At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey
The field for the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park is starting to come into shape with the addition of Keen Ice, who has been confirmed as a starter.
The Pegasus will be contested on Saturday, Jan.28.
His owners, Donegal Racing have reached an agreement with one of the groups that paid $1 million for a starting spot in what will be the world’s richest race. The brothers Jerry and Ronnie Frankel have been searching for their horse for the Pegasus and they found a pretty good one.
Keen Ice has earned $2,387,245 but has won just twice in his 19 career starts. However, one of those wins was in the 2015 Travers (G1) where he beat Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
He was a distant third in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and tuned up for the Pegasus with a runner up finish in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3) at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 17.
Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Arrogate was confirmed for Sunday’s $200,000 San Pasqual (G2) at Santa Anita and if all goes well he too will be pointed to the Pegasus.
A California Chrome versus Arrogate rematch will make the inaugural running of the Pegasus an instant hit, and it looks as if we are going to get it.
Also, conformed for the race is Argentinian import Eragon and Shaman Ghost for the Jimmy Jerkens barn.
Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:
GP Race 1 Clm $16,000 (12:35 ET)
#5 Over Limit 5-2
#1 Thanks God 3-1
#8 Caddy Cat 8-1
#6 Overdone 10-1
Analysis: Over Limit was outrun early and did not have any punch as the beaten chalk last out against $20,000 claimers and drops into an easier spot here tagged for $16,000. Two back against $35,000 starter optional claimers in his first go against winners he was a decent fourth, earning a speed fig good enough to beat this group handily. He broke his maiden for a $50,000 tag three back in his second career start on poly. Best of a weak group.
Thanks God had a rough trip last out in a seventh-place finish against $16,000 claimers last out. The colt was caught in tight quarters near the half mile pole, was stuck behind a wall of horses at the top of the stretch and did not have enough punch left late when finally clear.
Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,5 / 1,5,6,8
TRI: 1,5 / 1,5,6,8 / 1,4,5,6,8
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:
GP Race 8 OClm $62,500N2X (4:02 ET)
#7 Elysea's World 8-5
#2 Stay the Night 9-2
#3 Verbouwen 4-1
#4 Trigger Finger 6-1
Analysis: Elysea's World drops out of graded stakes company for her first start off a three-month break. The Brown barn is 26% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. This gal beat Alw-1 foes in her U.S. debut and was a solid second in the Lake George (G2) at the Spa in July. She then was fourth in the Lake Placid (G2) behind three very good turf fillies and last out was up close to the pace and faded to finish sixth in the Sands Point (G2). The class relief and the freshening makes this filly tough to beat in this spot as the chalk.
Stay the Night is coming off a runner up finish at the Big A at 1 3/8 miles last out on turf. The Shug trainee was rated while saving ground and then got stuck behind a wall of runners, finally found a small seam to squeeze through but it was too late to catch the gate to wire winner. She is 0 for 3 at this level since coming to the U.S. but has some back class, running third in a Group 3 in France last year. A clean trip puts her in the mix in this spot.
Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 7-5 or better.
EX: 2,7 / 2,3,4,7
TRI: 2,7 / 2,3,4,7 / 2,3,4,5,7
Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.
Gulfstream Park
R1: #8 Caddy Cat 8-1
R1: #6 Overdone 10-1
R2: #7 Harambe 8-1
R4: #3 Ola Yola 10-1
R5: #6 Fearless Princess 10-1
R6: #2 Summer Scamp 8-1
R7: #10 Alls Well 12-1
R9: #8 Joey Six Pack 10-1
R10: #1 Elloree Gal 8-1
Good luck today!
By Mike Dempsey
The field for the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park is starting to come into shape with the addition of Keen Ice, who has been confirmed as a starter.
The Pegasus will be contested on Saturday, Jan.28.
His owners, Donegal Racing have reached an agreement with one of the groups that paid $1 million for a starting spot in what will be the world’s richest race. The brothers Jerry and Ronnie Frankel have been searching for their horse for the Pegasus and they found a pretty good one.
Keen Ice has earned $2,387,245 but has won just twice in his 19 career starts. However, one of those wins was in the 2015 Travers (G1) where he beat Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
He was a distant third in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and tuned up for the Pegasus with a runner up finish in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3) at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 17.
Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Arrogate was confirmed for Sunday’s $200,000 San Pasqual (G2) at Santa Anita and if all goes well he too will be pointed to the Pegasus.
