USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino Race 10 (Pick 5)
Date: 8/14/2018 Carryover: $0  Guarantee: $5,000

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

Yesterday’s Recap – We went three-for-four yesterday, but managed to come up with two twelve dollar horses.  We missed in the second leg where one of our two singles finished a strong second.  The Pick 4 of 5/4/4/4 returned $1,906.20.

Breakdown:

Race 10: #2 CLASSIC COMEDY was stretched out to the first quarter last week from post six, but when she made the lead she looked extremely strong.  She just got caught in that effort last out, don’t count her out from here if she is a good striking spot, she will be tough.  #4 HILLARY’S STYLE adds Lasix once again this week coming off a winning effort last out.  She isn’t a speedy mare, but she seems to like coming from off the pace, I am expecting a big effort.  #9 HICKORY BIG BLACK has won two straight for trainer Kris Rickert and he gets a different driver for the third week in a row.  That may be the only concern I have especially from an outside post.

Race 11: #4 TOWNLINE MOMMA has three straight third-place efforts, but it seems like she may be improving just a little bit.  She picks up Tony Hall again this week, look for her to be around late.  #9 HOLY HALIBUT bounced last week after being strung out to the first quarter and he is a lot better than that on a normal day.  I also have a feeling that the slop may have played a factor in that effort.  Expecting better tonight from him today.

Race 12:  #2 TSM ARTEMIS T was a horse we used last week and she just missed in that effort taking the lead at the head of the lane and got caught at the line.  She has some early speed and when she is forwardly placed, she tends to be a big part of the race.  #4 TOEJAMMINMOMMA made up a good amount of ground last week in the stretch and just missed closing home strongly. Look for her to continue being successful this week.

Race 13: #2 NOT A LOTTA FUN is one of the more consistent horses in the field this week.  He has some early speed but is very versatile in the fact that he can come from off the pace.  Post-draw also plays to his favor here.  #6 DONATO’S JEWEL has had a rough go of things as of late with some breaking issues, but if she stays flat she will be extremely tough to beat.

Race 14: #3 ICE HOCKEY HANOVER looks to be tough to beat after that effort against tougher last week.  He spotted the field a good amount but trying to make up some ground in the stretch.  He proved to be very versatile in that effort, but this week I feel like he will be close to the pace which is more his style.