Meadowlands: Thursday 1/29 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
MEET STATS: 74 - 303 / $430.60 BEST BETS: 9 - 22 / $33.20
Best Bet: MARTY PARTY (7th)
Spot Play: CRAZOLO (9th)
Race 1
(2) BIG VALLEY SPEED opened up a huge lead last week and somehow got nailed at the wire. I'm still sore over that defeat, but there really isn't much to sic your teeth into in this race. (5) ELDORADO OF GOLD S was a closing third behind the top choice last time. If one of the top two don't win, your guess is as good as mine as to who will score.
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Race 2
(8) SENOR GRANDE came up with a big effort at the $12,500 claiming level last week and now drops in for $10k; logical choice. (1) LOGAN M might not be a mile-track horse, but he is sharp and adds Gingras. (9) WESTERN TSUNAMI has speed and is coming off some decent efforts.
Race 3
(7) VEGLIANTINO showed me a little something with a solid second-place finish after chasing a slow pace. I'd expect to see a little more aggression from her this time. (5) NEVER EVER CLEVER perked up with a career best mile most recently. (1) PASSING JETTA gets away from some tough Super Bowl foes; exotics player at least.
Race 4
(7) THISTHATNTHEOTHER has posted two even efforts in her return from a brief break and now picks up a more aggressive driver. I'll roll the dice and hope for early speed. (5) OOGLE GOOGLE raced well in her first start since November and can show more now. (4) RAISE YOUR GLASS qualified well and lured Campbell off my top choice.
Race 5
(1) BEST BOSS had stretch traffic and paced home willingly last week. Veteran pacing mare is in the right spot if she gets a smooth trip. (7) MOJARRA HANOVER has enough form and has displayed the ability to step up at this level. (8) PANCAKES just needs a good trip one of these days to end up in the winner's circle. (10) ANTIGUA HANOVER returns to the Meadowlands at a reduced level. Don't be shocked if she steps up.
Race 6
(5) LIGHTNING STRIKE hasn't been finishing his miles but does drop two steps down the claiming ladder. (2) EXPLODENT scored against lesser company last time. (3) YACHT KING & (4) JIN DANDY both closed reasonably well last week.
Race 7
(7) MARTY PARTY makes her second start off the bench and drops to the basement condition. I'm expecting a big effort. (1) ALBANIAN ERA fits nicely at this level and finally gets a good post to work with. (2) EVIL FIGHT has dangerous speed in a field lacking many early players.
Race 8
(5) BRING THEM HOME comes off a good closing effort and now picks up Gingras. (3) RHAPSODY ROSE is a veteran mare that knows how to win here. The class drop tonight should help her cause. (7) DELICIOUSLYNAUGHTY is better that her most recent effort; chance.
Race 9
(1) CRAZOLO was an even fourth last time despite a seven-plus week layoff. Four-year-old should be tighter now and has a huge post edge on the other logical contenders. (10) CASANOVA LINDY & (9) FUEL CELL finished one-two last week in this class. The outside posts are all that stands in their way. (2) HOMER JAY seems to be racing a bit better in the Harmon barn but hasn't won in years.
Race 10
(4) BREAK DANCER faces a pretty evenly matched group. I'll take a shot with this 15-1 morning line on the huge driver change angle. (1) GRATIAS DEO raced okay last time and tackles an easier group tonight. (7) PENN TURBO TED had no chance from post 10 last Thursday. If he can clear the top he'll be a major player. (6) BIG PUFF DOOGIE beat my top choice last time.
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