by Al Cimaglia
December 14, 2019
Tonight's feature at the Meadowlands is carded as Race 7, a Preferred Pace with a $30,000 purse. The 0.50 Pick 4 begins in Race 8 and will be my focus. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
3-Warrawee Unique (10-1)-Even effort in 1st Big M start this meet. Gingras could be more aggressive here and should be forwardly placed.
5-Bay Rum (4-1)-Draws well and that could be the difference this time. Looks like a major player with a quick pace and that will be the key.
7-Father Sarducci (3-1)-Got the top last week and cruised home. There's not a ton of inside speed and as long as the trip doesn't burn Father up, he can repeat.
Race 9
2-Incredible Shark (7/2)-This is a spot to shine and is the top threat if fires best shot. Gingras could get the lead or the 2-hole trip behind #9.
7-No Easy Day (8-1)-Speed to the inside and to the outside and if the pace sizzles this guy will be rolling late. Barn has been hot and raced well off a sick scratch, best to not overlook.
9-Santafe's Coach (3-1)-It seems like Miller will leave and not rely on finding cover, if so has the gate speed to get on the engine. Doesn't win often but drops and this is a beatable field with a smooth journey.
Race 10
3-David's Dream (6-1)-Took the long way around in last and won by a nose in 1st start this meet. No reason to think tonight's effort won't be good enough to compete for top honors.
7-Rocks Noble Artist (4-1)-Went 55.3 in the 2nd half but came up short, this time the pace should be quicker and that's better for the Artist.
10-Justin Credible (5-1)-Great effort last week from the 10-hole to just miss. Could offer a square price, is racing well and is another who could benefit from a faster pace.
Race 11
4-Contntlysidewys A (5-1)-Does best work when up close to the front end and this a spot to race that way. Dunn could work a trip and 8-year old has won 27% of Big M starts (6-22).
6-Laredo Torpedo N (3-1)-New Zealand import had a nice qualifier and makes Big M debut on Lasix. Should be in the hunt if fires hot off the bench and best to respect connections.
9-Da Magician (9/2)-Raced well from the 9-hole in last and that was coming off a sick scratch. Drops, gets a positive driver change and should be forwardly placed. Could be sitting on a big try.
My Ticket
Race 8) 3,5,7/
Race 9) 2,7,9
Race 10) 3,7,10
Race 11) 4,6,9
Total Ticket Cost) $40.50 for $0.50
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