USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment Race 3 (Pick 5)
Date: 7/7/2018  Carryover: $0   Guarantee: $25,000

Ticket: 3,7/2,5,9/2,3/5,6,7/3,10,12– Cost: $54.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – The Super Hi-5 was highlighted by a $26.00 horse, General Dolan who romped in the finale.  He closed steadily from off the pace and won by three parts of a length.  The super hi-5 was 10/7/9/2/3 and paid $2,763.

Breakdown:

Race 3: #3 OUTCRY drops in class and returns to The Meadowlands where he has had a good amount of success against this class.  Abbatiello picks up the lines once again this week and he really gets along well with this gelding.  #7 BLACK HAMMER rallied from off the pace last week and just missed against a strong group.  Gets a big driver change this week to Zeron, one to watch.  

Race 4: #2 BETTORS GLASS faces a little tougher company tonight after going to the lead last week and tiring late in the trip.  He gets a good draw and a driver change to Tim Tetrick, which could make the difference.  #5 BEYOND DELIGHT came first over last week and the line doesn’t really do him much justice as he closed, but just couldn’t pass horses in the stretch.  Tonight he gets a better post and should get a better trip.  #9 MATTAMERICAN was parked the mile last week from the rail, throw that start out and look for improvement against these.

Race 5: #2 DUNBAR HALL ships down from North of the boarder coming off a tough effort against Preferred company, where he made a break.  If he bounces back off of his two Graduate races then he could very well be the one to beat.  #3 MOONSHINER HANOVER has won two straight for trainer Chris Beaver including a leg of the Graduate at Tioga Downs.  He has some early speed to work with, but can also close from off the pace.  Look for him to be on the scene late.

Race 6: #5 NUTCRACKER SWEET has been sneakily good in his last couple of starts.  He has a good amount of speed, but is a very strong closer.  Last week he was close to the pace and just missed taking the lead at the head of the lane for a brief moment before being passed.  It feels like he is sitting on a big race, hopefully tonight will be the night.  #6 STAY HUNGRY went to the lead, but had to deal with torrid fractions last out and just faded towards the end.  Returns to a big track where he has had some success.  #7 THINKIBG DREAMBIG has won four of his last five starts and gets Stratton for the first time.  He has a little bit of speed, but really has looked sharp from just about anywhere.

Race 7: #3 LUCKY AVA comes in off a game effort in the Sire Stakes last week, where she went to the top and just got beat at the wire.  She has a lot of early speed and is one to be leery of.  #10 WHAT A KNOCKOUT showed speed last week and almost got nailed at the wire.  The question in a twelve-horse field is where she will get away.  If she can find a good early position, she will be tough.  #12 LIMA NOVELTY has won two of her last three including a game winning at effort at Goshen last out.  She gets Zeron back in the bike again tonight who really gets along well with her.