Meadowlands: Saturday 4/27 Analysis
Best Bet: DEALER’S TABLE (10th)
Spot Play: I’M A BIG DEAL (6th)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 225 - 700 / $1374.30 (-$25.70)
BEST BETS: 16 - 55 / $54.60 (-$55.40)
Race 1
(5) ABRAHAM N hasn’t had much of a chance trying to close from nearly last in his recent races. Perhaps the switch to Tim Tetrick can make the difference. (7) CAMWISER has been racing very well and stays in the same class. (6) TALK SHOW got fried trying to make the front last week. He remains in decent form and can be a player.
Race 2
(1) FINAL CLAIM was spectacular last time and earned Gingras’ vote of confidence over stablemate (2) GOES DOWN SMOOTH, who also cruised to an easy win two weeks ago. I think the former is safer play, even at a slightly shorter price. (5) DIVINE SPIRIT & (6) WARRIOR ONE should be along for a share and maybe more if one of the top two makes a mistake.
Race 3
(3) ALWAYS A DIAMOND is in fine form right now and should be able to leave for early position from the inside post. (9) MCRAVEN rallied nicely to pick up a win last week; threat again. (5) MACHIATTO A faltered on the engine after setting quick early fractions. With an easier journey, he could be tougher. (4) MAC ATTACK gets a driver change to David Miller.
Race 4
(4) TOP FLIGHT ANGEL got a needed start under his belt last week. This looks like a good spot for him to show some speed and likely sit a trip behind (6) PINKMAN, who has come back to the races in 2019 with good form and is clearly a threat this week. (3) SHEEZ ON A CRUZE overcame an overland trip to win here two weeks ago. I saw enough to become intrigued by her prospects going forward. (1) ICE ATTRACTION is capable if ready but I think She’ll need one.
Race 5
(4) WESTERN EXPOSURE put in a credible effort in his latest qualifier and looked good despite drifting a bit in his first qua back. In a field without a clear standout, I can see him taking charge early and putting in a good showing. (8) PLAY TIMES OVER has put in some nice miles in Delaware and I wouldn’t be shocked if he was ready for this step up in class. (9) LYONS PEGASUS is back on the big track tonight where he had success in consecutive weeks. (5) CAPTAIN KOINE moves into the Burke barn, perhaps so he can compete in PA Sire Stakes.
Race 6
(3) I’M A BIG DEAL was part of the pace and just missed in a fast mile last week. Four-year-old should continue to improve and have a huge shot here. (6) BETTOR’S EDGE typically takes a few starts to get to top form and he might just be ready after that quick mile on the front last time. (1) OCEAN COLONY gets post and class relief on paper, but this field is not easy for a NW9000 race.
Race 7
(4) STENDAHL HANOVER is certainly feeling good right now and if I’m A Big Deal wins race 6 this guy looks even better. With some of the potential contenders coming off qualifiers, I’m going to stick with the ‘sure thing’ in terms of form. (5) SMILEANDSAYCHEESE is facing a softer group in some ways this week and there just might be enough early speed to set him up at a price. (8) BLOOD MONEY was a talented 2-year-old who makes his first start of the year. I’m inclined to bet against here expecting a patient drive. (7) SHARP ACTION MONEY sprinted home in his qualifier and could be a player if he behaves.
Race 8
(7) NONE BETTOR A hasn’t been able to seal the deal at Yonkers from off the pace. Down Under import switches to the big track and might wake up. (9) STONEDUST gets one of the best drivers in the sport this week and also drops in company. (6) MUSIC IS ART was facing better when last here in November. Is he ready off one qualifier in Florida? (8) DASH OF DANGER is likely to be a nice price and this is the right level for him to score.
Race 9
(7) DONTTELLMEAGAIN is the best horse in this race and one I’m expecting big things from in Grand Circuit races this year. The above said, don’t take too short of a price because there is a chance he’ll be driven easily in his first try since October. (9) MACH N CHEESE looks like he could be the real deal after watching his last few races. The extra distance in this race should help him come away within striking range and certainly plays into the fact that he seems like he can pace forever. (3) HIGHALATOR would’ve won last week with better decision-making. I’ll never bet this horse/driver combo as the favorite again versus this kind. (1) NEW TALENT raced well in his return from a brief break and deserves some consideration.
Race 10
(3) DEALER’S TABLE went insane fractions and still almost won last week. Changes are in store this week to keep him calmer and that should be all he needs. (8) PRINCE OF TIDES paid a very handsome price last time and might get overlooked again. (7) RESPECT OUR FLAG has a big late kick, but I’m not sure he is going to get enough pace to chase.
Race 11
(7) K RYAN BLUECHIP was placed in a no-win situation last week and despite a 25 3/5 final quarter didn’t win. New driver David Miller should have him in better position. (3) ALOTBETTOR N is back at the level where he upset two starts back, but this is no easy spot. (8) DUPLICATED N comes into town off a good mile and should flash early speed. (10) THIS IS THE PLAN lured Tetrick off two of his main accounts, but I see his choice as a long range plan rather than expecting much tonight.
Race 12
(6) TRUMP NATION went off at great value last week and finished very well. The price will be much shorter now but I think he’ll still be higher than likely favorite (4) GRAND TETON, who finished just behind him last week in what was an ok performance. (7) SEEING EYE SINGLE rolled to a lifetime best last week and certainly deserves at least some consideration.
Race 13
(3) MAJOR AUTHORITY, (4) INCREDIBLE SHARK & (8) SOLO STORY all drop in class this week and one should win in a field where I don’t have a strong opinion. (9) WISE IMAGE qualified back nicely and clearly has the speed on his best day.