USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino Race 4 (Pick 4)
Date: 6/16/2018  Carryover: $4,382.16   Guarantee: $12,500

Ticket: 2,6/2,3/1,8/1,4,6,9 – Cost: $12.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Our single got home after that things took a turn for the worst.  Newsday in Race 7 made a last to first move in the stretch to pass Apothic, who was the horse I used with about 20 steps to go.  Race 9 produced the biggest upset as Dance Blue ($25.60) gave the Pick 4 players a little bit of the value they were hoping for.  The official result was 1-5-6-1, paying $307.55.

Breakdown:

Race 4: #2 NATURALLY BAD has won three straight races and continues to progress forward.  Last week was his first test against this class and he just got up at the wire.  I have a feeling Palone will want to get the same trip.  #6 BAMBINO JOE drops in class and returns to a track that he has had some success at before.  The draw was kind to him and that could allow him to flash some early speed and challenge the pace.

Race 5: #2 WE SEE EMOJI’S has had a case of seconditis as of late against upper level conditions.  Tonight, Randy Bendis drops him in class to face easier company, if you throw out his last start, he is definitely a contender.  #3 GYPSY TERROR raced extremely well last week making a first over move early and clearing while never looking back.  He gets a good draw, but he doesn’t have a lot of early gate speed.  Don’t take a chance on leaving him out. 

Race 6: #1 OFFICIALLY YOURS didn’t get a good trip at all last week, so I believe you can throw that race out.  He isn’t the speediest off the gate, but he always manages to be on the scene late in the mile, expect him to be there.  #8 MATCHPLAY HANOVER could make things interesting from the outside with a big class drop.  Last week from the outside he got away towards the back of the field and made up six lengths through the mile finishing sixth.  Tonight the post still hurts, but the field is a little easier.

Race 7: #1 DOCTOR RJ has not been drawing that well as of late.  He has proven that if he can be forwardly placed he can strike at decent odds, tonight he gets his chance against easier off the rail.  #4 STARTHIMUP is another gelding that has had some trouble in the morning and gets some relief.  He is a bigger closer and could benefit from a better trip.  #6 MATTAMERICAN just missed last week tiring in the stretch as the favorite.  Tonight, Brady Brown picks up the lines and if they can ration out the speed some more he should have no issues.  #9 KING OF THE JUNGLE picks up Palone once again, who beat us at 30/1 the other day and I am determined to never let that happen again.  He draws tough, but the class drop facing easier could allow him to get into the race early at decent odds, watch out here.