Meadowlands: Saturday 2/22 Analysis
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 60 - 216 / $361.90 BEST BETS: 9 - 17 / $30.50
Best Bet: SHADOW MARGEAUX (10th)
Spot Play: DELCO ROCKNROLL (8th)
Race 1
(9) CAPTIAL ACCOUNT posted an easy win last time and simply looks to be a couple of steps faster than these right now. (3) WELL SAID STRIDE had some traffic trouble and I got the feeling he could have shown more in his last qualifier. (2) PIERCE is certainly a player, but the fact that Gingras choose off this guy from an inside post for the top pick says it all. (4) IN THE CLEAR was all out in that recent qualifier; demand value if you like him.
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Race 2
(5) GOLDEN RECEIVER was toying with the competition in his most recent morning qualifier and should head down the road on Saturday at 2-5. (1) ROAD UNTRAVELED could provide some value on the bottom of the exacta if Simons can secure the pocket. (2) DOVUTO HANOVER figures to bide his time and wait for the stretch. With clear sailing he will probably complete the $7 exacta.
Race 3
(6) SKY MESA drops down after a couple of tougher trip and should find this group to his liking. (7) PRINCE SHARKA raced well against this type last time. (5) NICK FOTIU drops back down and could be a player at a price. (3) ALLSTAR BLUES was Tetrick’s choice.
Race 4
(4) SIR RICHARD Z TAM had some late life while chasing Golden Receiver last week. Four-year-old fits very well at this level. (1) TWINCREEKS JESSE drops down and draws well in his second start since October. Lots to like! (5) DREAMLANDS ART is hard to toss at this level but just as hard to actually like considering his 1 for 37 record over the last two years.
Race 5
(6) ABELARD HANOVER picked up some confidence at the B-2 level last time and fits nicely with this group. (3) MOJO TERROR closed well for second versus a red hot foe while racing against the bias. (2) COLOSSAL brings more good efforts than bad to the track.
Race 6
(6) DINNER AT THE MET continues to impress with each trip to the track and the addition of Gingras in the bike should only help. (2) BARBARIAN was used hard last time and draws inside this week. (4) NATIONAL DEBT will get a lot of attention with a perfect record and Tetrick opting here over my top choice.
Race 7
(6) MATTADOR D held his own in those qualifiers while facing good company. We know he has plenty of early speed and don’t be shocked to see a big mile out of him in this spot. (2) DR CS Z TAM gets a major driver change to Tetrick and should be overbet at the windows. (1) FREDDY DAY HANOVER has shown past success at this level. (7) ATLAS ALLIANCE N appears to be a dead closer that will have to pass too many to get more than an exotics slot.
Race 8
(2) DELCO ROCKNROLL finds a softer group in his return to the Meadowlands. He really couldn’t ask for a much better spot. (10) SOUTHWESTERN DREAM has been chasing some powerful foes lately and gets some class relief tonight. I expect Gingras to have him flying off the gate; must use. (1) TARPON HANOVER gets a better post and Hall of Fame driver this week.
Race 9
(8) CANE RIDGE found some courage in his qualifier last week. I’m not sure why he was forced to bump up to C-1 after finishing last in C-2, but I get the feeling he will bring a solid effort on Saturday. (1) PEMBROKE DEWEY gets an inside post to work with and I’m hoping Bongiorno gets aggressive. (3) STALLONE BLUE CHIP will offer good value and could surprise with a smooth journey.
Race 10
(7) SHADOW MARGEAUX has no excuse if he loses this race. On paper he is much the best. (5) AMERICAN PLAN raced pretty well in his qualifier and doesn’t have much to beat after the top one. (8) FEARLESS CHIP makes his second start since November and could improve.
Race 11
(7) MINDSET was never known for stepping up against tough fields, but in just his second start for Burke, I’m going to give him another shot at a nice price. (2) WAKE UP PETER is the class of the race, but has missed over one month of action since the sale purchase. (4) BURKENTINE HANOVER is plenty sharp and dangerous.
Race 12
(1) EXIT CAM was super in his qualifier. (2) UF ROCKIN DRAGON made an early bold wide move before flattening late. If the top one fails to fire, he’s the one you want. (3) QUIK MAGIC finally draws well.
Race 13
(4) WHOSURBANKER earned just about double any of his competitors in 2013. He takes a drop in class tonight and gets a major driver change to Callahan. (3) U BELONG TO ME takes his shot on the big track after a perfect start to the year at Monticello. (6) IN KENNYS HONOR switches barns; interesting. (10) CEST LA VIE closed well last time but drew outside.
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