TRI’s Picks January 28 Meadowlands

Last night, we were second in every leg but the first. We were off only by a length or two in those legs. Tonight I am optimistic about this ticket. Good luck!

$2 Play: 34/5/5/6 = $4

Analysis:

Race 6- (3) Rhombus can close well. When there are some other closers in this race, he should have a chance to get some cover. (4) Upfront Ellijay Ed has the same case as Rhombus. He can close well. In leg two, he was caught behind a wall of horses and didn’t get a chance to race. If that doesn’t happen, he has a good chance.

Race 7- (5) Ruthless Ace has tried every racing style. The one that worked best was when he was a closer. If Simpson brings him off the pace, he should do better.

Race 8- (5) Pence Hanover came too late at big odds. He will have to start earlier to get up in time.

Race 9- (6) Abelard Hanover has improved in his last two starts. If he can save a little more ground, he will be dangerous.  

Banks at Meadowlands Show New Era

Over the past few weeks, bettors, trainers and drivers have been studying the effect of the new banks at the Meadowlands. Most of these civilians are changing their tactics when they handicap or have horses at the Meadowlands. But I am here to tell you that you should not change your tactics.

Opening night was a common night at the Meadowlands, with favorites, mild upsets and a few big bombs. One of the bombs was Marion Matilda, who returned $65.20 in the eighth race on January 6. She was shuffled and came back late, a common move most of the time at the Meadowlands. As the weeks go on, strategies are being modified.

The last week has shown that the Meadowlands is a closing track. But a bias shouldn’t make you alter your handicapping. Higher And Higher, who raced last night and provided a wire to wire victory at 3-5. Although she was the favorite, she defied the bias and a lot more horses will likely do that as the meet progresses.

People call it a “New Era” most likely for a reason they haven’t thought of as a possibility. If you did, I can’t read your mind. When Jeff Gural installed the banks he said he was hoping we could have the aggressive racing we did in the 70s’ through the 2000s. As observations say, that will never happen again. That was an old era that provided excitement for that time. But the New Era may be slightly equal to the old era, but they will never be the same.

The New Meadowlands in my opinion may be the best since the beginning in 1976. The banks are providing exciting racing that is greater than when the banks were first installed. Aside from the banks effects, it shouldn’t bias our handicapping because when you choose a certain running style, the other one likely beats you. Don’t bias your handicapping; handicap as you normally do because that’s what brought success.    

First Major Tango of the New Year

This weekend features a preview of who could be this year’s top pacer in the Presidential series. The $110,500 race is featured along with the $74,000 Complex and $73,000 Clyde Hirt finals. All three of these races shall be tough as the Burke Brigade sends eight horses out at the top of their game.

In the Complex, the four Burke entries will take a majority of the wagering. The race is filled with speed, which means we could see a Meadowlands Shuffle. Freddy Day Hanover is a horse that is known for taking advantage of front pace. He closes better and better every time and in this race, he should close hard at a price.

The Clyde Hirt stakes will have heavy wagering on Special T Rocks, as he looks to sweep the race. Rhombus and Upfront Ellijay Ed may have an advantage in here. With Special T Rocks’ racing style, Rhombus and Upfront Ellijay Ed should get cover from him and close, unless they are behind a wall of horses. If not, they will sprint side by side with Special T Rocks.

The Presidential presents a monster horse in the form of Golden Receiver, who thinks too fast isn’t fast enough. This horse provides his best effort every time. If he finally flattens out, I Wanna Go Fast will be the dominant horse. Seeing Golden Receiver’s last few starts, he is sure to burn out sometime and when the front end has not prevailed in most events at The Big M, I Wanna Go Fast can take advantage. He is a sharp closer and improves in every start. I’d expect this horse to be second or finally defeat Golden Receiver.  

TRI’s Picks January 27 Meadowlands

Meadowlands Racetrack Pick 4, Races 6-9, Friday, January 27, 2012

On Thursday, we had two winners. They were Bangbangkisskiss ($3.20) and Trust My Heart ($3.40). Tonight’s ticket looks like it will provide some upsets. Good luck!

$2 Play: 5/12/35/3 = $8

Analysis:

Race 6- (5) Omen Hanover worked too hard in the last two Opens over at Dover. If she can save ground, she should be her normal self again.

Race 7- (1) Crown Lady raced well from post 10 last week. She draws the rail, which should allow her to improve tonight. (2) Jk Soundofmusic raced better than expected last week. Like Crown Lady, she draws the inside and should improve tonight.

Race 8- (3) Notorius Bluestone raced phenomenally from post 10 last time out. She goes inside and has room to improve tonight. (5) Marion Matilda raced well on opening day, pulling off a 31-1 upset. She was on layoff and should provide a similar effort tonight.

Race 9- (3) Rathbone N closed hard in this event last week, finishing third. He should provide a similar effort tonight.