A California Chrome versus Arrogate rematch will make the inaugural running of the Pegasus an instant hit, and it looks as if we are going to get it.
Also, conformed for the race is Argentinian import Eragon and Shaman Ghost for the Jimmy Jerkens barn.
Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:
GP Race 1 Clm $16,000 (12:35 ET)
#5 Over Limit 5-2
#1 Thanks God 3-1
#8 Caddy Cat 8-1
#6 Overdone 10-1
Analysis: Over Limit was outrun early and did not have any punch as the beaten chalk last out against $20,000 claimers and drops into an easier spot here tagged for $16,000. Two back against $35,000 starter optional claimers in his first go against winners he was a decent fourth, earning a speed fig good enough to beat this group handily. He broke his maiden for a $50,000 tag three back in his second career start on poly. Best of a weak group.
Thanks God had a rough trip last out in a seventh-place finish against $16,000 claimers last out. The colt was caught in tight quarters near the half mile pole, was stuck behind a wall of horses at the top of the stretch and did not have enough punch left late when finally clear.
Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,5 / 1,5,6,8
TRI: 1,5 / 1,5,6,8 / 1,4,5,6,8
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:
GP Race 8 OClm $62,500N2X (4:02 ET)
#7 Elysea's World 8-5
#2 Stay the Night 9-2
#3 Verbouwen 4-1
#4 Trigger Finger 6-1
Analysis: Elysea's World drops out of graded stakes company for her first start off a three-month break. The Brown barn is 26% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. This gal beat Alw-1 foes in her U.S. debut and was a solid second in the Lake George (G2) at the Spa in July. She then was fourth in the Lake Placid (G2) behind three very good turf fillies and last out was up close to the pace and faded to finish sixth in the Sands Point (G2). The class relief and the freshening makes this filly tough to beat in this spot as the chalk.
Stay the Night is coming off a runner up finish at the Big A at 1 3/8 miles last out on turf. The Shug trainee was rated while saving ground and then got stuck behind a wall of runners, finally found a small seam to squeeze through but it was too late to catch the gate to wire winner. She is 0 for 3 at this level since coming to the U.S. but has some back class, running third in a Group 3 in France last year. A clean trip puts her in the mix in this spot.
Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 7-5 or better.
EX: 2,7 / 2,3,4,7
TRI: 2,7 / 2,3,4,7 / 2,3,4,5,7
Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.
Gulfstream Park
R1: #8 Caddy Cat 8-1
R1: #6 Overdone 10-1
R2: #7 Harambe 8-1
R4: #3 Ola Yola 10-1
R5: #6 Fearless Princess 10-1
R6: #2 Summer Scamp 8-1
R7: #10 Alls Well 12-1
R9: #8 Joey Six Pack 10-1
R10: #1 Elloree Gal 8-1
Good luck today!
Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dover Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 11 - Post: 7:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 95 - Purse:$20000 - OPEN HANDICAP POST POSITIONS 1 & 2 ASSIGNED
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 4 ARQUE HANOVER 2/1
# 2 WHATABOY 6/1
# 3 JUST A JOLT 10/1
ARQUE HANOVER sure does look ready to dominate. The consortium knows that speed is very important in harness racing. This standardbred will unlock our way to a nice victory. It's somewhat risky to consider based only on class, but this horse has among the most competitive class ratings of the group of animals. Loved this horse's last race. Ran a strong 98 speed fig. Major player. WHATABOY - Cannot put a finger on it, but favor this gelding for a wager. JUST A JOLT - Might be there at a fair price tag. Clearly one to keep in your exotics. Clear-cut driver/trainer ratings make this contender a very strong choice. Very likely will be putting money down here.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 11 - Post: 7:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 95 - Purse:$20000 - OPEN HANDICAP POST POSITIONS 1 & 2 ASSIGNED
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 4 ARQUE HANOVER 2/1
# 2 WHATABOY 6/1
# 3 JUST A JOLT 10/1
ARQUE HANOVER sure does look ready to dominate. The consortium knows that speed is very important in harness racing. This standardbred will unlock our way to a nice victory. It's somewhat risky to consider based only on class, but this horse has among the most competitive class ratings of the group of animals. Loved this horse's last race. Ran a strong 98 speed fig. Major player. WHATABOY - Cannot put a finger on it, but favor this gelding for a wager. JUST A JOLT - Might be there at a fair price tag. Clearly one to keep in your exotics. Clear-cut driver/trainer ratings make this contender a very strong choice. Very likely will be putting money down here.
Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 8 - Post: 8:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$6800 - GUARANTEED $10,000 PICK 4 STARTS HERE $20,000 GUARANTED TRIFECTA POOL NON WINNERS $4000 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $45,000 IN 2016. NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER NORTHFIELD HN 2 ACTING CAPTAIN & HN 7 IF IT RAINS - ELIGIBLE AT TIME OF ENTRY HN 4 & HN UNCOUPLED DUE TO BONAFIDE SEPARATE OWNERSHIP
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 7 IF IT RAINS 9/5
# 3 RIVER VALLEY PEARL 12/1
# 9 AIRGUITAR ROCKSTAR 3/1
IF IT RAINS has a competitive shot to take this race. The knowledge group knows that speed is the key in harness racing. This race horse will unlock our way to a nice ultimate prize. He has nice class stats, averaging 84. Should be considered for a bet in this one. Wrenn is racking up the wins recently. Stellar win pct makes this standardbred our selection. RIVER VALLEY PEARL - Top notch in the money statistic for Headworth and this fine animal. A great probability to get the win. AIRGUITAR ROCKSTAR - Feel the need for speed, this contender has been turning in some outstanding speed figures averaging around 81. Good for a win wager just off the top notch prior class figures. Have to like this entrant.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 8 - Post: 8:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$6800 - GUARANTEED $10,000 PICK 4 STARTS HERE $20,000 GUARANTED TRIFECTA POOL NON WINNERS $4000 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $45,000 IN 2016. NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER NORTHFIELD HN 2 ACTING CAPTAIN & HN 7 IF IT RAINS - ELIGIBLE AT TIME OF ENTRY HN 4 & HN UNCOUPLED DUE TO BONAFIDE SEPARATE OWNERSHIP
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 7 IF IT RAINS 9/5
# 3 RIVER VALLEY PEARL 12/1
# 9 AIRGUITAR ROCKSTAR 3/1
IF IT RAINS has a competitive shot to take this race. The knowledge group knows that speed is the key in harness racing. This race horse will unlock our way to a nice ultimate prize. He has nice class stats, averaging 84. Should be considered for a bet in this one. Wrenn is racking up the wins recently. Stellar win pct makes this standardbred our selection. RIVER VALLEY PEARL - Top notch in the money statistic for Headworth and this fine animal. A great probability to get the win. AIRGUITAR ROCKSTAR - Feel the need for speed, this contender has been turning in some outstanding speed figures averaging around 81. Good for a win wager just off the top notch prior class figures. Have to like this entrant.
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delta Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 9 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $12000 Class Rating: 80
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 29 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 8 AARON OF GOSHEN 7/2
# 5 FIDDLERS DANCE 2/1
# 9 HERO'S DIVIDE 5/1
AARON OF GOSHEN is the top bet in this race. He has put up strong figs under today's conditions and will most likely fare well against this field. Overall the speed figures of this racer look formidable in this competition. This gelding obviously likes the distance, going 3 out of 13 in his races lately. FIDDLERS DANCE - With a reliable 69 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's race. Is hard not to look at based on speed figures which have been formidable - 69 avg - of late. HERO'S DIVIDE - Shows formidable speed figures on average overall when matched with the rest of this field. Always difficult to beat Breaux and Saenz working together, winning 22 percent of their races.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 9 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $12000 Class Rating: 80
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 29 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 8 AARON OF GOSHEN 7/2
# 5 FIDDLERS DANCE 2/1
# 9 HERO'S DIVIDE 5/1
AARON OF GOSHEN is the top bet in this race. He has put up strong figs under today's conditions and will most likely fare well against this field. Overall the speed figures of this racer look formidable in this competition. This gelding obviously likes the distance, going 3 out of 13 in his races lately. FIDDLERS DANCE - With a reliable 69 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's race. Is hard not to look at based on speed figures which have been formidable - 69 avg - of late. HERO'S DIVIDE - Shows formidable speed figures on average overall when matched with the rest of this field. Always difficult to beat Breaux and Saenz working together, winning 22 percent of their races.
