by Al Cimaglia
January 11, 2020
The Meadowlands has 14-races slated to roll with the 0.50 Pick 4 beginning in Race 8. The sequence will have 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 8
2-Harambe Deo (3-1)-Just missed by a whisker after winning and moving up in class. Form has been good. Dunn takes a seat and that shouldn't hurt.
3-Eddard Hanover (5-1)-Finished 2nd to a strong winner in last on a sloppy track. Steps-up but has never won on an off-track (0-7), that makes the last effort even better. Has high speed, a 1:48.1 mark at HoP and won >25% of starts in 2019.
Race 9
2-Hurrikane Ali (7/2)-Looks to have a big shot if races back to the 12/26 win. Should be put in play early with a good chance of getting the top and may not look back.
5-Steve Said (3-1)-Faded on a sloppy track in last and will toss that start as recent races have been good. Gingras takes a seat and could be aggressive. Best to respect winner of 5 out of 12 at the Big M.
6-Whatstroublnurocky (9/2)-Had a nice effort on a sloppy track after rallying from a tough spot. Drops and is a better fit tonight, looks like a major player.
9-Bringer Of Rain (8-1)-Makes 3rd Big M start and last was better. Andy Miller can has some gate speed to work with and if pace is hot, chances probably go up at a nice price.
Race 10
4-Forevernalways (3-1)-Has won 3 of 7 at the Big M and makes first start for the Harris barn. From this post Dunn has options and should be in the mix from start to finish.
7-Beachip Hanover (6-1)-Drops after an even effort against better. Makes 4th start of the meet and will look for improvement. Can compete here at a square price if Callahan works a good trip.
9-All It Takes (7/2)-Dull effort in the slop but doesn't relish the goo. Post will make the price but does face a softer group. Has the gate speed to get a good early seat and Marcus Miller may find a live cover flow.
Race 11
1-Machiavelli (10-1)-Will toss last in the slop with an off-track record of 0-12. Previous start here was fine against better. The main knock is the 0-12 at the Big M but has hit the board 8 times. Should race near the top and will use at a price.
2-Jack's Shadow N (5-1)-Jack likes to win and fits with this crew. The post draw should help chances. Monti could get sucked around and make one nice move down the lane to win.
5-Statement Made A (9/2)-Drops out of Preferreds and can do well at this level if Buter can work a favorable journey.
7-Rock Lights (3-1)-Overlooking last 3 starts, now back to the Big M and another who fits better at this level. Versatile 5-year-old can leave or come off cover, Dunn should be able to get into striking range.
My Ticket
Race 8) 2,3
Race 9) 2,5,6,9
Race 10) 4,7,9
Race 11) 1,2,5,7
Total Ticket Cost) $48 for $0.50
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia