Meadowlands: Thursday 2/12 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: 93 - 375 / $523.50 BEST BETS: 10 - 28 / $37.00
Best Bet: WHERES THE CLICKER (3rd)
Spot Play: RAGE N RYAN (9th)
Race 1
(8) WESTERN TSUNAMI just failed on the engine last week but doesn’t look any less appealing. You know he’ll be in the mix and let’s hope he gets his nose to the wire first. (2) LOCKLOADNEXPLODE ships in from Dover for a new barn and also adds Gingras to the equation. (4) FOX VALLEY TYRESE finally gets a good post to work with. Gelding has no excuses. (1) CORKY BARAN won for this tag most recently.
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Race 2
(4) MM’S ROANIE reunites with Brett Miller, who got the most out of this mare back on January 8. This is as blank a field as you’ll see at the Meadowlands. (9) SHELIKESCANDY gets some class relief but likely needs to post a lifetime mark to win. (7) RC MARQUEE has been closing for minor spoils of late.
Race 3
(5) WHERES THE CLICKER had a hint of late trot while facing better foes last week. Team Simons has been warming up in recent weeks and this guy is in a prime spot. (1) BORN TO FIGHT has early speed and an inside post to help the cause. (2) THOUGHTFILLY finally stayed flat in her most recent try. I wouldn’t be shocked if she won.
Race 4
(1) PASSING JETTA drops out of the Singer series and into a more comfortable spot. (8) DYNAMITE DAME certainly improved with Lasix and Gingras added. (9) DRESS FOR SUCCESS worked out a clean trip last time. That will be more difficult from post 9. (4) ULSTER showed no signs of breaking in his recent qualifier.
Race 5
(10) PENN TURBO TED scored for me at 7-1 a couple of weeks back despite an outer post. He is as good as any in here and should offer reasonable value. (4) WHITTAKER drops to the lowest claiming level he has seen in a short while and also adds Gingras; things to like. (2) S F LAW has gained confidence at Freehold. (1) LLC DELIGHT seems like a lock to get into the exotics somewhere.
Race 6
(2) JL CRUZE is perfectly drawn to make a quick brush to the front. I don’t see him getting pushed hard enough early to result in a defeat. (1) OPULENT YANKEE is a clear second best with a chance at an upset. (7) TWO HIP DIP appeared ready to roll to victory when he broke. Four-year-old has some talent but remains erratic.
Race 7
(2) URBANITE HANOVER leads another tough field to handicap. Was a driving winner in his qualifier without a catch-driver. I have a feeling Yannick will get this guy in gear. (3) UP UP AND OUT shipped to Freehold on Monday and perked up in a hurry. Trainer Nick Surick tends to do very well when he races horses back on short rest. (1) NABBER AGAIN has displayed some alertness in recent races; definite chance.
Race 8
(3) FOX VALLEY LEGEND has been too far back due to outside posts. If Marohn can keep him in striking position this gelding has a big shot. (1) WHATA WINNER comes off a nice effort in this condition and has plenty of back class. (6) CALIPARI has been in against better foes and does make his third start following a mini break; using.
Race 9
(2) RAGE N RYAN was used early following a four week layoff and still put in a credible effort. I’m expecting him to be sharper this week. (9) MC ATTABOY finished well last time and seems like a nice fit in this race. (4) MEGA LIGHTNING could make some noise if he doesn’t have to work so hard to make the top.
Race 10
(1) RHAPSODY ROSE could be viewed as coming up short lately, but she was used hard in both recent races and finds a field without much early zip. (2) LOVE YOU BYE also has speed and drew alongside. Both should sit close. (6) WESTERN EMPRESS comes off a good effort for the team of Burke/Gingras. (3) FRONTIERPAN is at a winning level if she can pick up her game a notch.
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