Meadowlands: Saturday 3/16 Analysis
Best Bet: AMERICAN WORLD (2nd)
Spot Play: TALENT SOUP (6th)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 174 - 543 / $1008.90 (-$77.10)
BEST BETS: 15 - 43 / $51.40 (-$34.60)
Race 1
(5) SPORTS VISION moves up in claiming price but really isn’t facing a tougher group. He’s sharp and more than capable of a win. (6) SANTIAGO STYLE has a start under his belt after a few months on the sidelines. I wouldn’t be shocked if he stepped up. (4) MORE DRAGON was placed too far back and couldn’t quite get there in time last week. He’s a player, but it would’ve been nice if he wasn’t up in class this time. (1) WILLIE BOOTS picks up Gingras and figures to be handled aggressively.
Race 2
(7) AMERICAN WORLD didn’t quite live up to expectations in his first career start, but he was in against a much better group. He should shine this week moving from NW2 to NW1. (3) PAPA BLUE CHIP broke in his first start for these connections but does have some ability if they can figure him out. (6) ODE TO GRAY was racing well when last seen. (1) TO THE MAX returned from a long vacation and lacked a stretch kick. He could improve.
Race 3
(3) BYBY LANDON put in a steady mile from an outside post after missing four weeks of action. Finally starting in consecutive weeks for the first time in a while, he should be ready to put forth a big mile. (6) SKYWAY BILLY moves in a few spots on the gate and might show early speed now. (10) LEGION OF BOOM is actually in decent form and Gingras gets the call for trainer and regular driver Keith Torro; worth using in the Pick 5.
Race 4
(7) BELL I NO gets class relief for a barn that is winning at 26% for the meet and 31% over the last month. I have to think he’ll be very live. (5) BIG STRETCH MARK is in deeper waters this time around but has enough form to get a nice piece at a price. (2) CLOUSEAU HANOVER was overbet last time out and lacked a big stretch kick. Maybe the drop in company makes a difference this time. (6) ALL WEEK could get overlooked but he is very capable of winning at this level.
Race 5
(3) SPORTS LEGEND was spectacular at first asking for this barn, so much so that Gingras chose off two Ron Burke horses in an overnight race to drive him. When do you see that? (4) ART DANCER finally gets away from Rebel Rouser and now has to deal with another potential killer. (2) RIGGLE WEALTH has some ability but his return qualifiers were just ok. If things get crazy, maybe he can get lucky.
Race 6
(2) TALENT SOUP closed well from too far back last week. He really should dominate against this field. (7) MIKE’S POWERHOUSE & (8) TWINCREEKS JESSE have decent form and have done well here in the past.
Race 7
(5) HEAVENLY SOUND steps up off a nice mile from post 10. Four-year-old is more than capable of beating this crew with a small improvement. (2) LIFE HAPPENED gets away from some very sharp foes in the NW4/5 class. He fits here with a top effort. (1) STONEDUST went down the road versus the top pick last week but didn’t really impress me. I’d rather take the better price on #5, but this one can certainly win.
Race 8
(5) K RYAN BLUECHIP was a bit too far out of it last time while facing a better field than he tackles tonight. I’m sticking with him. (1) CAVIART LUCA went nowhere from post 8 at Yonkers most recently, but that was a useful race that should have this classy guy ready for more. (2) CASTLE FLIGHT tried after getting used very hard early in the mile last week. A smoother trip will produce better results.
Race 9
(4) GRIFFON HANOVER was a huge disappointment last week as the chalk. I’m going with the theory that he was backed down too much to the half and couldn’t sprint with some of the others. Let’s come back with him one more time on the class drop. (5) THAT’S MY OPINION is very capable of perking up in a hurry as he races very well over this surface. (1) FATHER SARDUCCI was a solid second when last seen in this NW5000 class and hasn’t had much of a shot from outside posts in his last two start.
Race 10
(4) THREEOFTHEBEST A raced well in defeat last time when running into a monster. This looks like a winning spot. (2) MCTHRILLER was a winner that last time he dropped to the NW11500 condition; must use. (5) BILLY BADGER n decides to sit on the sidelines for the first week of the Levy series. That doesn’t make me want to run to the windows.
Race 11
I don’t have a strong opinion here so let’s go with a price play and hope the race sets up for him. (4) WESTERN REDHOT is clearly sharp and has the ability to race from on or off the pace. (8) FOUR STACES is the most logical pick on paper, but I’m not crazy about him from an outside post at a shorter price. (1A) SPAGHETTI EDDIE was used early and paid the price late. Starting from post 10, the task only gets tougher here.
Race 12
(2) WINNING LINC tracked bad cover and rallied willingly after seven weeks on the bench. He’s one of a few contenders in this field. (3) MINDTRIP took a shot on the rim and tired while up in class last time. I imagine he’ll be on or near the lead here. (4) NO EASY DAY should be a big price and doesn’t look great on paper, but he does have the talent to win if things go his way.
Race 13
(7) ROLAND ONTHERIVER was very impressive at Freehold despite making his return from a long break. I’m willing to take a shot that this lightly raced 3-year-old is ready to shine. (5) AMERICAN MUSIC moves into the Burke barn and is going to be bet like he’s the only horse in the race. (3) PANTHER SEELSTER goes with Lasix now after a poor try in his debut for this barn. Improvement is certainly possible. (2) BACKSEAT TERROR has some early speed and enough form to get a nice piece.