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Penn National
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 7 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $16200 Class Rating: 97
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 29 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 29 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250, IF FOR $6,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 9 MONTY HAUL 5/2
# 8 I'M ZONIN 9/2
# 3 FRAME 12/1
MONTY HAUL looks like the wager in here. He has put up very good figs under today's conditions and should fare well against this group. Could best this field based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 97 - of his last race. A solid 98 avg Equibase class rating may give this gelding a distinct class edge versus this field. I'M ZONIN - This gelding has been consistently racing well in his latest outings. He should be considered given the formidable speed figs. FRAME - Solid profits have been scored by investors using this jockey and conditioner twosome lately. Ought to go to the lead and should never look back.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 7 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $16200 Class Rating: 97
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 29 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 29 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250, IF FOR $6,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 9 MONTY HAUL 5/2
# 8 I'M ZONIN 9/2
# 3 FRAME 12/1
MONTY HAUL looks like the wager in here. He has put up very good figs under today's conditions and should fare well against this group. Could best this field based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 97 - of his last race. A solid 98 avg Equibase class rating may give this gelding a distinct class edge versus this field. I'M ZONIN - This gelding has been consistently racing well in his latest outings. He should be considered given the formidable speed figs. FRAME - Solid profits have been scored by investors using this jockey and conditioner twosome lately. Ought to go to the lead and should never look back.
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Golden Gate Fields - Race #4 - Post: 2:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 70
Rating:
#8 BIG ALICE (ML=5/2)
BIG ALICE - The ROI when Orozco and Sherman partner up is tremendous. I like to wager on this handicapping theory, a horse coming back off a nice contest within the last 30 days.
Vulnerable Contenders: #4 HIGHLAND ROSE (ML=3/1), #1 LAST MINUTE (ML=4/1), #5 CHARLIE MY LOVE (ML=9/2),
HIGHLAND ROSE - Tough to put your cash on the win end of any mount that finishes second and third as often as this participant does. This filly didn't do too much last time. Recorded a somewhat easily forgotten speed figure last out in a $5,000 Maiden Claiming race on December 3rd. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that rating. LAST MINUTE - This mount hasn't been near the winner at the finish of late. CHARLIE MY LOVE - This filly finished outside the top 3 on November 11th and wasn't close last time out either. This mount likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually finish on top. Forget the top spot.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #8 BIG ALICE on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
Golden Gate Fields - Race #4 - Post: 2:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 70
Rating:
#8 BIG ALICE (ML=5/2)
BIG ALICE - The ROI when Orozco and Sherman partner up is tremendous. I like to wager on this handicapping theory, a horse coming back off a nice contest within the last 30 days.
Vulnerable Contenders: #4 HIGHLAND ROSE (ML=3/1), #1 LAST MINUTE (ML=4/1), #5 CHARLIE MY LOVE (ML=9/2),
HIGHLAND ROSE - Tough to put your cash on the win end of any mount that finishes second and third as often as this participant does. This filly didn't do too much last time. Recorded a somewhat easily forgotten speed figure last out in a $5,000 Maiden Claiming race on December 3rd. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that rating. LAST MINUTE - This mount hasn't been near the winner at the finish of late. CHARLIE MY LOVE - This filly finished outside the top 3 on November 11th and wasn't close last time out either. This mount likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually finish on top. Forget the top spot.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #8 BIG ALICE on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Hawthorne - Race #9 - Post: 4:55pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,000 Class Rating: 85
Rating:
#9 HAPPY MORO (ML=5/1)
HAPPY MORO - The return on investment when Hernandez and Martinez team up is outstanding. This gelding is in good form, having run a nice race on Dec 16th, finishing first. Hernandez comes to ride after getting to know the gelding in the last race.
Vulnerable Contenders: #6 THUNDERGRAM (ML=3/1), #2 OFFLEE FUN (ML=4/1), #7 KID PARADISE (ML=9/2),
THUNDERGRAM - Last effort was too nice. Not too far of a reach to expect a 'strong performance bounce' this time around. OFFLEE FUN - I can't play this repeated non-winner. Gets the job executed occasionally. Earned a pedestrian speed fig last out in a $5,000 Claiming race on December 16th. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that number. KID PARADISE - This horse likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually win. Don't play in the top spot. Never really did much at all last race out on December 16th. Hard to wager on in today's race.
GUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - HAPPY MORO - Has been racing regularly since a layoff. According to my data, horses hit their peak cycle in their 3rd or 4th race back. Watch out for this horse today.
