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Friday, May 6, 2016

Race Spotlight: Mack Lobell Elitlopp Playoff

This Sunday, the Meadowlands has a rare Sunday card which features the Mack Lobell Elitlopp Playoff.  Not only does this race come with an invite to the Elitlopp, it is an early season match-up of horses which will no doubt be competing for year-end honors.  The Playoff, is the first race on a trot-laden card (the first six races) which comprise the V64 wager in Europe.

The Elitlopp Playoff is a particularly challenging race as some of these horses are hard to gauge, either coming off of long layoffs or shipping in from other tracks.  Can we look at last year's accomplishments and assume these horses will be at peak level or will some have lost or even gained a step this year?  It makes for quite a handicapping puzzle.

Here is my analysis of the field:

Sunday, May 8th
1st Meadowlands - Trot - $150,000; Mack Lobell Elitlopp Playoff
1 - JL Cruze (Campbell, 2-1) - 3 for 3 this year.  Nice freshner in the morning.  Clearly the logical choice but with so many other angles to consider, will look elsewhere.  
2 - DW's NY Yank (Kakaley, 20-1) - Been trying his luck over on the Hilltop oval.  Should find the mile oval more to his style.  Seems to be a step below these.
3 - Wind Of The North (Brennan, 30-1) - 2 for 3 this year in Florida.  Note his loss came against Natural Herbie.  Prepped with a fast jog at Rosecroft.  Picks up Brennan who crosses the river for the first time this year.  Not tossing this one away.  At 20-1 or higher, he's my pick.
4 - Resolve (Svanstedt, 10-1) - TVG FFA champ returns off of decent first start, losing to Queen Bee.  Expect better effort here.  May land share.
5 - Obrigado (MacDonald, 20-1) - Makes seasonal debut.  Figure he needs this race.  Pass.
6 - Gural Hanover (Gingras, 8-1) - Has yet to defeat this year #1 and #7.  A step below the top contenders.
7 - Bee A Magician (Sears, 9-5) -Winner of last race who figures to be even better.  Only knock is an outer post.  Definitely contends. 
8 - Crazy Wow (Tetrick, 15-1) - Millionaire joins the rank of aged trotters in first start of season.  Love him but not here.
9 - Shake It Cerry (D. Miller, 4-1) - Mare has been sharp thus far but draws the worst of it.  Include in exotics. 

Selections: 1-4-7
Longshot Play: #3

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