USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment Race 8 (Pick 4)
Date: 6/28/2018  Carryover: $0   Guarantee: $50,000

Ticket: 1 (1A),6,8/1,3,7/1,3,5,7/3,8,9– Cost: $54.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Well, three-of-four seems to be the way these picks have been going as of late.  We were able to produce some non-favorite victories before being defeated in the 10^th race by Over Speeding the odds-on favorite.  The Pick 4 of 2,10/9/9/6 returned $72.60

Breakdown:

Race 8: #1 U NEED STONES is my pick in the entry tonight. He has had a tough go of things in 2018, which is a far step from what he was doing as a two-year-old.  He draws well once again, but this week trainer Ron Burke adds hopples.  Look for him to be close.  #6 SAMO DIFFERENT DAY takes a drop down in class but has a ton of back class that works in his favor.  The Jimmy Takter trainee will be close to the pace and could be tough this week.  #8 HELPISONTHEWAY gets a tough draw coming out of post nine but looked really sharp against Sire Stakes company last out.  He was fourth behind some very big names in the Empire Breeders Classic, look for him to be around late as well.

Race 9: This race could very well come down to who doesn’t make a miscue during their mile.  Two-year-old trotters can be tough to handicap.  #1 DEVILISH DELIGHT has had two successful qualifiers, both at The Meadowlands.  She really liked being on the lead and controlling the pace.  She is out of Adeaide Hall, a very successful mare who won a Breeders Crown elimination.  Her foals typically like to win first out.  #3 SPECIAL HONOR is the second racing foal out of Honor Thy Daughter and she has posted two very visually impressive qualifiers.  She tends to race a little off the pace but is there making her move at the end.  #7 LADY ALLAIRE is out of Southwind Allaire who’s foals enjoy winning.  She could provide some value to the Pick 4 from here.

Race 10: #1 ATABOY HANOVER draws the inside and gets some major class relief facing a group he has beaten before.  He draws the inside tonight and should improve off a tough effort last out.   #3 SHADY MCCOY didn’t race that great against these last out.  He got away in a good early position, but was locked in and had nowhere to go turning for home, look for a better trip this week.

Race 11: #3 ATONEMENT is the second racing foal out of Swan Hot Mama and she looked very good in her second qualifier, which was an improvement from the first.  She really tired in her first effort and it looks like she knows how to conserve energy now.  #8 WHISPERING OAKS made a break in her last effort just after the start.  She gets a tough draw this week, but if she can stay flat she will be very tough to beat.  #9 MARVELOUSTRIX didn’t fair that well at Gaitway over a good track, but is a daughter of Sierra Marve who produces winners first time out.  She could provide value from the outside.