*
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #9 HAPPY MORO to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
Hawthorne - Race #9 - Post: 4:55pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,000 Class Rating: 85
Rating:
#9 HAPPY MORO (ML=5/1)
HAPPY MORO - The return on investment when Hernandez and Martinez team up is outstanding. This gelding is in good form, having run a nice race on Dec 16th, finishing first. Hernandez comes to ride after getting to know the gelding in the last race.
Vulnerable Contenders: #6 THUNDERGRAM (ML=3/1), #2 OFFLEE FUN (ML=4/1), #7 KID PARADISE (ML=9/2),
THUNDERGRAM - Last effort was too nice. Not too far of a reach to expect a 'strong performance bounce' this time around. OFFLEE FUN - I can't play this repeated non-winner. Gets the job executed occasionally. Earned a pedestrian speed fig last out in a $5,000 Claiming race on December 16th. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that number. KID PARADISE - This horse likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually win. Don't play in the top spot. Never really did much at all last race out on December 16th. Hard to wager on in today's race.
GUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - HAPPY MORO - Has been racing regularly since a layoff. According to my data, horses hit their peak cycle in their 3rd or 4th race back. Watch out for this horse today.
*
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #9 HAPPY MORO to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
Meadowlands: Thursday 12/29 Analysis
By Derick Giwner
DRF
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: 61 - 209 / $300.00 (-$118.00)
BEST BETS: 7 - 17 / $19.00 (-$15.00)
Best Bet: SPORTSMUFFLER (2nd)
Spot Play: ROCKIN ROBERT (6th)
Race 1
(2) BLUEBIRD KIDSQUEEN is hardly a horse that makes you want to run to the windows, but the more I look at the rest of the field, the more she seems as attractive as any at a decent price. All of her recent lines come from undesirable posts at Yonkers. (3) EXPRESSIVE ACTION dropped to this level and was dealt with a poor post last time. He is in a new barn now, one with a lackluster record here but capable of an upset. (8) WINDSUN FIREBALL has early speed and Brett Miller, so you know he'll be in play.
Race 2
(7) SPORTSMUFFLER drops back down to the level of her last victory and adds 'Super' Brett to the equation; clear chalk. (1) SILOUETTE has some early speed in her arsenal and could stick close to the top choice for a big check. (8) JOKES JET is fast enough to play with these but drew to the outside of the favorite. (3) VICTORIA MAY N should take some tote action but I'm not crazy about the 1-13 record here the last three years.
Race 3
(8) HILL I AM wasn't exactly given a great chance of success when he bottled up along the cones last time. This field may be slightly tougher but I'm given him another shot to show more early life. (7) HALL PASS HELEN has been racing well of late and owns a solid record here in 2016; must use. (5) ELLENS STREAK will attract plenty of attention on the driver change off an amateur pilot, but this mare really hasn't been as sharp as she was a month ago. (1) BAD DAY BLACK ROCK drops down and adds Brett Miller, who steered him to a win four starts back. On the bad side, he is 0 for 9 here the last three years.
Race 4
Here's another race where I just don't like any of the entrants. I'll roll the dice with (4) MELANIES SHARKETTE, who drops in claiming price for a new high percentage barn. (7) HARPER LEE already has one upset at this level on his PP lines. Why can't he do it again? (2) ST LADS MORGAN was sharp before missing the last four weeks of action. (10) PAYDAZE ON THE WAY has speed and Brett Miller. (9) FORBETTOR OR WORSE hasn't raced that well here but tends to be close enough to menace.
Race 5
(4) NOWUCIT NOWUDONT has behaved with hobbles added and now gets Lasix as well in an attempt to right the ship. If he brings anything close to a top effort, he wins. (5) A LISTER has missed some time but seems likely to be put in play against a mostly suspect group. (9) STAYING FOCUSED reunites with Andy Miller. (3) TEA PARTY POLITICS has no form but drops in class. I'm leaning against using him but can understand if you want him on your multi-race tickets.
Race 6
I loved (3) ROCKIN ROBERT's recent qualifier as he sprinted home full of life. Barn knows how to have them ready to pop. (8) SANTANNA STAR has plenty of early speed in his tank and should make some noise. (9) JACKSRLUCKYTOO closed well as usual two weeks back. If Marohn can keep him close, watch out. (6) MARTY MONKHOUSER A continues to step down the class ladder. The last time he was at The Meadowlands was against three classes higher.
