USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Meadows Racetrack and Casino Race 9 (Pick 5)
Date: 6/30/2018  Carryover: $0   Guarantee: $5,000

Ticket: 1,4,8/3,7,8/3,4/9/5,9– Cost: $ (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Three of four was the name of the game last night as we were beaten a half length in the first leg.  There was not a whole lot of large priced horses, but the Pick 4 paid extremely well.  The official Pick 4 was 4/3/7/8 and paid $525.10.

Breakdown:

Race 9: #1 MAINLAND KEY N draws the rail tonight and gets a pretty big driver change to Aaron Merriman.  He went to the lead from an outside post last week and raced extremely well.  If he can get off the car he will be tough to beat.  #4 OFFICIALLY YOURS gets a driver change to Rawlings this week with Wrenn not being in town.  He is a speedy gelding that is very versatile and can come from off the pace.  #8 HRUBYS N LUCK is a new shooter coming in from Pocono and picks up driver Dave Palone.  He has some speed to contend with and normally wins or is extremely close when he is on the lead.

Race 10: #3 BLISSFUL FOYAGE is one of the more consistent horses in the field and is a gelding who likes to hit the board.  He dropped down two starts back and could be tough against these.  #7 MCJAGERSONTHEMOVE stepped back in class last week and scored easily with Brady Brown in the bike.  He has had a tough go of things on the outside, as of late, but he could strike with not a lot of speed in the race.  #8 DARE YOU gets Palone back in the bike who truly gets along with the horse.  Throw out the start last week where he was a beaten favorite.

Race 11: #3 KINGOFTHEJUNGLE dropped in class last week and just didn’t fire turning for home.  Palone picks up the mount again and this gelding should improve off of that effort.  #4 IMIDEAL HANOVER will probably be the early pacesetter, the question will be can he hold on towards the end of the mile.

Race 12: #9 ROCKIN ROGER got stung to the first quarter last week and tired towards the end of the mile.  Tonight he gets another tough post, but if he can ration out the speed he could be tough to beat.

Race 13: #5 TAP INTO POWER steps back in class this week and gets a key driver change to Aaron Merriman.  He draws into a very good post for a 5/8 track, look for him to be on the scene late.  #9 MONTANA PABLO A is another class dropper that could strike at decent odds this week.  He is a big closer and will be coming at the end of the mile.