by Al Cimaglia
June 20, 2020
The Meadowlands has another giant 18-race card ready to go this evening with the first post at 6:00 EST. My focus will be on the 0.50 Pick 4 that starts in Race 10. The competitive sequence has a 15% takeout.
On Friday, Tim Tetrick was the driver with the hottest hands winning six races. The top conditioners with two wins each were Nancy Takter, Nifty Norman and Scott Di Domenico.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 10
3-Guardian Angel As (3-1)-That was a big-time effort in 1st start off the bench versus a strong winner from the 8-hole at ScD. Starts inside of main foes, should be tighter than in last outing and was Tetrick's choice over #10.
4-JL Cruze (7/2)-Even effort last week in 1st race since the restart. Usually in the mix at the Big M and has won 21 of 50 in East Rutherford. Dunne should have in striking range at the top of the lane.
10-Crystal Fashion (9/2)-Qualified on a sloppy track and that effort was fine. No doubt this is a tough post draw, but the pace could be very quick. If so, Miller should find some live cover and might roll by everyone down the lane.
Race 11
2-Odds On Delray (7/2)-The 6/8 qualifier at Gaitway was very good. Yonkers invader has 1 win in 10 Big M starts but will respect chances with this post draw.
5-Campora N (10-1)-Has been competitive in Big M starts winning 1 of 3 and should offer a square price. Fits with this group and had a 54.3 back half in 6/5 qualifier here. Looking for D. Miller to put in play.
9-Numbered Account (8-1)-Winner of 7 of 27 in 2019 usually does best work on a smaller oval. Tuned-up nicely in dual qualifiers at Gaitway, will take a swing with Tetrick in this spot and leave #10, the program chalk off my ticket.
Race 12
2-Vettel N (6-1)-Both qualifiers at Gaitway were sharp. The Jen B. stable has been cold but won a race last night. Will use and hope it's time for her barn to wake-up.
6-Another Daily Copy (9/2)-Finished 8th in a quick mile versus better in 1st start off the lay-off. Johnson barn has been doing well and this looks like a spot to shine. 8-year-old has won 5 of 26 starts at the Big M and A. Miller will likely leave.
7-Western Joe (3-1)-Big effort at even money in 1st start and now Gingras takes the lines. Fits with this crew and likes the track winning at 33% clip (11-33).
Race 13
5-The Devils Own N (3-1)-New Zealand bred has looked good in 3 local starts and now steps-up off a nice win. Loses Dunn to #7 but will respect chances with D. Miller for back-to-back picture.
7-Franco Totem N (5-1)-Drops out of Opens and has beaten better than this at the Big M. Deserves respect and Norman barn took a couple of pictures last night.
8-Closing Statement (7/2)-Won at this class on 6/6 with a 53.2 last half. Will need another big try from this post but McCarthy can grind his way around and put into striking at the top of the lane.
My Ticket
Race 10) 3,4,10
Race 11) 2,5,9
Race 12) 2,6,7
Race 13) 5,7,8
Total Ticket Cost) = $40.50 for $0.50
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