Meadowlands: Saturday 5/28 Analysis
Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 26 - 69 / $127.60 (-$10.40) BEST BETS: 3 - 6/ $7.70 (-4.30)
Best Bet: BLUE MOON STRIDE (11th)
Spot Play: MICHAEL’S POWER (5th)
Race 1
(3) BELL A CHICK is a bit of a plodder, but he can wake up with a good mile now and then. Gelding could not have hand-picked a better spot than tonight. (2) TOO MUCH HANOVER comes off a decent effort at Freehold and should be competitive. (6) GLIDING BOY was done at the start last week. Maybe we’ll see more aggressive handling against this weaker group.
[DRF HARNESS LIVE: Real-time insights from the DRF Harness team this Saturday at 7:00 p.m.]
Race 2
(2) KATIES ROCKER raced evenly in his first start of the year. He was a solid second last year in the Governor’s Cup behind Boston Red Rocks and I’m going to roll the dice at a price that he can finally turn the tables on that foe. (6) BOSTON RED ROCKS is the obvious heavy favorite, but is he really invincible? (3) IDEAL ROCKY almost got to ‘Red Rocks’ last week but that was with a perfect trip; maybe.
Race 3
You have to dig pretty deep to find the efforts which make (5) SOBORO HANOVER a viable selection, but which horse in this race really inspires confidence? Four-year-old returns from a freshening and has some early speed in his arsenal to gain valuable position; worth a shot. (3) FERRISHWEEL JUNKIE makes his second start after a month on the shelf and could show more this week. (1) VERDI lost all chance early last time. I’m not ready to cut the cord on this guy yet.
Race 4
(4) MISTER TRUTH has made his way into the new basement condition and should be able to tap into enough back class to get the job done. (2) BACKDRAFT HANOVER has kept his form nicely since the claim by Posner and should race well again. (6) WELL BRED was a winner when last racing at the bottom level.
Race 5
(3) MICHAEL’S POWER comes off a sharp score and may have picked up the confidence he needs to strong together a few wins. (5) MARTINI HANOVER is certainly at a winning level and can’t be tossed. (1) MR CENSI is fast enough to win if new driver McCarthy can keep him within striking range.
Race 6
(1) AGOOD TIME TO ROCK had everything going against him last out—outside post, month layoff, tougher competition. While it has been a couple of years since he has had success, this looks like a decent spot. (7) MEDOLAND JATE remains razor sharp and has the early zip to overcome the outside draw. (6) IM SUPERSONIC A comes off a nice effort.
Race 7
(2) MELMERBY BEACH got in gear a bit too late while coming home in 25 2/5 last Saturday. Five-year-old seems ready to pick up a win and only needs a reasonable trip. (5) JACKRLUCKYTOO has been knocking on the door of late and Tetrick could be the missing cog to get this guy over the top. (1) MAJOR WAR has really come on over the last two weeks. I suppose you have to use him on your tickets.
Race 8
(2) SPICEBOMB was a horse that caught my eye as a 2-year-old but never quite found his way to the winner’s circle. He returns this year off a solid qualifier where millionaire Clear Vision nipped him in deep stretch and could be ready against a somewhat camera shy field. (5) BREAKTIME HANOVER was a bit more than a length behind the top choice in their recent qualifier. Son of Somebeachsomewhere seems to have some ability. (3) ROCKIN RONNIE chased nicely last time, but that doesn’t equate to being able to go that speed on his own.
Race 9
(4) CARD SHOCK was a decent second last time and seems to be rounding into form. (1) HUDSONANDBERNARD was all over the track last week but turned in a strong effort two back; another shot. (7) MOONLIGHT RANSOM won’t be getting my top call for a while but should get a piece of the pie tonight.
Race 10
(5) PRINCE PINANG wired them last out and seems to be in a good spot to repeat. (3) STORMIN RUSTLER went his usual mile but the race went much faster last Saturday. He should be sitting close again and have a shot. (9) DR C’S Z TAM has been going well of late but needs some pace help to have a win shot.
Race 11
(6) BLUE MOON STRIDE was dominant in leg one of the NJSS and it would be hard to pick against her off that effort. (5) JK FANNIE was a bit short coming off the scratch-sick line. Maybe she’ll step up this week. (3) SHOW TIME HILL was handled aggressively early last week, which is a good sign.
Race 12
(7) WOODMERE ULTIMATE is 0 for 17 this year and this barn is still looking for its first victory after 42 starts. That said, he finished behind three horses that would be odds-on in this race and was a solid second two starts back. (3) MYSTERIOUS MOMENT doesn’t win very often but tonight’s competition is pretty weak. (2) STEADY WARRIOR picks up Tetrick. (1) STEADY PULSE had some success here last year.
[DRF HARNESS: Watch the best older performers in North America at Harrah's Philadelphia Sunday.]