Meadowlands: Saturday 5/13 Analysis
Best Bet: LYONS SNYDER (6th)
Spot Play: LAST DRAGON (3rd)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 8 - 21 / $26.60 (-$15.40)
BEST BETS: 2 - 2 / $5.80 (+$1.80)
Race 1
(1) DEALT A WINNER qualified back nicely and finds a nice spot for his first start of the year. Trainer Mark Silva is cagey enough to have his horse ready to take advantage. (6) DOCTOR BUTCH has won two straight, albeit with a month in between. Veteran has a history of success here and should be forwardly placed. (4) BELL I NO was sharp at Philly two back and then drew at outside post last time; gets tested in here. (5) BETTOR’S EDGE is more than capable of winning, but his last couple of starts were awful and he has missed over a month of action.
Race 2
(3) TAC’S DELIGHT is back at the $10k claiming level where he is more comfortable. I’ll give him the call in a race that I don’t love anyone and I’ll likely skip. (2) DON DORADO seemingly is stepping up in class but this field is pretty weak. (1) HES AN AMERICAN was used early and paid the price last Friday. An easier first quarter should help his chances. (5) WYGANT PRINCESS & (6) CELEBRITY STIMULUS are both getting major driver changes and in theory eligible to step up.
Race 3
(4) LAST DRAGON couldn’t handle the first-over trip in his initial start for this barn. He drops to the new basement condition at the track and deserves a second chance. (2) RELENTLESS DREAMER doesn’t win often but does add Tetrick in a soft spot. (5) VICTORYDAZE WILWIN has been closing well from the back lately. This is the kind of spot where this guy will typically wake up; must use.
Race 4
(4) TWINCREEKS JACK double-drops to the $5,000 claiming level for a trainer that is having plenty of success in 2017. (3) LIGHTNING RAIDER N has a couple of starts under his belt now and adds Gingras; using on all tickets. (2) STORMIN RUSTLER is another double-dropper. He has been racing a bit better lately. (5) LEMON DROP HALL has the best form in the field.
Race 5
(6) LAST GUNFIGHTER was actually getting into the outer flow when he made a break last time over the sloppy going at The Meadows. Maybe he didn’t get along with new driver Brian Zendt or perhaps it was the off-going (a bad sign considering the weather forecast for Saturday), but either way he should be put in play early and have a big shot in this field. (4) HALLIE’S COMET did ok from post 10 last time. He could be a major contender if Lachance elects to show early speed. (9) DOREL is perfect in two starts here but is stuck in post 9. (3) SAMS TRIPLE CROWN tries his luck against tougher foes after winning three straight at Rosecroft.
Race 6
(6) LYONS SNYDER wasn’t comfortable from the get-go in his first start of the year and apparently he had an equipment issue. He finds a much easier spot in start two and should be headed down the road. (5) QUICK ASA TRICK A was super here in his U.S. debut and followed that up by getting parked from post 8 at Yonkers. Back on the big track, he should revert to form. (3) JK WILL POWER also drops out of the Graduate and figures to get a nice piece or upset with the proper trip.
Race 7
(1) MILLENIUM WHEEL raced very well here in higher classes in March and could quickly revert to form on the mile track. (2) IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N steps up after winning his first stateside start. After seeing him sprint home in 26 seconds last Saturday, he could be up to the task. (7) PREPARTY has a string of even efforts versus better to his credit and does add Gingras this week. (3) ALEXIE MATTOSIE & (4) DOO WOP HANOVER are classy horses with little form to speak of lately.
Race 8
(1) KOTARE YAEL N wasn’t going anywhere from post eight in his first start in North America. On the big track this week versus a mostly formless group, 5-year-old gelding has a chance to shine. (4) SO TAKE THAT has been aggressive in the past and this looks like a good spot to gun to the front. (3) PLAY THE FIELD is another that is capable of leaving hard. This barn tends to send them out ready. (8) JACKSRLUCKYTOO can’t seem to find his way to the winner’s circle lately. Maybe Gingras can shake this guy up. (2) GRAVE DANCER raced well behind a nice 3YO last time; trip threat.
Race 9
(6) WAR-N-MUNN catches a weak field and should take them as far as he can on the engine. (2) MISTER TRUTH has class in his corner and adds Gingras; very dangerous. (5) DRUNKEN TERROR is in better form than it looks on paper. With a decent trip he can certainly find the winner’s circle.
Race 10
(5) CHEROKEE RANGER has a win and a second recently at the $10,000 claiming level and now drops in for a $7,500 tag. For a high percentage barn, you have to think he’ll be tough at odds-on. (8) AMPED UP has been winning every other week at Freehold and brings high early speed to the table. Can he last the mile? (1) FRATERNITY took a shot last week and got nailed late; using underneath only here.
Race 11
I’m at a complete loss as to who is going to win this race. The 10 trainers in this field are a combined 1 for 140 at The Meadowlands during the meet and the horses have just 8 wins in 119 starts in 2017. None of these horses have form. My picks for the record are (4) BLACK HAMMER, (8) HONEYS DRAGON, (5) FAST HEAT and (3) BOLDER, but I’m not betting this race under any circumstances.
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