by Al Cimaglia
August 4, 2018
Besides being Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands, the under card is full of stars and is ultra-competitive. Hopefully the weatherman cooperates, and the track is rated no worse than good. There are seven stakes handicapped below along with the two elimination races for the Hambletonian. First post for the 16-race card is at 12:00 Noon EST.
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Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 2-Shady Daisy-Purse $96,600
4-Kissin In The Sand (2-1) - The added distance shouldn't matter and looks too strong to go against.
1-Believe in Me (15-1) - Looking for D. Miller to find his way into this race and spice up the gimmicks.
2-Youaremycandygirl (5/2) - Probably not wise to rule out these connections but will look to beat on the bigger oval.
Race 4-Haughton Memorial-Purse $422,350
1-White Tiger (8-1) - Looks like only a clean trip away from being a serious threat, offers value and is sharp.
5-Greenshoe (2-1) - ML chalk looks the part but probably won't get to set own terms, may be up to biggest challenge so far.
3-Gerry (4-1) - Tetrick will have this gal in play and there's no telling how good she can be.
Race 5-Doherty Memorial-Purse $357,450
3-Special Honor (5-1) - Handy filly is in fine form and gets a nice starting spot for A. Miller to get a great trip.
5-The Ice Dutchess (8-1) - 1 of 3 Takter trainees and at 8-1 will key in gimmicks in a very competitive race.
10-Whispering Oaks (15-1) - Might be the best horse, but it's tough from out here as toughest foes leave from great spots.
Race 6-Cashman Memorial-Purse $286,650
4-Bill's Man (10-1) - Nice price, very good speed, should like the added distance and is versatile, looks like a major player.
12-Hannelore Hanover (9/5) - Must respect the champ but from post 12 will look to beat.
8-Marion Marauder (8-1) - Racing well and is another to be respected, should like the move to the larger oval.
Race 7-Cane Pace-Purse $281,000
2-Courtly Choice (9/5) - Sharp as a tack, can win on the engine or off a helmet, should be tough to beat.
3-Stay Hungry (4-1) - Should get a fine trip from here, and McNair should keep in the hunt throughout.
5-Grand Teton (15-1) - Last 2 have been much better, should be rolling late and can hit the board.
Race 8-Hambletonian Elimination-Purse $100,000
5-Wolfgang (5/2) - Looking for the ML chalk to fire out and control the race.
6-Crystal Fashion (7/2) - Should be content to follow #5 around and move on to the final.
4-Lawmaker (8-1) - D. Miller takes a seat on an underrated handy colt who should find a good early spot and stick around.
7-Atlanta (3-1) - Highly respected filly, is perfect this year but this is tougher, might be content to keep some gas in the tank.
9-Zephyr Kronos (10-1) - Likes to roll late and if pace is brisk should be able to rally for a spot in the final.
Race 9- Hambletonian Elimination-Purse $100,000
9-Six Pack (2-1) - Even from post 9 rates an edge and should get the jump on this field.
3-Classichap (6-1) - Only 1 for 11 but in form and usually in the hunt, is a clean trip away from a good gimmick possibility.
6-Southwind Chrome (5-1) - From this post should be in the mix from start to finish and looks solid to qualify for the final.
4-Alarm Detector (10-1) - A monster in '17 has had trouble in '18, is racing better and can be in the hunt with best effort.
8-You Know You Do (8-1) - With a clean trip could be battling #7 for the last spot in the final.
Race 11-McKee Memorial-Purse $260,100
8-Miso Fast (4-1) - 2nd start off a rest and could be sitting on a big try with Tetrick at a square price.
6-Western Joe (5-1) - Looks to be in the mix and likes this track, in fine form and Zeron gets along well.
12-McWicked (2-1) - Program chalk has won 6 of 8 and even from the 2nd tier deserves respect.
Race 12-Hambletonian Oaks-Purse $500,000
5-Phaetosive (3-1) - Razor sharp and this could be the day to finally get some revenge on #4.
4-Manchego (5/2) - Truly a great horse who should fire out as usual, would be no surprise if it's picture time once again.
1-Plunge Blue Chip (4-1) - Best to not overlook, this could be the perfect post to stay close and roll late.
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