Meadowlands: Saturday 5/11 Analysis
Best Bet: ANOTHER DAILY COPY (1st)
Spot Play: K RYAN BLUECHIP (10th)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 7 - 26 / $42.60 (-$9.40)
BEST BETS: 1 - 1 / $3.20 (+$1.20)
Race 1
(6) ANOTHER DAILY COPY lacked the needed stretch rally in a quick mile last time. He falls down to the basement condition now and almost has to win even with a B-level effort. (2) IDEAL SON rallied nicely when last in at this level. (8) DUCKIES DYNASTY is certainly fast enough to compete but drew worst and hasn’t exactly been razor sharp lately. (7) ROCK ON PRECIOUS might be worth a look with Gingras taking over the lines.
Race 2
(3) CAVIART ALLY put in a credible performance in her first start of the year. After a strong 4-year-old season, this mare could be ready to really shine now. (5) GOLD ORCHID N is facing much tougher foes this week but might be sharp enough to make it happen. (2) YOUAREMYCANDYGIRL rallied nicely on a day when the winds were brutal last time. Classy 4-year-old deserves attention but could be overbet here.
Race 3
(1) QUALITY BUD is clearly in form now and the switch to Gingras can’t hurt. (5) DAYLIGHT RUSH picked up his game in start No. three this year and is more than capable of winning here. (6) KIWI IDEAL N comes off a win versus easier. (8) BRAVO TEX N is still searching for his first win here and the outside post won’t do him any favors.
Race 4
(3) NAMEISONTHEHALTER gave it a shot despite post nine last week and lacked a stretch kick. Against what may be an even weaker field this time from a better post, he seems worth consideration. (8) SHATTERED GLASS was never put in play last week from post 10; leaving this time? (4) TECHINO HANOVER took a shot last time and almost one.
Race 5
I’m a bit torn here between (5) BUDDY HILL and (1) U S CAPTAIN. Ultimately I’ll likely land on the one offering the better odds, but for the record, the former gets my call. He finished second sandwiched between two next out winners in his latest qualifier in what is looking like a key race. The latter might lack a win in nine starts but he has ability. (6) A BETTOR BEACH comes in from Pocono with a two-race winning streak and truly gets tested here.
Race 6
(1) DASH OF DANGER double drops in class off a decent mile. I’m going to stick with him one more time. (2) STONEDUST gets a one-class break and could easily perk up as well. (9) BILLY BADGER N raced better last time after a brief break. Perhaps he is ready to step up now?
Race 7
(3) SHARP ACTION MONEY might turn out to be an underlay at post time so I would consider jumping ship depending on the odds, but if Gingras can settle him down nicely or get him on the engine, this is his race to lose. (4) JK PARLAY drops down in claiming price to the level of his last win. (2) RATHER SWELL steps up off a sharp mile and certainly has the class to win again.
Race 8
(4) SWEET ROCK accepted a back seat facing the very talented Donttellmeagain last week. He shouldn’t be accepting anything worse than a pocket trip behind Highalator in this spot. (5) DEALT A WINNER will be good value on the board and we all know he can step up and surprise at any time. (8) HIGHALATOR is clearly the one to beat on paper but I’m worried about the trip from post 8 this week.
Race 9
(1) TRUMP NATION has posted back to back 25-and-change final quarters and seems like a horse to watch just below the stakes level. (10) THINKNIG DREAMBIG never got involved in the Graduate and now is stuck in post 10. If Kirby, who is likely getting a one-time drive this week, decides to be aggressive, this guy can take the field to task. (8) MCTHRILLER isn’t facing a much tougher field than last week and despite the rare miscue last time, he usually gives his all. (7) WHEELS ON FIRE has displayed flashes of ability and gets Gingras back here.
Race 10
(1A) K RYAN BLUECHIP is stuck in post 10 but down in class where he should excel. Seven-year-old gelding can live on the rim and shouldn’t be hampered as much by the bad draw. (3) I’M A BIG DEAL had no chance in the Graduate from the second tier but looks like a fit here. (7) BARIMAH A is a classy veteran capable of stepping up.
Race 11
(2) ALBERGO HANOVER rolled to victory in his first start of 2019 and should be ready for an even better effort now. (5) LYONS KING moves from races against older foes to this NW6 condition. He should fit in nicely. (7) LARRY KARR was racing well when last seen here, though this is far from an easy spot. (4) ALL IT TAKES won in this class last Saturday.
Race 12
(5) JUST N BERLANDER has been changing barns each week and racing very well. Let’s look for another claim and solid performance. (6) ROCKAHOLIC is back at the $7,500 claiming level and should revert to good form. (7) VILLAGE JACKSON got away pretty soft on the lead and couldn’t sustain in the stretch last week. Is he deserving of another shot?
Race 13
(1) STEVE SAID must love this class since he can keep winning and coming back for seconds and thirds. (6) DAYLYN HORIZON is really sharp now but he does lack the killer instinct near the wire. (4) WINDSONG GORGEOUS improved in his third start back from vacation. Veteran is still capable of popping a big mile. (7) PERSEVERANT has high early speed and will be involved at least underneath.