Meadowlands: Saturday 3/17 Analysis
Best Bet: SUNFIRE BLUE CHIP (7th)
Spot Play: MASTER OF PUPPETS (4th)
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 114 - 429 / $784.50 (-$73.50)
BEST BETS: 13 - 34 / $45.50 (-$22.50)
Race 1
(7) CHAPTER TOO swept the field impressively to capture her first start of 2018. Four-year-old has some ability and could shoot through the conditioned ranks. (6) MISSLAROSE has won four of her last five starts and seems to possess a tactical edge on the top choice due to her early speed. (2) IRON DOME hasn’t proven reliable on the win end but does tend to come along late for a nice check.
Race 2
I liked what I saw from (1) RODEO ROMEO last week. Napolitano actually pulled the pocket and went toe to toe with the leader before he faded to lose by just two lengths. With similar show of early speed he should secure the pocket behind (5) WESTERN JOE and have a big shot of running him down late. The latter was done in by the outside assignment last out and will not go down without a fight. (6) BETTOR’S EDGE changed tactics and worked out a sweet trip last time.
Race 3
(2) SPAGHETTI EDDIE romped when in for a $12,500 claiming tag but wound up parked out when up in class last time from post 9. He moves inside now and looks plenty sharp enough to beat a soft group. (5) HOPE FOR BADLANDS can’t buy a win but has a string of good placings. (8) LODI MACHETTE MAN has the early speed to make the top and could take them a long way.
Race 4
(5) MASTER OF PUPPETS missed six weeks between starts and tried to close from last into slow fractions last Saturday; a certain recipe for failure. His prior try at this level resulted in a win and the price should be right tonight. (1) WORKANDPLAYHARD won for a $15k claiming tag two starts back and now drops in for $12,500. That could be concerning, but having made a nice profit already on a $10k claim, I think they might be trying to get an easy win. (7) TERROR OF THE NITE gets an interesting driver change to McCarthy. (3) JOJO JOVE has back-to-back seconds at this level. (10) DRUNKEN TERROR beat many of these last time but drew poorly this week.
Race 5
(2) BARIMAH A was handled conservatively and finished willingly when clear in the lane. This isn’t an easy spot but he can score at a price. (6) ALTA LEROY N gets some needed class relief and has a big shot. (8) EVER AGAIN won for fun last week and now takes the logical step up. He could be sharp enough to win again. (5) MORE DRAGON broke from post eight at Yonkers when he had no shot and lacked a catch-driver. I wouldn’t be shocked if he showed more here. (4) NOCTURNAL BLUE CHIP has the early speed to make some noise.
Race 6
It is very difficult to get excited about any of these bottom level players. (1) FEARLESS LEADER N makes his third start back from vacation and was once thought to have a chance to be good on U.S. soil. Driver change tonight to McCarthy is a nice plus. (5) GOLD STAR ROGER gets claimed by a high percentage barn and picks up a new driver. Can his new connections perk up this two-time career winner in 63 starts. (8) GIVEN UP TERROR drops in his return here. He lost at Freehold last time but was facing a sharp Walks Of Life.
Race 7
(6) SUNFIRE BLUE CHIP qualified back nicely for trainer Jimmy Takter and I’m actually glad to see him in the bike because that should ensure a price above even money. Millionaire is clearly in a winning spot. (4) JACKSRLUCKYTOO only needs to be within a few lengths of the leader to have a shot in the stretch; inside post helps. (2) ARTSMAH is feeling good now and might just be sitting second or third with a shot in the lane.
Race 8
(7) PONYTA BOY got back on the winning track versus much easier foes at Monticello. Nine-year-old has already proven himself here this year and has a nice post edge on the other main contenders. (1) STARZNHEAVEN has defeated better at times here; post is a concern. (9) DURANT is as sharp as they come as he continues to climb the class ladder. (8) ENDEAVOR clearly figures on paper if Lachance decides to leave.
Race 9
(1) MAAJAACKKOBE has displayed signs of finding his best form in recent weeks. I do wish this barn wasn’t ice cold, but there really isn’t much to beat in this field. (4) STRATOCASTER has done well here in the past. Perhaps new driver McCarthy can work some magic. (8) DAVID’S DREAM can be a factor with a smooth trip.
Race 10
(5) MAROMA BEACH qualified well behind a stakes performer in All Bets Off and doesn’t exactly catch a tough group. I’ll take a shot. (3) RATHER SWELL reunites with Kirby, who steered this guy to his last win. (1) JEREMES GENERAL gets post relief.
Race 11
(5) DANISHDUJOUR charged home from last to finish fourth last time. This looks like a decent spot. (1) FOX VALLEY CADET beat many of these last time but won’t be 6-1 anymore. (3) CHARMBRO CURIOSITY could be a factor with a smooth trip.
Race 12
(5) HEAVENLY SOUND raced very well from post 10 in his first start since November. Perhaps trainer Bruce Saunders has something in this son of Rock N Roll Heaven. (6) ROCKIN MACHINE should have a clear shot at the front and figures to offer some value with Miller opting off. (3) LONG BEACH & (1) LIFE HAPPENED finished one-two when last seen on March 3.
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