by Al Cimaglia
March 4, 2023
Tonight, the Meadowlands has a competitive 14-race card. The feature goes in Race 10, an Open 1-2 Handicap Pace with a $45,000 purse. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
2-Ahundreddollarbill (2-1)-Finished a close 3rd versus this kind in the 1st start off the bench and can be better tonight. TMac gets the assignment behind this classy Alagna pupil once again. Should be tighter and forwardly placed off gate.
Race 7
3-Truffle Dog (5-1)-Comes off a rough trip at this class and comes back in sequence with Dunn returning. Speedy Cullipher trainee only has 4 wins in 31 M1 starts but may have met a beatable field. Can win at a square price and should be racing with the leaders.
4-Duddie's Lor (3-1)-Has been in good form just missing in the last 2 starts at this level. Has trouble sealing the deal and will likely offer no value. But has won 9 times in 40 Big M starts and will respect chances with this post draw but look to others as well.
10-Action Hanover (7/2)-Competitive in the TM races and gets into the mix despite starting outside. Should offer a fair price and must be considered in a race without a standout.
Race 8
3-As Always (5-1)-Drops after a no-move mile from post 10 and lands at the same level of a nice win at 11-1 on February 11. Loses Dave Miller to #1 but Joe B can work a nice trip and be in striking range at the top of the lane.
5-Adriano Hanover (9/2)-Drops and has been consistently in the hunt versus this kind. Bartlett has the gate speed to use to get a good early seat and should be rolling off cover down the lane.
7-Ohoka Chopper N (7/2)-Was bet some against better in last but caught a shuffle and finished a close 8th. Has been in good form, could rebound on the drop and hoping is overlooked at the windows.
Race 9
2-Shadow Cat (8-1)-Yonkers shipper knows how to bank money and made the most of his initial M1 start. Now steps-up and faces better. Should be a test but has beaten tougher albeit at YR and could add some juice to the Pick 4 payout.
3-Bettor Memories (3-1)-Was used 2 times before the 3/8's and didn't get a breather. The trip took a toll and faded down the lane. Beaten chalk was driven aggressively by Gingras and maybe this time Joe B comes off a helmet. That could work better versus this kind.
4-My Pal Joe (7/2)-Comes off a strong effort versus similar from the 10-hole in last and was parked the mile. Should be bet and the trip can't get much worse. Won't be 19-1 tonight but looks like a player and does good work at M1 (42-7-6-6).
6-Shine A Light (6-1)-Takes a good step-up but best to not overlook the Engblom/Bartlett combo after the sharp win last time. That score came from post 9 and it was only the 2nd start off the bench. This was Bartlett's choice over the 2/9.
0.50 Early Pick 4
2/3,4,10/3,5,7/2,3,4,6
Total Bet=$18
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