USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment Race 3 (Pick 5)
Date: 6/23/2018  Carryover: $0   Guarantee: $25,000

Ticket: 2,4,7/1,7,8/1,7/2,6/1,3,7– Cost: $54.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Yesterday, we had a tough go of things only scoring one leg out of the five. A lot of the logical second or third choices hit the ticket, but it was Mr. D’s Dragon who provided the value causing the Pick 5 to pay $3,747 for a .50 investment.

Breakdown:

Race 3: #2 YANKEE HEAVEN isn’t the fastest gelding, but he is a horse that if close to the pace can pounce.  He hasn’t been on a bigger track for a while, that is a little bit of a concern.  #4 DRUNK ON YOUR LOVE was a champion Ohio-bred in 2017 and has faltered a little in 2018.  He comes to the Meadowlands where he has had a little bit of success facing easier.  #7 HI HO STEVERINO hasn’t been racing that great, but he hasn’t been on a fast track in a while; this could make the difference.

Race 4: #1 ODDS ON LAUDERDALE dropped down to face easier company last week and drew off to win easily by 4 3/4.  In that effort, he closed home in a powerful 26.4, which was visually impressive.  #7 SHADOW CAT gets a driver change to Pat Berry who gets in the sulky behind him for the first time.  He has been very consistent for trainer John Butenschoen and I don’t see that changing against this class.  #8 IDEAL FEELING raced extremely well last week and so far has shown some maturity from age two to three.  He isn’t the speediest gelding, but if he stays flat he will be tough to beat.

Race 5: #1 MAY I CRUISE WEST draws the rail tonight after a tough effort where he just didn’t advance last week.  Tonight, he drops to face easier company and looks for some improvement.  #7 INTRIGUED INTENDED gets a tough draw towards the outside, but that is not really a concern considering he is a big closer who likes to come from off the pace.  You may get some value tonight.

Race 6: #2 HEFTY LEFTY gets a big driver change to Marohn this week who hasn’t driven him before.  This class dropper like to be close to the pace or on the lead; expect a big effort this week.  #6 WHATA TWIST gets Andy Miller back in the sulky and that is exactly where his last victory came from.  He has had a string of bad luck against tougher; the class drop matters.

Race 7: #1 QUALITY BUD went to the front last week against easier and never looked back.  Tonight he draws towards the inside and, if he can repeat that performance, he may dominate.  #3 RAINBOW ROMANCE N is another horse that might get off the car if pushed along.  He gets Kirby for the first time this week and is a new shooter coming in from Yonkers.  Class dropper.  #7 BEYOND DELIGHT got things together after taking a week off in his last trip; expecting another game effort tonight.