For photos from the Meadowlands contact Lisaphoto@playmeadowlands.com

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Around the Tracks - A Sampler

To celebrate Back to the Track, I'll be taking a look at one race from most tracks participating in Back to the Track this Saturday.  Other than The Joseph Ricci Memorial Invitational at Scarborough Downs, the choice of a particular race does not mean it is the feature race of the day; many of these races were picked randomly.  While I am providing selections from various tracks, you are encouraged to visit your local track.  

Tomorrow we will take a look at the Back to the Track Pick-4 and the Dueling Doubles at Monticello/Tioga .

Balmoral Park - 10th Pace - $3,700; Non-winners of $2,000 in last five starts
1 - KB's Goingcommando (15-1) - Managed to land share in last.  Minor spoils at best.
2 - Jitterbug Jack (8-1) - Moving up off loss.  Pass.
3 - Marie's Jate (8-1) - Tries the bigger oval this start.  Doesn't show ability over the mile oval.  Tab for later.
4 - Look Logan (6-1) - Just missed in last. Can take it all.
5 - RT Super Star (5-1) - Another who should be heard from but outside of top pick.
6 - Fox Valley Gambler (5-2) - Folded late in last and takes a drop down.  Likely odds-on.
7 - Lost One (4-1) - Followed dead cover last week.   Drops down and can challenge top pick.
8 - Stamped By Design (8-1) - Winner gets poor post this week.
9 - Pure Addiction (10-1) - Doesn't show the ability to handle a rough trip.  Pass.
Selections: 4-7-8-5-6 

Batavia Downs - 8th Pace - $5,800; Horses and Geldings $10,000 Claiming
1 - Mr Sundin (12-1) - Making seaonal debut. Must see a start.
2 - Zackor (4-1) - Finally draws decently after three starts.  Expect a big improvement.
3 - Pro Kid (5-2) - Draws well and drops from top class.  The one to beat.
4 - Hamilton (6-1) - Was freshened but takes on better.  Pass.
5 - Road Storm (3-1) -Northfield shipper drops slightly.  May challenge top choice.
6 - Card Shark Krazy (25-1) -Nothing to recommend.
7 - The Grand Poopa (7-2) - Huge drop but draws poorly.  Lands share.
8 - Nifty Prescott (5-1) - Has been dull of late.
Selections: 3-5-2-7

Cal-Expo - 2nd Pace - $4,800; Non-winners 8 pari-mutuel starts or $20,000 lifetime
1 - Real Suspicion (7-2) - Ultra-consistent and draws the rail.  Possibility.
2 - Red Star Ruffles (6-1) - Has not been competitive at this level.
3 - The Deadliestcatch (6-5) - Was racing well in British Columbia before lay-off.  Nice effort in matinee.  Consider.
4 - Stanza (8-1) - Nothing to recommend.  Pass.
5 - Scooter Babe (8-5) - Raced much better in Minnesota before layoff.  Is the horse to beat.
6 - Cinnamon (6-1) - Seems to be overmatched.  Pass.
Selections: 5-1-3

Freehold Raceway - 12th Pace; $7,500; $10,000 Claiming (NJSO)
1 - Jasper Bob (9-2) - Forgive miscue in last.  Returns home to winning level.  Threat.
2 - Max Will Start (6-1) - Probably needs further class relief. 
3 - Raider's Match (3-1) - Took needed time off.  Has had success at this level before.
4 - Continental Cam (10-1) - Appears to be off form.
5 - Tyler A (7-2) - Just missed against 15K at Meadowlands.  One to beat.
6 - My Wicked Willie (12-1) - Trainer driving this week.  Tab for later.
7 - Inthepocketthistime (8-1) - Nice qualifier but has had little success from this post.
8 - Oragami Artist (5-1) - Has back class.  Wait for better draw.
Selections: 5-1-3-7

