Meadowlands: Thursday 1/8 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
Race 5 - $10,645.77 Jackpot Hi Five carryover
Race 10 - $28,076.98 Jackpot Hi Five carryover
MEET STATS: 44 - 195 / $273.10 BEST BETS: 6 - 13 / $21.20
Best Bet: PROPULSION (2nd)
Spot Play: KEN DOLL J (6th)
Race 1
(7) ROYAL ICE proved he could blow out a fast mile last summer. It is hard to love him, but he should get the job done. (6) JL CRUZE drifted out a bit but certainly looked good winning here last time. (9) ONEIDA raced well in his last two starts; clear chance. (8) DONNIE DARKO failed in his Ron Burke debut. I wouldn't throw him out too quickly.
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Race 2
(1) PROPULSION got nipped last time but this is what he has been aiming for all along. I'd be surprised if he lost. (2) TEACH ME TO BUCKY was a solid second in his first start since October; the main danger. (7) NORTHERN SECRET has been on a roll winning three straight; consider. (8) JEWELS IN HOCK is undefeated in two career starts.
Race 3
(4) IDEAL A LITTLE went a bit of a tough trip in her first start with Lasix. This is a bad field and she deserves a second chance. (2) DELICIOUSLYNAUGHTY rallied well last time. (6) REAL COMFORT wasn't bad from post nine in her most recent try. I wouldn't be shocked if she got a piece at a price.
Race 4
(4) ANNAPOLIS looked like a new horse winning out of the pocket the day after Christmas. She should be forwardly placed and have every chance at winning. (2) OPULENT YANKEE has done well in two starts for this barn; must use. (8) TROTTIN ROXY closed some last time and could be along for a share. (9) CASH FOR GOLD comes down from Canada on a winning streak.
Race 5
(4) JAILHOUSE JUICE doesn't look like much on paper, but none of these have strong recent credentials. I just have a feeling this could be his night at a price. (9) SPECTATOR K has speed and the extra eight in distance should allow him to make the front. He has a big shot if he stays flat. (11) MAGGLIO is down in class and proven fast enough to beat any of these. (6) CHOCOHOLIC is another with early zip; adds Gingras.
Race 6
(6) KEN DOLL J drops down for a barn that has been heating up. Toscano won two races on Saturday and finished second twice. (7) ACE OF PACE was parked last time. She has a big shot with a smooth trip. (1) MANDY'S MATTJESTY was used in some fast pace scenarios recently. A different trip could make her a major player.
Race 7
(3) BLOCKING THE WAY brushed to the front and tired in his first start for this barn. That was also his first race in three weeks. Let's look for him to be tighter this time around. (1) DRESS FOR SUCCESS hasn't started in a month but shows lines that make you think she can be competitive. (6) BAD I AM moves from Monticello to the big track. Those last two wins translate well if you adjust for time.
Race 8
(3) DADDY MAC gets the class and post relief daily double. I'm expecting a big mile. (2) CITY PIE has been closing well lately and now gets a better post to work with. (1) TRAFFIC COP gets a big-time class break but was only 1-for-21 last year.
Race 9
(2) B L CLASS ACT has missed a month of action but qualified well enough. This is a very soft spot. (1) CAPTAIN PRIMEAU runs hot and cold. If he is feeling good, he has a big shot to win. (9) FOX VALLEY LEGEND has a chance with a reasonable trip.
Race 10
(5) SMART ROKKER goes from facing a very sharp Rockeyed Optimist to a mostly dull group of C-2 pacers. This would seem to be a winnable spot. (3) NABBER AGAIN gets a better post this week. (2) THE GREEN KNIGHT has missed a bit of time but seems like a good fit. (1) ROCKIN ROMEO deserves a look from the better post.
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