Meadowlands: Saturday 5/18 Analysis
Best Bet: MCTHRILLER (10th)
Spot Play: WHITTAKER N (8th)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 16 - 51 / $78.00 (-$24.00)
BEST BETS: 2 - 3 / $6.40 (+$.40)
Race 1
(1) EDDARD HANOVER hasn’t had a chance to shine recently from some bad spots. While not the best post, he draws better this week and maybe we’ll finally see what he has to offer. (3) NONE BETTOR A has rolled to easy wins in two straight and is clearly the one to beat. (2) ALWAYS AT MY PLACE took a shot and tired most recently. He’s definitely a player in here with the right trip.
Race 2
(4) KISSIN IN THE SAND can’t be faulted for coming up second best after a tough trip in her seasonal debut and missing the start six days ago in the slop seems like a good decision whether she was sick or not. She’ll have every chance to shine here, but I’m not sure I want less than even money, so watch the board. (2) GOLD ORCHID N may not prove to be as good as some of the others in this field as the year progresses, but right now she’s sharp enough to win. (5) CAVIART ALLY got away cheap on the engine and held sway last time. Things may not be that easy here.
Race 3
(6) WESTERN EXPOSURE has come to the track with two really nice efforts and you should get another decent price this week. (5) BEST IN SHOW rallied impressively for third just behind the top pick on May 4, but I fear he’ll be overbet. (9) CAVIART ROCKLAND gets a negative post switch off the win. He’s capable but will need a trip. (4) VIRGIN STORM comes into town with plenty of form and gets the track’s top driver.
Race 4
(5) SEEING EYE SINGLE is not a horse I thought I was going to pick in this condition, but he looks like the potential lone speed and could take this field a long way. (4) TRUMP NATION was handled too conservatively and he lost any chance last time; threat. (7) MACH N CHEESE is back at The Big M where he has seen good success.
Race 5
(4) ATLANTA destroyed easier at Miami Valley last time, but let’s face it, that 1:50 4/5 win would’ve destroyed this group too. Unless she makes a mistake or is having a very bad night, she can’t lose. (7) SIX PACK qualified back in good order for a barn that does well off the bench. (6) FIFTYDALLARBILL comes off a really nice mile but is potentially facing the best older trotter in training now.
Race 6
(9) STEVE SAID was used early and came up short in a very fast mile for this class most recently. Despite post 9, he can handle this group. (2) TECHINO HANOVER chased slow fractions and had no chance last time. He’s still winless in 2019 but could have a say. (4) DEMOCRACY N rallied nicely last time and is clearly a win player. (5) SHATTERED GLASS won in this class last time, though he did get away with very soft fractions.
Race 7
(3) CITY HALL has five wins in 14 starts here the last three years and when last seen in East Rutherford in this class, he was taking pictures in the winner’s circle. (9) WISE IMAGE stepped up to this class last time from a bad post and just missed. (2) SHARP ACTION MONEY brushed but couldn’t last a week ago; threat again.
Race 8
(1) WHITTAKER pivots from older conditioned foes to mostly 4-year-olds this week and should love the change. While his form looks questionable at first look, he has been tackling some killers of late. (5) NO EASY DAY rallied nicely for second last Saturday and is clearly in top form. (10) SPORTS LEGEND has missed a few weeks but does have the early speed needed to overcome the outside post for a high percentage barn.
Race 9
(6) PHAETOSIVE lucks into the much easier division of the Graduate, though she will still offer some value. Four-year-old mare is very gifted and her last qualifier says she is ready. (7) MISSION ACCEPTED is unquestionably the one to beat off a string of strong miles; must use. (1) CRYSTAL FASHION seems to be taking his time reaching peak performance. I’ll watch at least one more race before giving him consideration.
Race 10
(9) MCTHRILLER has started in this class four times in 2019 and won them all. (1) BILLY BADGER N found some life to pick up his first stateside win last week; gets rolling now? (5) JK PARLAY has early speed and form.
Race 11
(5) RATHER SWELL moves back down the ladder and squeezes into this race under an interesting AE sub-condition. He’s as good as any in a wide open race. (2) JOE JOE JOE drops back down to the class where he was a solid second two starts back. He’s clearly perked up with Lasix added. (10) STATEMENT MADE A is another class-dropper, though post 10 could present some issues. (4) BRAVO TEX N flashed speed and tired last time. He is going to get over the top sooner or later and this is the kind of softer spot where it is possible.
Race 12
(6) TROLLEY finished a good second behind a better horse in the Cutler. This is his week to take a picture. (1) PINKMAN is back against an easier group and should find his form again. (3) JL CRUZE showed speed and stopped in his first start of the year. He may need one more before being a worthwhile play.
Race 13
(9) SPICEBOMB tends to get brave when he falls to this basement condition. (1) BROOKIES PRINCE N returns here to face a lower class and has at least a chance to improve. (6) IDEAL SON was handled aggressively and couldn’t deliver last week. He’ll likely go back to off the pace tactics and close for a share. (2) IMKEEPNTHISGUY was used and weakened last week; player with a smoother trip.