Harrington Raceway - 6th Pace - $7,000 - Gray Horse Invitational
1 - Action Below (3-1) - Has class edge but has not been able to seal the deal of late.
2 - Shinydes A (4-1) - Winless in last two seasons.  No reason to assume he will break the slide here.
3 - Frapper Joe (5-1) - Has improved of late but needs to show more to be serious contender in wide-open race.
4 - Pass The Salt (8-1) - Gets needed trainer change but must see a race before considering.
5 - El Hombre (10-1) - Another one not showing much of late.
6 - Definitely Maybe (5-2) - Winner last week eligible to repeat here.
7 - Rocket Laag (6-1) - Can land share with a trip.
8 - Jus Tuff (12-1) - Saddled once again with a poor post.  Pass.
Selections: 6-1-3-7

Hazel Park - 5th Pace - $1,900 - Non-winners of $2,100 in last seven starts that are n/w of $4,000 in 2010
1 - Gold Force (9-2) - Can be a threat with a more aggressive drive.
2 - Holy Scooter (8-1) - Recent form has been poor.
3 - Hubastank (4-1) - Just missed in last and meeting somewhat easier.
4 - Myster Baron (8-1) -  May land share with any type of trip.
5 - Recurring Star (12-1) - Nothing to recommend.
6 - Bear Cat (5-1) - Don't see.
7 - M M's Gray Ghost (10-1) - Too much early speed inside.
8 - Shambala (15-1) - Gets tough draw.
9 - Sea Slicker (3-1) - Opened eyes with a 1:59.3 score over a slow track at Bowling Green.  Your move. 
Selections: 1-3-4-9

Indiana Downs - 9th Pace - $21,000; Invitational
  1 - Rob V (10-1) - Amazing effort in victory last week; steps up.  Legitimate upset possibility.
1A-Freddyscooter (10-1) - Came home in :26.4 in last.  May be hitting his best stride.
  2 - Benns Superman (12-1) - Has not been showing much of late.  Pass.
  3 - Allthatgltrsisgold (5-1) - Nice effort in his return.  Expecting better this week.
  4 - Lucky Bettor (9-2) - Gets better post this week and can land share with a trip.
  5 - My Boy Davbid (4-1) - Looking for fifth straight victory.  Will not be as easy this week.
  6 - Robin I Scoot (7-2) - Bottomed out last week.  Don't see anything different this week.
  7 - Valentowner (3-1) - Completes tough field.  Must respect.   
Selections: 1A-3-5-2

Meadowlands - 4th Pace - $8,000; Non-winners of $4,000 last five starts
  1 - High Def Z Tam (15-1) - Has been a disaster thus far this year.  Must show more before considering.
  2 - Roman Shark (9-2) - Another still waiting to hit his stride.
  3 - Standupnkissme (8-1) - Dropping down off a solid effort.
  4 - Papaknowsbest (10-1) - Returning off of a long layoff.  Let the tote board be your guide.
  5 - Rathbone N (10-1) - Has been having gait issues.  Pass.
  6 - Trace Editor (3-1) -  May finally be hitting his stride.
  7 - Chris Riley N (7-2) -  Last was much better.  Meeting easier here. 
  8 - Hurrikane Jon Paul (15-1) -Has shown nothing thus far.
  9 - Filthy Rich (12-1) -Can't see.
10 - Hay Goodlooking (6-1) -  Expect a much better effort from this one despite the post.
Selections: 7-6-10-3

Monticello Raceway - 5th Trot - $3,500; Non-winners of $200 per start in last six starts
1 - Double Billed (7-2) - Showed improvement in last but is 0 for 11 this year.
2 - Kosher Winner (10-1) - Meeting easier this week but may still not be enough.
3 - Toe Socks (3-1) - Late bloomer seems to be putting things together.  Must consider.
4 - Rick (5-2) - Needed last start and showed some ability earlier this year.  Expect improvement.
5 - Amelia Madealia (12-1) - Decent qualifier but has been horrible otherwise.  Can't recommend.
6 - Strong Striker (9-2) - Saddled with post eight in last but is better than he seems.  One to beat?
7 - Go Gal Go (4-1) - Still looking for first win.  Not from here.
Selections: 6-4-3

