Meadowlands: Thursday 12/21 Analysis

Best Bet: WALKS OF LIFE (6th)

Spot Play: LANDONFITZ (3rd)

Race 1 - $10,000 Guaranteed Survivor Pick Ten Pool

MEET STATS: 42 - 138 / $233.50 (-$42.50)

BEST BETS: 7 - 11 / $23.50 (+$1.50)

Race 1

(7) MASS BALANCE posted a solid debut for the Harmon barn despite missing nearly four weeks of action. This is clearly a spot where he should make some noise. (1) HERE COMES NUMBERS has a bit of class to him and I wouldn’t be shocked if an upset was in the offing. (9) PEOPLESAYIMNOGOOD has been closing well. Can Woogen keep her close enough to make her rally count?

Race 2

(7) CHARMING HILL has won consecutive races going away and I see no reason to get off the bandwagon now. (4) SGT MOLLY PITCHER returns here against slightly easier competition and at least we know he’ll be close to the action. (2) MISS DEFIANCE has yet to win this year, but I can’t help but think a ground-saving trip could help her upset the applecart. (9) FOX VALLEY HERMIA looks capable on paper. I don’t like the outside post, though.

Race 3

(7) LANDONFITZ raced evenly while up in class in his last try with a catch-driver. Seven-year-old has done well here this year and I’m expecting a strong effort. (5) ENGAGEDATLEXINGTON picks up Marcus Miller this week after suffering a brutal trip at the hands of his trainer last time. (4) CODIAS ON THE MOVE rallied nicely after dealing with some stretch traffic last time; must use player. (9) A PENNY EARNED gets a big driver chance to Brett Miller, who had the hot hand last week.

Race 4

(6) DR CS Z TAM just missed last time. I’ll stick with him in a field with no standout. (1) CITY PIE went from a solid performance to a flat one; another shot. (7) ISE THE BY BOY has been racing well despite failing to see the rail much lately. (9) MODERN YANKEE missed nearly four weeks and came up flat last time; not counting him out.

Race 5

(8) DUNE DUDE didn’t have much pace to close into last week. I’m going to roll with him one more time. (2) CARD KNOCK LIFE has been trying to close from the outside of the gate on the half-mile track at Saratoga. Maybe he’ll pick up on the big track. (5) INVICTUS HANOVER comes off a steady mile and looks competitive in this field. (1) BUCKLE UP bested easier last time; using underneath this week.

Race 6

(3) WALKS OF LIFE romped in his first start since July. A good post here should only help him repeat in this mini-series final. (5) ESPRIT DE KAYJAY hasn’t lost a race in a long time, but he’ll need to find another gear to keep up with the top pick. (9) MAY I CRUISE WEST is a closing threat if they mix it up on the engine.

Race 7

(3) DABESTLEADEREVER came up with a big mile in his first start off the claim and this ‘on paper’ jump in claiming price doesn’t seem like that big of a step up. (6) TERROR OF THE NITE just missed in this class last time; big threat again. (9) MAGIC TRICKS & (10) YANKEE ARTILLERY are both moving into new barns and are eligible to improve.

Race 8

(4) MEDOLAND JATE came up flat after missing more than a year of racing action. Seven-year-old had a solid record here last year and should be tighter now. (3) MAJOR BUDDY A put in a big mile in defeat last week. With a cleaner trip he could show more. (5) IDEAL LEGACY A gets away from claimers to face a field with a bit less form. (8) HIGH COURAGE N moves into a new barn; worth a look.

Race 9

(1) DRAMA FREE & (1A) NEYMAR form a powerful entry for the high percentage Jordan Derue barn. I’ll accept the short price. (6) MUSICAL ROMANCE also ships down from Saratoga while in fine form. (4) HAILEYSGONEDANCING drops in for a tag off a win and looks to be well spotted. (8) JUSTSINGALONG charged home last time.

Race 10

(8) PURITY was used hard and clearly weakened last time; another chance against a soft bunch. (3) CHERRY BLISS ships in from Yonkers where she has been stuck with outside posts; big shot here. (1) GIMME SOME LOVIN has inside speed and should make noise. (2) HERETIC FRANCO N is a clean trip away from hitting the number at a price.