USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment Race 3 (Pick 5)
Date: 7/13/2018  Carryover: $28,976.36  Guarantee: $100,000

Ticket: 1,6/7,10/4,5,8,9/1,3,8/1,2,5,8 – Cost: $96.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap –

Breakdown:

Race 3: #1 FULL RIGHTS made a break in his first pari-mutuel start over a half-mile track.  I think you can throw that race out. Moving to the bigger track and the additions of hopples could make a difference.  #6 KINGS COUNTY has won two straight baby races and improved in both of them.  Tetrick picks up the mount again for trainer Domenico Cecere.  He has a good amount of early speed and that could play to his advantage.

Race 4: #7 OUTCRY dropped to this class last week after a tough effort at Harrah’s Philadelphia on June 27.  He has a good amount of speed and really likes the Meadowlands racing surface.  Don’t leave this gelding out.  #10 BEACHES DE VIE closed from off the pace last week and had to come three-wide around the last turn and still managed to finish a game second.  His start the week before is not as bad as it looks on paper and he could be dangerous tonight.

Race 5: #4 STARITA has had some breaking issues, but when she stays flat she is a force to be reckoned with.  Going to give her a shot tonight with the addition of hopples.  #5 FRENCH CAFE closed gamely from off the pace last week for trainer Julie Miller.  She isn’t the fastest horse off the car, but she can close like a freight train.  #8 MOTHER BONNIE did something different in her first pari-mutuel start and that was go to the top and never look back.  That strategy worked for her and if she can get to the top again she will be tough to beat.  #9 SPECIAL HONOR was Andy’s choice over the stablemate FRENCH CAFÉ.  She is a quicker filly, but the outside draw could hinder her a little bit.  Look for her to be close to the pace and try to close late.

Race 6: #1 COMMENTARIAT showed speed last week and was stung to the opening quarter.  He fought in the stretch and was a game third.  The rail draw could make things interesting as this is his first step on the big track.  #3 GRIFFON HANOVER drops in class this week and gets a driver change to Tim Tetrick.  He has been known to show a little bit of speed before, but he likes to be closer to the pace and could get that trip from this post.  #8 FRANKANDJOANNE has really had a rough go of things as of late.  He drops down to face easier after being parked the mile last week.  Look for him to be around at a price. 

Race 7: #1 NO DRAMA PLEASE made up five lengths in the stretch last week and really looked sharp against that group.  He draws the rail tonight and should be closer to the pace turning for home.  #2 GREENSHOE made a break in his first pari-mutuel start, but still managed to win and win easily.  He has a good amount of speed and could be tough against these.  #5 BATTENBERG has been improving through the New Jersey Sire Stakes races. He has some early speed to contend with and normally when he makes the top he never looks back.  Giving him a chance tonight, hoping for a price.  #8 HUDSON RIVER made a back-side brush last week with Gingras in the sulky and that move was a winning one.  Looking for more of a price tonight. 

****BONUS COVERAGE**** Super Hi-5 MANDATORY PAYOUT Race 13 Carryover: $276,939.74

8,11/1,8,10,11/1,3,8,10,11/1,3,8,10,11/ALL – $57.60 (.20 base)

Race 13: #1 SUPER S YZERMAN draws the rail this week against a class he has struggled against before.  The driver change to David Miller could spell victory tonight.

#8 CROMBIE A is one of the more logical choices in the field even from the outside.  My biggest issue here is will he stay flat.  If he can behave himself, he is a top contender and shouldn’t be ignored.

#11 WHATA TWIST was used hard to the first quarter last week and then hung on for fourth only missing by three lengths.  The post draw he got could help him as he likes to ride cover.

#10 DANISH DILIGENCE was third two starts back against this group and then got a rough trip in the final.  The outside post will make things interesting, but a driver change to Ginsburg might do him some good.

#3 NY WHITE SOX, #4 ATLAS ALLIANCE N, and #12 BLUE STRIKE are all must use horses underneath.  They have a strong possiblity of hitting the board in this race and could provide value.