Northfield Park - 5th Pace - $5,500; Open Handicap
1 - Perfect Door (9-2) - Will need a trip to be a factor.
2 - Wow Power (5-1) - Just missed in last but should be able to handle the class hike.
3 - Shell I Attack (6-1) - Riding two race win streak but has not had success against this caliber.
4 - Camcoder (4-1) - A change in driving tactics could be the necessary difference. 
5 - Lolas Cruiser (8-1) - Seems to be in deep here.
6 - Riverboat Baby (10-1) - Stepping up off a scratched sick; never a good sign.
7 - Maggies Son A (2-1) - Australian import must handle poor post. 
Selections: 2-4-1

Raceway Park - 3rd Pace - $1,000; F&M - Non-winners of $750 last five starts or $150 per start in 2010
1 - Sams Jodi (15-1) - Has been awful.
2 - Graycious Gal (4-1) - Must try to smoke this field.
3 - Illegally Blonde (12-1) - Has been simply awful this year.
4 - Up And At 'Em (3-1) - Toss trouble filled last race.  Is the one to beat.
5 - Mrs Ashley R (9-2) - Looking for relief from Hazel Park.
6 - Nummi (6-1) - Another Hazel Park refugee.
7 - Lickcreek Hi Heels (7-2) - Tosses in an occasional good effort.
8 - No No Lucille (10-1) - No No No.
9 - Friseur Bluegrass (8-1) - Has been of poor form of late.
Selections: 2-4-7-5

Running Aces - 5th Trot - $6,500; Minnesota Sired 3yo & up Handicap
  1 - Hornby Speedy (7-5) - Still looking for that maiden win.
1A- DJ French Baby (7-5) - Has dominated this class.
  2 - Earthshine (3-1) - Occasionally puts in a good effort.
  3 - Nearly Rich (6-1) - Solid performer on the MN fair circuit not out of it.
  4 - One Bad Cookie (6-1) -  Another non-winner for two years.
  5 - Wilson Speedy Girl (6-1) - Lands share with best effort.
  6 - Shadowonthegroun (7-2) - Winner at Saint Peter has been a fringe player at Running Aces.  Has he improved that much?
Selections: 1A-3-2-6

Saratoga Harness - 9th Pace - $25,000; Joe Gerrity Jr FFA Pacing Series - 3rd leg
1 - My Gift To You (3-1) - Undefeated in this series and once again draws the rail.  Will be tough.
2 - Jim's Guy (7-2) - May get cooked trying for the lead. 
3 - Handsome Harry (9-2) - Just missed in second over trip last week.  Improved post makes a factor.
4 - Rare Jewel (5-2) - Fits here but race may not be run his way. 
5 - Arts Ragin Jet (6-1) - Too much speed inside to be a factor.
6 - Tireman (12-1) - Deserved outsider here.  Pass.
Selections: 3-1-4

Scarborough Downs - 11th Trot - $50,000; The Joseph Ricci Memorial Invitational
1 - Slim Down ((8-1) - Has been off-form of late. Pass.
2 - Pembroke Prayer (5-1) - Toss last. Been racing well of late.
3 - Batalj Launcher (7-2) - Turned in surprisingly good effort last week. Not likely to repeat.
4 - Speed Bomb (9-2) - Missed three weeks. Does not seem to be up to this.
5 - Enough Talk (8-5) - Class of the field. Tries smaller oval. The one to beat but likely poor odds.
6 - Hot Shot Blue Chip (6-1) - Showing recent breaks but may benefit from smaller oval. Upset chance?
Selections: 6-5-2

