Meadowlands: Thursday 2/9 Analysis
Best Bet: DETROIT RAPPER (7th)
Spot Play: HOT SUMMER KNIGHT (3rd)
Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Race 6 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
MEET STATS: 115 - 375 / $601.60 (-$148.40)
BEST BETS: 16 - 31 / $67.00 (+$5.00)
Race 1
(5) KARETS switches to the amateur ranks and catches one of the weakest fields he has seen in some time. Trainer Carl Tirella can finally pick up his first win of the meet here. (3) KEYSTONE WALLACE is another dropping out of the NW5000 condition. Seven-year-old has some early speed and could be put in play. (7) ELLEN’S STREAK was doing good work in these races back in December and could certainly wake up tonight. (4) EXTREME YANKEE is off a win at Freehold and seems likely to be overbet with Hannah Miller driving.
Race 2
(5) ROCKERS ALLEY took aim but could not pass last week. Adding Brett Miller to the team could make all the difference. (8) KEYSTONE I WISH wired the field and bested the top choice last week; dangerous to repeat. (4) FUTURE LIFE lacked the needed foundation to close the deal last week coming off a bunch of 2:00 miles. With the 1:55 4/5 start under her belt, she could be ready for more now. (6) JK PEARLS DELIGHT closed well from a tough spot last time.
Race 3
(6) HOT SUMMER KNIGHT rallied from a tough spot after seven weeks on the sidelines. He drops down now and should be ready to roll. (1) HALL PASS HELEN put in a rare break last time. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt and another chance. (2) HAILEYSGONEDANCING didn’t respond in her first start on Lasix; class drop may help.
Race 4
(3) GOINROUNDNCIRCLES was used pretty hard each of the past two weeks and wasn’t able to close the deal. She gets one more chance in a slightly better spot. (2) CANDY STYX N finished ahead of the top choice after a nice ground-saving trip last time; clear threat. (1) JARNAC will be forwardly placed and should grab a nice exotic slot. (7) VALERYA wasn’t bad last time and does get some class relief now.
Race 5
(3) ROYAL OUTLOOK wasn’t that bad last time after missing two months of action. Starting from a better post and actually making starts within two weeks of each other for the first time since May, lead to hope he is ready to show more at a nice price. (6) AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL drops back down to the claiming level where he wired a field two starts back. (5) CHEROKEE RANGER steps down the claiming ladder and is eligible to perk up. (4) DANGER HI JOLTAGE won by open lengths at Freehold and may have gained confidence. (2) WORKANDPLAYHARD adds Brett Miller.
Race 6
(10) BIG EXPENSE would be in better shape to win if he drew a better post, but this field is much weaker than what he has been facing and I’ll still take a shot that he can navigate any traffic. (7) ITZAZIAM gets an interesting driver change to Marcus Miller and has the early speed to make some noise. (1) TAC’S DELIGHT only needs to come away close to have a chance late. (4) BELL A CHICK is a threat to break but tends to beat weaker fields when right. (8) MICHAEL’S WILD BOY wouldn’t be a surprise.
Race 7
(1A) DETROIT RAPPER & (1) MONTALBANO BI form a powerful entry from the Patti Harmon barn that should be odds-on come post time. The former showed signs of life last week to finish second and latter seeks his third straight win. (5) NEVER EVER CLEVER beat the top choice last week with a nice tactical advantage. Winning tonight will be much tougher. (3) STITCH IN TIME might benefit from a patient steer from new driver Steve Smith.
Race 8
(6) MR BIG LOAD has proven that he is the fastest of this group and you’re still likely to get a very fair price. His only downside tonight is the abundance of early outside speed signed on. (1A) I FOUND MY BEACH has raced very well since changing barns and if Miller is patient this race could fall into his hands. (4) BUCKEYE IN CHARGE has been closing in steadily in recent weeks. If the pace is hot, he could be coming late at a price. (3) MAY DAY lured Monti after a solid win last time.
Race 9
(1) JOJO JOVE finds a formless field and I’m convinced he has more to offer than we’ve seen the last few weeks; no excuses here. (2) BROADIES SONG gets a good post to work with and should be close to the front in a field without too much early zip. (9) UF FAST FEELIN was pretty dull off the claim; don’t discount him yet. (5) AMPED UP picks up Brett Miller and instantly is worth a look. (3) OUR CULLENSCROWN N is one of the others with early speed. Can he make the top and steal some fractions?
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the NEW FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Friday.]