Race 7
(4) STEADY WARRIOR sports a lackluster 0 for 15 record here over the last few years, but was in against better than he faces tonight in most of those starts. He is more than capable of beating this group at a fair price. (6) AUCKLAND FLYER moves into a new barn and is instantly eligible to improve. (1) ARTS ON FIRE is another entering the Johnson barn from Freitas. Maybe check to see how Melanies Sharkette does in race 4 with a similar change. (9) Q ROCK gets a driver change and should be showing plenty of early speed.
Race 8
(8) ROCK STAR faces softer competition this week and just a few starts back romped versus a field that wasn't that much better than this group. I don't select Steve Smith often here, but this looks like a fine price play. (6) HERE COMES SWIFTY wasn't involved in his first start for this barn here last time. He appears to be in the same class but is actually faces easier foes. (4) THAT'S MY OPINION lured Ginsburg off of my top pick but he is too inconsistent to trust at anything under double-digit odds. (5) SIR SAMS Z TAM qualified back rather nicely a week ago.
Race 9
(2) TWINCREEKS JESSE is my uninspired selection in a field lacking much form. He raced reasonably well in his last trip here and the inside post should afford him the chance for a good journey. (7) SAPIENT HANOVER arrives for trainer Ron Burke. In a field like this a Burke trainee is always worth a shot. (4) I FOUND MY BEACH was impeded last time and raced well prior to that start.
Race 10
(4) MUST BE THE BUNNY isn't a horse I'll vault to my top pick often, but this field appears to be loaded with early speed potential and if positioned properly he can run them down at good odds. (1) MAJOR BUBBLES N looks like the one to beat with Miller in the bike; expect short odds. (9) DRUNKEN TERROR has form. Can he overcome the tough draw. (5) OUR CULLENSCROWN N is another racing well; early speed player.
By Derick Giwner
DRF
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: 61 - 209 / $300.00 (-$118.00)
BEST BETS: 7 - 17 / $19.00 (-$15.00)
Best Bet: SPORTSMUFFLER (2nd)
Spot Play: ROCKIN ROBERT (6th)
Race 1
(2) BLUEBIRD KIDSQUEEN is hardly a horse that makes you want to run to the windows, but the more I look at the rest of the field, the more she seems as attractive as any at a decent price. All of her recent lines come from undesirable posts at Yonkers. (3) EXPRESSIVE ACTION dropped to this level and was dealt with a poor post last time. He is in a new barn now, one with a lackluster record here but capable of an upset. (8) WINDSUN FIREBALL has early speed and Brett Miller, so you know he'll be in play.
Race 2
(7) SPORTSMUFFLER drops back down to the level of her last victory and adds 'Super' Brett to the equation; clear chalk. (1) SILOUETTE has some early speed in her arsenal and could stick close to the top choice for a big check. (8) JOKES JET is fast enough to play with these but drew to the outside of the favorite. (3) VICTORIA MAY N should take some tote action but I'm not crazy about the 1-13 record here the last three years.
Race 3
(8) HILL I AM wasn't exactly given a great chance of success when he bottled up along the cones last time. This field may be slightly tougher but I'm given him another shot to show more early life. (7) HALL PASS HELEN has been racing well of late and owns a solid record here in 2016; must use. (5) ELLENS STREAK will attract plenty of attention on the driver change off an amateur pilot, but this mare really hasn't been as sharp as she was a month ago. (1) BAD DAY BLACK ROCK drops down and adds Brett Miller, who steered him to a win four starts back. On the bad side, he is 0 for 9 here the last three years.
Race 4
Here's another race where I just don't like any of the entrants. I'll roll the dice with (4) MELANIES SHARKETTE, who drops in claiming price for a new high percentage barn. (7) HARPER LEE already has one upset at this level on his PP lines. Why can't he do it again? (2) ST LADS MORGAN was sharp before missing the last four weeks of action. (10) PAYDAZE ON THE WAY has speed and Brett Miller. (9) FORBETTOR OR WORSE hasn't raced that well here but tends to be close enough to menace.
Race 5
(4) NOWUCIT NOWUDONT has behaved with hobbles added and now gets Lasix as well in an attempt to right the ship. If he brings anything close to a top effort, he wins. (5) A LISTER has missed some time but seems likely to be put in play against a mostly suspect group. (9) STAYING FOCUSED reunites with Andy Miller. (3) TEA PARTY POLITICS has no form but drops in class. I'm leaning against using him but can understand if you want him on your multi-race tickets.
