There is a noon eastern first post for Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. It's a loaded 16-race card featuring Grand Circuit action including the Hambletonian Oaks for three-year-old trotting fillies, and the 98th running of the Hambletonian for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.
The middle 0.50 Pick 4 starts in Race 9. The sequence has a $100,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 9 (3:12 PM EST)
5-Lexus Kody (3-1)-This Ron Burke trainee is in sharp form and has won 5 of 8 at M1. Yannick Gingras should be out and rolling when the wings fold and could be tough to catch.
8-Looks Like Moni (4-1)-Driver Scott Zeron will hope the fractions are sizzling and if so chances for the top prize go up. Zeron may need to work up a sub-27 last quarter and that can happen. Could win if close enough to the top turning for the wire.
Race 10-Hambletonian Oaks-$500,000 Purse (3:38 PM EST)
3-Bond (9/2)-This filly has burned some cash in the last 2 starts but both efforts were not awful. Set some hellacious fractions (25.4-53.4) last week and that took its toll. There is a big purse on the line but will still rely on a less taxing opening half mile today.
4-Righteous Resolve (8-1)-The Matt Bax trainee got the pocket behind the one above leaving from the 8-hole. This is a value play, she has won 9 of 13 lifetime and might be better in the 2nd start at M1.
5-Railee Something (7/2)-This Burke pupil has 5 wins and 3 second place finishes in 8 starts this year. Should be forwardly placed once again and can be there at the wire.
Race 11 (4:12 PM EST)
6-Southwind Tyrion (8-1)-Comes off a strong performance drawing off by 7 lengths and now faces a saltier group. Looks like a price shot who may have not shown its best stuff. Draws well plus comes out of a sharp outfit, Ake Svanstedt trains and drives.
8-Venerat (5/2)-This veteran Marcus Melander pupil has the gate speed to get a decent seat. This is only the 3rd start of the year but qualified well on 7-22 and should be ready for a big try.
9-It's Academic (3-1)-David Miller needs to get decent position off the gate and this son of Uncle Peter knows how to get the job done despite the post draw. Has hit the board in all 8 starts this year and has posted 5 wins. Usually excels at M1 (24-10-2-5-) and could take its 4th straight picture with a smooth trip.
Race 12-Hambletonian-$1,000,000 Purse (4:45 PM EST)
3-Osceola (12-1)-Not sure if this guy will be over bet, the public likes horses that close out of the clouds. But my thinking is the price will be right to use and that isn't a concern. What could be an issue is staying flat having broken stride in 7 of 16 starts. This time Doug McNair most likely won't be taking back off the gate and then must thread his way through multiple horses down the lane. Will look for a solid trip by a more than capable driver and will hope for a flat mile. This is one of a few that could win at a juicy price.
4-Winner's Bet (4-1)-There are reasons to look away from Dexter Dunn's choice. This colt normally races on Lasix, and this will be the 2nd start without it. The Walner colt comes off a taxing trip last week, was parked the mile from post 10. That said, it was an impressive effort and that was only his 3rd race this year. The Cecere stable is posting 62% winners over the last 30 days and Dunn can get the most out of this colt. Should be forwardly placed throughout and would rather use then let him beat me.
5-Point Of Perfect (6-1)-This is the Burke stable 1-a entry, doesn't get a lot of respect but has done nothing wrong in 4 straight starts. Won last week, set some hot fractions on the engine and was game down the lane. David Miller is a master at keeping a horse in play and should be racing near the top of the stack with a choice post draw. Could offer a solid price and it wouldn't be the first time a barns #2 wins a big race.
8-French Wine (12-1)-My guess is the Team Miller pupil goes off at a higher price than 12-1 and is on an upswing. The post makes the task tougher, but this colt can win without having an early lead. There might be a hectic start and if Andy Miller provides a sharp steer the son of Bar Hopping could surprise. If close to the leaders at the top of the lane, this colt could put in a sub-.27 last quarter.
0.50 Middle Pick 4
5,8/3,4,5/6,8,9/3,4,5,8
Total Bet=$36
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