by Al Cimaglia
June 13, 2020
The Meadowlands has a big 13-race card scheduled with the Early 0.50 Pick 4 starting in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool and will be my focus. On Friday, the driver with the hottest hands was Yannick Gingras with three pictures. The leading trainers on the night were Ron Burke and Nancy Takter, both had two trips to the winner's circle.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
1-Genius Man (9/2)-Sharp looking qualifiers and from the rail it's best to respect. Leaving from this spot should mean Miller puts in play and that kind of trip makes this colt a threat.
3-Montefalco N (5-1)-Magical Acres qualifier was good and Lasix may help even more so tonight. Tetrick should work a trip in a competitive race.
7-Manticore (7/2)-Controlled both qualifiers from the word go and sizzled the back half in 55.2 on 6/9. Not sure it will be so easy this time but looks like a player.
9-Save Me A Dance (3-1)-Gaitway Farm tune-ups, both on Lasix, were very good but the question here is the trip. Should have a big shot if can get on the engine without much strain, otherwise things get more difficult.
Race 7
3-Declan Seelster (8-1)-Both qualifiers were fine but loses Dunn to #5. Looks like a price shot as Tetrick can get a close-up trip and has been facing tougher.
5-The Devils Own N (3-1)-Barn won 2 of 3 last weekend and New Zealand bred has some big speed. 6-year-old is a player but so far has been a bit camera shy. Does have a win and a second-place finish in two Big M starts.
8-Blood Money (7/2)-Classy, Sweet Lou 4-year-old makes first start for Pelling and can grind it out if dialed on high. This barn did have a win in three starts last weekend.
Race 8
1-Freedom Warrior (7/2)-Qualified on 5/30 with a 54.1 back half to hold on for the win. This will be debut for the Lare barn and 1st Big M start for 3-year-old who won >$148K in 2019. Using, but would have liked another qualifier.
2-Lake Charles (3-1)-Tuned up nicely with dual qualifiers at Goshen for the Schniktter barn who had 2 wins last weekend. Taking a swing with 3-year-olds versus older. My take is they deserve respect, and the post edge will make a difference.
Race 9
2-Prairie Panther (8-1)-Comes off two nice qualifiers and has done well facing tough company. Winner of >$144k in 2019 likes to race with the lead and can do so here. Has a perfect 1-1 record at the Big M and barn won 4 races last week.
3-Trojan Banner N (7/2)-Should fit with this crew and the King barn won 2 of 4 last weekend. If pace is hot chances go up but might be over bet.
6-Thinkbig Dreambig (3-1)-Qualified at the Big M on 5/30 and smoked the 2nd half in 54.3. Program chalk was only 1-8 in 2019 but was facing tough customers like Lather Up and Jimmy Freight to name a couple. Looks like a major player.
My Ticket
Race 6) 1,3,7,9
Race 7) /3,5,8
Race 8) 1,2
Race 9) 2,3,6
Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50
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