by Al Cimaglia
November 25, 2017
Tonight, the Meadowlands has an all-star cast on hand for the final big night of harness stakes action this year. Some of the top two-year-old trotters and pacers will be competing. Also, in the mix of the eight stakes are a fine group of mares as well top open company pacers and trotters.
One advantage to playing the races in real time is you may pick up on a hot driver or trainer. This can be especially useful when the driver or trainer who is coming alive is someone who wins infrequently. That was the case last night at Cal Expo as driver/trainer Rene Goulet steered three winners and trained two of them. Interestingly, not one of the winners were bet down. Two of Goulet's wins came in the Pick 4 sequence, one paying $26.40 in the last leg. The 0.20 Pick 4 (2/3/5/3) paid $207.02, and the pool totaled $37,082.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 3-TVG Mares Trot-$175,000 Purse
4-Hannelore Hanover-If things go as they should this truly great trotting mare should sew up horse of year honors.
3-Emoticon Hanover-May not be as talented as #4 but make no mistake her best is better than the boys in here.
Race 4-TVG Open Trot-$350,000 Purse
1-Lookslikeachpndale-Looking for an upset, the connections are strong, rail won't hurt and this is 2nd time Lasix.
4-Crazy Wow-Has been off since 10/28 and thinking the rest will make a positive difference.
5-What The Hill-Has had a great year but hasn't looked invincible in Nov., not my choice for a picture tonight.
Race 5-Three Diamonds Final Pace-$381,200 Purse
2-Kissin In The Sand-This filly has a significant post edge over the chalk #10 and that could be the difference.
10-Youaremycandygirl-Winner of 8 of 10 has been tough as nails and has >$714k in the bank to prove it.
6-Reign On Me-Tough trip in last, will use in gimmicks, live price shot could surprise with the rght trip.
Race 6-Goldsmith Maid Final Trot-$420,750 Purse
3-Hey Blondie-Cruised in Kindergarden Final which might have been her best race of year, will string along.
8-Seviyorum-9 of 11 in the money but 4 straight runner-up finishes, and that's where I have her tonight.
6-Plunge Blue Chip-Winner of 2 straight deserves respect, ultra-consistent, winner of 8 of 9 starts.
Race 7-TVG Mares Final Pace-$175,000 Purse
1-Nike Franco N-My take is last was a more passive effort and tonight all systems will be on high from the start.
5-Darlinonthebeach-She was a beast last week and if that effort can be repeated it could be picture time again.
4-Bedroomconfessions-Needs the right trip but if track is fast can not only hit the ticket but could surprise.
Race 8-Govenor's Cup Final Pace-$411,700 Purse
8-Nutcracker Sweet-Tetrick-Takter at 6-1 ML is a play, thinking colts blasts out with #9 and could get a 2 hole trip.
9-Stay Hungry-Post is a concern but McNair may seek the engine with ML chalk, best to respect.
5-Springsteen-Winner of last 3 should get a good trip, won't dismiss but will look to others on top.
Race 9-Valley Victory Final Trot-$464,650 Purse
5-Fourth Dimension-Sears wired the field easily in last and could get the top again without much trouble.
3-Samo Different Day-Takter could be in the 2-hole right behind the chalk-#5, may roll by at a square price.
7-Fashionwoodchopper-Has the speed to beat this field. All or nothing usually and will respect chances for upset.
Race 10-TVG Open Final Pace-$350,000 Purse
7-McWicked-Has battled sickness this summer and comes off a powerful qualifier, looks like the one the beat.
6-Mach It So-Should be battling #7 to the wire, short field should suit, and D. Miller will have in striking position.
1-Dealt A Winner-Speedy son of Cam's Card Shark should make the most of the rail and stay in the hunt.
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia.