (6) K RYAN BLUECHIP went a huge mile last time. I’m not convinced we’ll see a repeat and the price won’t be enticing.
Race 8
(6) ENOCH was out-finished in his qualifier but still turned in a solid effort. Burke trainee is plenty fast enough to beat this group and may just be ready to fire despite the long break. (5) NEXT SUCCESS comes off a confidence-building win at Monti and was racing at a higher level when last seen here. (2) BETTOR’S EDGE was used up in a wicked pace last week. He’s capable and could offer better value this time. (1) TERROR OF THE NITE returns to the level of his last win.
Race 9
(1) SOLO STORY was David Miller’s choice over three others after finishing a good second in a very fast mile last time. (5) THREEOFTHEBEST A has reeled off three straight wins as he continues to climb the ladder for a hot barn. (3) INCREDIBLE SHARK is another interesting shipper from the Cullipher stable.
Race 10
(2) DUBIOUS CLAIM moves into a new barn as he arrives from Canada. Four-year-old should fit very well in this class. (4) MORE DRAGON has speed and form. (6) HEAVENLY SOUND lured Miller off the top pick and has been facing some salty competition.
Race 11
(5) MCTHRILLER remains at the same level as last week but catches a much easier group. (6) LARRY KARR comes off a blowout win. Can he step up vs. this better group? (3) JACKSRLUCKYTOO is always capable of sitting just off the pace and gobbling up the leaders. (7) GRIFFON HANOVER raced evenly last time and seems to be working himself back into shape.