Meadowlands: Saturday 2/14 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: 93 - 375 / $523.50 BEST BETS: 10 - 28 / $37.00
Best Bet: NATIONAL SEELSTER (1st)
Spot Play: IDEAL MAGIC (6th)
Race 1
(5) NATIONAL SEELSTER caught my eye the first time I saw him qualify and he didn't disappoint in his career debut win. This son of Bettor's Delight might just have a bright future. (7) BIG CITY JEWEL raced okay in his first start off the bench two back and was over his head last time in the Sonsam series. (6) COASTER (4) ROOSTER RABBIT already have wins at this level.
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Race 2
(1) ROCKEYED OPTIMIST just missed versus a tough foe in Major Uptrend. This spot is easier. (5) BETTOREVER finished fast in round one of this series. (6) WHAT I BELIEVE has plenty of early speed and hails from a top barn.
Race 3
(6) VICTORY AT LAST gets a barn change to Ron Burke. There is at least a 50% chance that he drops a couple of seconds off his lifetime mark. (5) OK GORGEOUS chased a pretty fast clip and held his ground late. Early speed should put him in striking position. (2) SWEET BEACH dug in reasonably well in his latest qualifier. He may not be ready for this, but the talent is there.
Race 4
(7) RODEO ROMEO gave his all from post 10 in the first pari-mutuel start of his career. That was a nice start and he can show more now. (8) CONNECTING FLIGHT had something left in the tank while conservatively handled in his most recent qualifier. If the trip works out, watch out! (1) FAST MOVIN TRAIN has speed and an inside post to work with tonight. (2) SHANE ADAM seems to be moving in the right direction.
Race 5
(4) YOU BET YOUR GLASS drops back down to a winning level. He won by five lengths when last seen for a $12,500 tag. (8) EIGHT TEN EOM was empty in his first start for this barn. Perhaps the class break and another week of tinkering will produce results. (7) NASSAU COUNTY wasn't bad in his last try here and now adds Campbell. (1) OUTA MY HEAD scored by three last week.
Race 6
(8) IDEAL MAGIC appears to be staying at the same level but is clearly facing an easier group. (6) ROCK OUT has early speed and form. (2) ATOCHIA makes his first start in 17 months. He has looked fine in three morning preps for Burke. (3) ROCNROLWILNEVERDIE doesn't win very often but seems like a must in the exotics.
Race 7
(8) DREAMLANDS ART kept up nicely versus tons better than he tackles on Saturday. He has plenty of early zip and should find his way in here. (1) SAMANDAR came up with a big effort in a soft spot; confidence builder. (5) SIR MELO'S Z TAM is a closing threat with the right trip.
Race 8
(4) LONEWOLF CURRIER is not a selection I feel strongly about, but the more I look at this race and see the lack of extreme early speed and his known ability to accelerate quickly, I kept coming back to him. (1) BULLET BOB is fast early and drew the right post to secure position. (6) ARTISTS RALLY could be a serious threat if he picks up live cover.
Race 9
(3) MIDNIGHT DYLAN N was a good second at 13-1 last time with Vallee driving. He has early speed and gets a nice driver change to Callahan. (1) MAXI BON hardly gets my blood racing as a possible good bet, but the more I look at this formless group, the better he appears. Four-year-old should stick close to the pace from the inside and have every chance to win. (6) CAM'S ORACLE raced okay upon arrival and should be forwardly placed.
Race 10
(2) HUNCHIE was in against a sharp group last week in a C-2 mini final. He reunites with Gingras and should be handled aggressively. (8) HICKORY ICON raced well in his first start for this barn. (1) ROCKIN RUMBLE seems to be getting better. (3) MAGIC TRICKS can go a big mile at times.
Race 11
(5) REDISCOVERY could be a surprise package in this division of the Sonsam. He was a willing third in his first start since November and we know he can pace with these as evidenced by his 1:50 1/5 score at the Red Mile last year. (2) MAJOR UPTREND is clearly the one to beat off his solid first round victory. (6) COMPANY MAN was used hard last week. He is a clear threat with a better trip.
Race 12
(7) WINDSONG GORGEOUS beat all of these horses last week and looks like the clear favorite to do it again. (3) MISTER VIRGIN draws better this week. He's been a check machine lately. (2) FOUR STARZZZ Z should flash speed and get a good piece.
Race 13
(5) UF BETTORS HANOVER looked better last week when he took a shot at the leader and weakened some late. There are no standouts in this group and he could score at a solid price. (4) DIAMOND SAID drops down the claiming ladder and has Gingras. (10) EXPLODENT also gets some class relief. He is a major player if Miller can navigate post 10. (8) MOMMA'S ARTIST gets a driver change to Pierce.
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