Meadowlands: Saturday 6/9 Analysis
Best Bet: ITS JUST TOO MUCH (1st)
Spot Play: ASHLEY’S HUSBAND (8th)
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 8 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 34 - 101 / $175.40 (-$26.60)
BEST BETS: 8 - 10 / $26.60 (+$6.60)
Race 1
(3) ITS JUST TOO MUCH has been racing three to four classes higher than his competition tonight and winning. Despite his trainer’s 0 for 18 record at the meet, this gelding should be 1-5 at post time. (1) HOT SHOT HILL hasn’t seen the inside of the gate in a long time; wakes up? (2) MAY I CRUISE WEST got a better post and found early speed last time. He should be kept close to the action here.
Race 2
(5) BYBY LANDON wired a bunch of these last week and should be controlling the action at a short price again. (6) MIKE’S POWERHOUSE is certainly capable of besting the top pick with a decent trip. (2) ROCKINWITHTHEBEST chased the top pick home for second last time. He has a chance to upset if #5 falters.
Race 3
(5) THE FIRE WITHIN was handled aggressively and responded in kind with a lifetime best mile. That win should only bolster this 6-year-old’s confidence. (4) MEDOLAND JATE rallied for second behind the top selection last Saturday. With five seconds in 10 starts, I’m not crazy about him in the top spot. (6) OUTCRY has been racing well and could potentially fire off the gate.
Race 4
(2) RU READY TO ROCK returns to The Big M at a slightly reduced level and has the early zip to take charge. (1) SUPER S YZERMAN is another getting just enough class relief to awaken. (5) FEEL THE NEED A should fit nicely with this group but does own a disappointing 2 for 38 record over the last two years.
Race 5
(4) GIACODELIGHT never fired from an outside post last week, but I guess that is acceptable considering his inactivity over the past two years. In a race full of dull performers, why can’t this guy tap into the reserves that saw him pace in 1:50 as a 4-year-old? (2) GAIUS CRASTINUS caught a slightly tougher group last time. He should be one of the favorites in this race. (1) SPIRIT OF TRUTH can flash speed from the inside and stick close to the action.
Race 6
(8) MR HEAVEN marched down the road two starts back and then caught a killer who is starting in the North America Cup this week. There is no reason not to like him and the price should remain healthy. (4) WHEELS ON FIRE drops out of stakes competition and merits serious consideration; don’t expect a price. (2) RON’S EOM comes in from Hoosier and those shippers have seen success here. (7) JOE SIX PACK has picked up his game since the barn chance.
Race 7
(5) ALL BETS OFF came up with a nice steady effort after a six-week break. His versatility will serve him well in this abbreviated field. (6) MEL MARA improved last time and could be ready to fire a big shot. (3) HUG THE WIND N surprised me with that effort last week. Is he trending upward or was that simply a good-trip win?
Race 8
(8) ASHLEY’S HUSBAND took a shot and weakened last week but I’m not going to be quick to jump off his ship. If he can setup shop second or third over, he’ll roll home. (4) SAMS TRIPLE CROWN raced evenly from an outside post a week ago. I’d prefer him down in class but he seems sharp enough to menace for win honors. (5) BUPA BRUISER dealt with some traffic last time and did win his prior start. (7) AVATARTIST was looking good before the break in his last start.
Race 9
(5) EXPRESS SRIDE N finds a field with a fair amount of early speed to set up his late rally. Seven-year-old seems to be in fine form after the layoff. (3) BRUCE’S MAGIC has the speed to work out a good trip and the form to make it work. (1A) BALLERAT BOOMERANG & (1) TOATSMYGOAT form a strong entry for trainer Nick Surick; both are capable.
Race 10
(4) SPICEBOMB knows his way to the winner’s circle here and certainly seems to have found a winning spot. (6) LIVE ON raced well from a tough position last time. I expect he’ll be kept much closer to the action now. (8) SOUTHERN PURSUIT N can fire off the gate and that should earn him at least an exotics appearance.
Race 11
(7) YO APOLLO CREED gets a barn change. In a race where none of these are very interesting, that seems like an angle to hang my hat on. (5) IYQ YQR flashed speed and tired versus better last time out. His speed should carry further versus this bunch. (3) ROGER MACH EM gets post relief tonight. (9) BOBJACKS ANGLE A doesn’t seem to have a chance to win but should be along for a good piece.
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]