Scioto Downs - 7th Pace - $3,000; Non-winners of $3,000 in last four starts or $5,000 in 2010
1 - Yoo Hoo Bunny (8-1) - Has woken up since return to Ohio.  Could provide a shocker from the rail.
2 - Polo Johnny (3-1) - Can take it all with a trip.
3 - Colossal Cruiser (6-1) - Takes on older horses off dull efforts.  Pass.
4 - Dandy Dick (9-2) - Threat if he does not get stacked up three wide at the three quarter pole.
5 - Scooch Over (12-1) - Seems to be overmatched.
6 - Good Connections (10-1) - Has done little against this caliber.
7 - KB's On My Toes (4-1) - Post eliminates.
8 - Teen Turo (8-1) - Hard to gauge colt should not be ignored.
9 - Two Bills (5-1) - May land share with best efforts despite the post.
Selections: 2-4-9

Springfield (Illinois State Fair) - 9th Pace - $4,500 - Ilinois State Fair Colt Stakes Eliminations - 3yo colts and geldings
1 - Ucallthatanexcuse (6-1) - Has had little success against better stock.
2 - Fox Valley Emelio (4-1) - Seem to be a step behind top picks.
3 - The Roman Conquest (3-1) - Was not able to capitalize off of live cover in last.
4 - Fox Valley Barbosa (8-1) -Fair effort coming off scratched sick.
5 - Delco Willobee (5-1) - Should fare much better without any trouble.
6 - Iam Bonasera (2-1) - Lays over this field.  The one to beat.
Selections: 6-5-4

Tioga Downs - 3rd Trot - $31,720; New York State Fair - 3yos
1 - Shaq Is Back (5-2) - Expect improvement off of last start.  The one to beat.
2 - Whata Winner (7-2) - Will not be able to control fractions this week.  Lands share.
3 - New Yorks Finest (9-2) - Two race win streak gets snapped against better.
4 - Classical Winner (10-1) - Awful display in last.
5 - Winning Fireworks (6-1) - Showed promise last year.  May have found a winning level.  Threat.
6 - Carbon Footprint (8-1) - Appears overmatched here.
7 - Crown Man (10-1) - Erratic sort draws poorly.  Enough said.
8 - Folk Tail (8-1) - Has drawn poorly but may land share.
Selections: 6-1-2

Vernon Downs -- 6th Pace - $9,000; Miracle Mile 2
1 - Yankee Stardom (10-1) - Has yet to show his early season form.
2 - Cowboy Hanover (2-1) - Should be much closer from this position.
3 - Mata Harry (9-2) -May be the beneficiary of a fast pace.
4 - Mystical Valentine (10-1) - Will need to be able to back off pace to be around at the end.
5 - How Forever Feels (6-1) - Driver picks off this one for #4. Says it all.
6 - Waltrip Hanover (8-1) - Not likely to control the pace to his benefit.
7 - You Bet Your Glass (3-1) - Drops down but gets the worst of the draw.
Selections: 3-6-2

Yonkers Raceweay - 9th Pace - $33,750 - Non-winners of $18,000 in last six starts
  1 - King Cat Anvil N (3-1) - Gets class relief.  Must be able to control the pace.
  2 - Pacific Renegade (5-1) - Steps up and has little success with this caliber.
  3 - All My Life (6-1) - Gets needed class relief upon return from the Meadowlands.
  4 - Spacehill (40-1) - Appears well overmatched.
  5 - Eagle Now (5-1) - Needs relief to be a factor.
  6 - Espirit De Kayjay A (6-1) - May land share with best efforts.
  7 - CC Racy (8-1) - Fits here but draws poorly.
  8 - Bettor Design (30-1) - Off form of late.  Pass.
  9 - Feets of Magic (20-1) - Gets the rail in second tier but not likely to be around at the end.
10 - True Desire (15-1) - Meeting better and draws poor.
Selections: 1-6-3-7


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