USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino Race 9 (Pick 5)
Date: 8/20/2018 Carryover: $0  Guarantee: $5,000

Ticket: 5,6/8,9/2,3,5/8/1,8 – Cost: $12.00 (.50 cent base)

Yesterday’s Recap – We went two-for-four yesterday in the Pick 4.  One of our singles, Tactical Landing, made a break at the start, but made up a ton of ground and was flying late to finish a game third to Wolfgang and Eurobond. 

Breakdown:

Race 9: #5 DORSODURO HANOVER has to be forgiven for his last start where he was parked the mile in the Milstein and tired badly.  If you throw that start out, on paper he appears to be one of the better horses in the group.  His speed ability should shine through here.  #6 HAYDEN HANOVER has an outside chance to score from the outside tonight.  He went to Harrah’s Philly after the Cane Pace and came back very strongly with Kakaley in the sulky.  I have a feeling he will leave from here and try to get a trip.

Race 10: #8 MYSTERY ISLAND is one of the more consistent horses in the field and is coming off a four-length victory where the fractions set were contentious.  He isn’t a speedy horse which actually plays to his advantage as he likes to set off the pace and come late.  #9 ST LADS FLIRT loves to get the trip and if he leaves from out here then there is always that chance.  Is in first off the claim for trainer Brandon Presto.

Race 11: #2 SHOOTHERSTRAIGHT just did not fire against the tougher company last week after a very slow beginning.  Throw that start out and look at the line from July 31 where she sat just off the pace and fired late in the trip to win by a head.  Inside draw again plays to her style.  #3 STAR KISSED has been ultra-consistent as of late and she has a couple of qualities I like in horses.  One is that she has the ability to pass other horses and the other being her fight in the stretch.  She has proved before that she can compete and be gutsy, I’d like to see her do that here.  #5 FLY GIRL is a mare that likes to come from off the pace and has a tendency to be sneaky good.  It will be interesting to see what Charlino does from here.

Race 12: #8 MAINLAND KEY N has the early speed to make the front even with an outside draw.  Last week he had to work to make the lead from out here, but fought on late to finish a strong second.  Look for another strong effort.

Race 13: #1 CHURCH CHOIR looked like he enjoys The Meadows surface on August sixth where he went to the top and just got caught at the line.  Palone will pick up the lines again, looking to improve.  #8 MEETMEINTHEHALLWAY is a big closer who doesn’t possess that much early speed.  Post eight shouldn’t be that big of an issue if Rickert can get him into the race early and into a good striking spot.