by Al Cimaglia
February 16, 2019
The headliner at the Meadowlands rolls in Race 2, a Preferred Pace with a $21,000 purse. The main event for horizontal bettors is the 0.50 Pick 4. That sequence begins in Race 8, it has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Last night at the Big M the driver with the hottest hands was Yannick Gingras with two wins. The leading conditioner on the card was Ron Burke with two pictures.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
5-Mindtrip-Has held his own in Preferreds and looks to be a major player versus this crew.
8-Bell I No-3rd start for new connections, post could pose an issue but has enough gate speed to gain a good seat.
Race 9
5-Pretty Boy Hill-Drops and can improve, McCarthy takes a spin and should be in the hunt.
6-Avatartist-9-year-old makes 3rd start for Eaton and appears to be in better form, will use Gingras at 8-1 in the ML.
7-Soho Wallstreet A-Another making 3rd start for new barn, A. Miller sticks and has beaten tougher here 6 weeks ago.
Race 10
1-Incredible Shark-Dropper and fits better, slow starts have hurt but driver change could mean a better trip.
2-Alotbetter N-Raced well versus NW$15K a couple of starts back and now gets major post relief on a drop.
7-Dull Roar-54.1 back half at this level on 2/9 and looks like a top contender tonight but won't be 31-1.
10-Archangel Three-Raced well in 1st start off the bench for Burke-Gingras, post could hurt but best to respect connections.
Race 11
2-Urban Renewal-Trying hard and steps up, still fits and could pop at a square price.
3-Valrhona-Moves up 2 classes and not off a win, would usually pass but gets Gingras and this is a soft field.
8-Bruce's Magic-McCarthy gets the call, has struggled this year but best to not overlook versus this bunch.
My Ticket
Race 8) 5,8
Race 9) 5,6,7
Race 10) 1,2,7,10
Race 11) 2,3,8
Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia