Meadowlands: Friday, February 26
20-Cent Pick-5
Race One:
2 SPRING IN PARIS gets my nod in this opening-race trot. This Explosive Matter-bred is getting first-time Lasix. That’s an angle I give credence to. This Donerail-bred has faced better. This mare has also recorded a consistent times; they’re good enough to win. Monsieur Yannick Gingras, Le Frelon Vert, is in the bike for trainer Sofia Zingale. The last time this mare faced this level of competition from this inside post she finished 3rd. I believe this 5 YO can be there. Others: 9 Dixie Slippers; 8 Alexander Hanover; 3 Broadway Promise.
Race Two:
3 RUBY ON RAILS came flying home last week. Anything resembling that effort would put this lass in the winner’s circle. Don’t expect last week’s 7.5-to-1 odds. If last week’s effort is a harbinger of things to come, this mare may run-off-and-hide from the rest of the field. The P.E.I. native, Mark MacDonald, reprises the drive for trainer Scott Blackler. Others: 2 Classica, 5 GottaLoveMyShadow; 8 Petal To The Metal
Race Three:
In this GSY amateur pace, I’ve landed on 7 ROCKIN PANDA. The most capable reinsman, Todd Whitney, is in the bike. This Rockin Image-bred has an early turn of foot. This 8 YO should be out-and-going when the wings retract. I wouldn't be surprised to see this Dragon Again-bred “on the engine.” Jamie Gerard trains. Others: 2 Sugartown; 9 Always A Force; 6 Watchmeneighneigh.
Race Four:
It’s “The Money Man," or as my son-in-law would say: “El Hombre del Dinero.” I’m talking about the Oakville, Ontario native, Scott Zeron; he’s driving my top pick in this trot, 5 SO LONG HANOVER. In my opinion, this Donato Hanover-bred is starting to round into form. This 4 YO has faced better. He’s had two acclimating miles. He appears primed. Dylan Davis trains. Others: 6 AP Hall of Trix; 1 She Must Be Magic; 8 Scirocco Patrick.
Race Five:
It’s the GSY series. They’ve returned for another spin around “the Big M” oval. I’ve opted for a long-shot pick. It’s “The Judge,” i.e., Tony Beltrami. is in the sulky. His horse, 1 VICTORIAS MAVERICK, draws “the rail.” That can be a significant advantage. I look for “The Maverick” to be guided into a good pouncing position. “Badda bing Badda boom!” Williams Hernandez trains this Massachusetts-bred (How often do you see that?). Others: 8 So So De Vie; 2 Dull Roar; 6 Statesman N.
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Walt (Teach)
"Walt, make a 'mental bet' and lose your mind." R.N.S.
"The important thing is what I think of myself."
"David and Lisa" (1962)
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