Race 6
I loved (3) ROCKIN ROBERT's recent qualifier as he sprinted home full of life. Barn knows how to have them ready to pop. (8) SANTANNA STAR has plenty of early speed in his tank and should make some noise. (9) JACKSRLUCKYTOO closed well as usual two weeks back. If Marohn can keep him close, watch out. (6) MARTY MONKHOUSER A continues to step down the class ladder. The last time he was at The Meadowlands was against three classes higher.
Race 7
(4) STEADY WARRIOR sports a lackluster 0 for 15 record here over the last few years, but was in against better than he faces tonight in most of those starts. He is more than capable of beating this group at a fair price. (6) AUCKLAND FLYER moves into a new barn and is instantly eligible to improve. (1) ARTS ON FIRE is another entering the Johnson barn from Freitas. Maybe check to see how Melanies Sharkette does in race 4 with a similar change. (9) Q ROCK gets a driver change and should be showing plenty of early speed.
Race 8
(8) ROCK STAR faces softer competition this week and just a few starts back romped versus a field that wasn't that much better than this group. I don't select Steve Smith often here, but this looks like a fine price play. (6) HERE COMES SWIFTY wasn't involved in his first start for this barn here last time. He appears to be in the same class but is actually faces easier foes. (4) THAT'S MY OPINION lured Ginsburg off of my top pick but he is too inconsistent to trust at anything under double-digit odds. (5) SIR SAMS Z TAM qualified back rather nicely a week ago.
Race 9
(2) TWINCREEKS JESSE is my uninspired selection in a field lacking much form. He raced reasonably well in his last trip here and the inside post should afford him the chance for a good journey. (7) SAPIENT HANOVER arrives for trainer Ron Burke. In a field like this a Burke trainee is always worth a shot. (4) I FOUND MY BEACH was impeded last time and raced well prior to that start.
Race 10
(4) MUST BE THE BUNNY isn't a horse I'll vault to my top pick often, but this field appears to be loaded with early speed potential and if positioned properly he can run them down at good odds. (1) MAJOR BUBBLES N looks like the one to beat with Miller in the bike; expect short odds. (9) DRUNKEN TERROR has form. Can he overcome the tough draw. (5) OUR CULLENSCROWN N is another racing well; early speed player.
Spot Plays
For Thursday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (6th) Princessofthieves, 4-1
(9th) Rosa Dorata, 3-1
Charles Town (3rd) Zorre, 4-1
(5th) Tiger’s Cave, 5-1
Delta Downs (2nd) Retrofit, 5-1
(6th) Jobay, 4-1
Fair Grounds (2nd) Honor River, 6-1
(6th) Kiss the Toad, 7-2
Golden Gate Fields (5th) Emmett Park, 7-2
(8th) Adaptability, 9-2
Gulfstream Park (9th) Aggressive Driver, 9-2
(10th) Bettabe Fast, 4-1
Hawthorne (5th) French Minded, 3-1
(9th) Thundergram, 3-1
Penn National (3rd) Natalie’s Angel, 3-1
(5th) Athena in Flight, 5-1
Santa Anita (2nd) Magic Taste, 9-2
(5th) Ssea Smoke, 6-1
Turfway Park (4th) El Bonito, 7-2
(7th) Bella Be Proud, 3-1
For Thursday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (6th) Princessofthieves, 4-1
(9th) Rosa Dorata, 3-1
Charles Town (3rd) Zorre, 4-1
(5th) Tiger’s Cave, 5-1
Delta Downs (2nd) Retrofit, 5-1
(6th) Jobay, 4-1
Fair Grounds (2nd) Honor River, 6-1
(6th) Kiss the Toad, 7-2
Golden Gate Fields (5th) Emmett Park, 7-2
(8th) Adaptability, 9-2
Gulfstream Park (9th) Aggressive Driver, 9-2
(10th) Bettabe Fast, 4-1
Hawthorne (5th) French Minded, 3-1
(9th) Thundergram, 3-1
Penn National (3rd) Natalie’s Angel, 3-1
(5th) Athena in Flight, 5-1
Santa Anita (2nd) Magic Taste, 9-2
(5th) Ssea Smoke, 6-1
Turfway Park (4th) El Bonito, 7-2
(7th) Bella Be Proud, 3-1
