Meadowlands: Thursday 12/27 Analysis

Best Bet: CC BIG BOY SAM (7th)

Spot Play: FOX VALLEY BAILEY (2nd)

Race 2 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 92 - 267 / $519.70 (-$14.30

BEST BETS: 8 - 22 / $22.80 (-$21.20)

Race 1

(6) NO DRAMA DE VIE came up with a nice mile in his third start back from a year on the sidelines. Maybe he can build off that performance versus a very soft field. (8) HAMMER CREEK came here last week and raced well at big odds. He looks like a fit, at least underneath. (3) STORMING MIST has also returned from a long break in good order; contender.

Race 2

(1) FOX VALLEY BAILEY blew away the competition in this class last week and this field seems to be of similar quality. (3) PANCAKES gets a key driver change this week and seems like a must use. (6) BONZAI BEACH SHIPS DOWN FROM Saratoga in good form and should be live considering she is dropping in for a tag.

Race 3

(3) A J DESTINY should have an easier time making the front this week from this inside post and now on the bigger track. I can’t say I’m excited to play him, but none of these shows much to dig into. (9) TECH TITAN flashed speed and tired last time. Maybe that mile got him tight. (2) MUAY HANOVER gets post relief and could be on the move early.

Race 4

(1A) MONTALBANO BI rallied well last time and only needs to stay a bit closer to win. (7) PHOTO KING arrives sharp from Saratoga. Classy Veteran likes to win. (1) IRON DOME has a start under his belt now and could show more. (2) BELL A CHICK finished up with good late trot in his qualifier.

Race 5

(6) THE TIME TO WIN picked up his game when switched to this barn last time out. In a field with no standout, she looks as good as any. (1A) NORTHERN SWIFT gets some serious class relief but has to deal with post 10. (9) SHOCK N AWE moves from claimers to the basement condition and should fit nicely.

Race 6

(5) MONTY’S PLAY has picked up his game for trainer Scott DiDomenico and with him dropping in for a tag, I’m expecting a nice effort. (6) PAPRIKE BLUE CHIP hasn’t quite rolled his 2-year-old form into 2018, but dropping for a tag can bring out the best in some horses. (2) PINKRIBBON WARRIOR has good early speed and some form. Can he handle the switch to the big track?

Race 7

(1) CC BIG BOY SAM double bumped up in claiming price last week and couldn’t handle the competition. He is back at the level where he won consecutive races and looks tough at short odds. (7) SPORTS VISION somehow paid $9.00 last week and romped. This spot is tougher, but his form is good. (5) FLEM N EM N has been racing pretty well up north and does have the early speed and class to be a factor at least underneath.

Race 8

(4) SPANISH ART and (2) SMOOTH MOCHA finished one-two last week and appear like the main speed and only serious contenders to win here. (9) IDEAL CANDIDATE picked up a victory last time but is better suited to an inside post where he can save ground and pounce.

Race 9

(6) DANCING RUSTY moves into a high percentage barn off the claim and really doesn’t face much. (7) ARTS BLAZE is likely making the final start of his career and should be flying off the gate. (9) ABOUT THE BENJAMNS comes off a nice mile but will be hurt by the outside post.

Race 10

(3) THAT’S MY OPINION has four wins here the last two years and lured Napolitano, who was listed on half of the field. (5) BRIGHT FUTURE dropped to this level last week and raced well. (2) MAJOR MARCUS found speed when dropped in for a tag last time. This field may be easier. (7) RATHER SWELL is going to break through sooner or later.