The Meadowlands: Fri., June 8

[Teach]

Race One:

2 HELPISONTHEWAY ran one heckuva race in the Empire Breeders Cup at VD on Memorial Day, yet, unfortunately, he finished off the board. On that long Vernon front-straight, this guy was ranging up on the outside and looking to take the lead as the field was about to reach that first turn. Suddenly, Six Pack, sitting in the 2-hole, pulls out, thus interfering with (impeding) this 3-year old and forcing his driver, Tim Tetrick, to swing to the outside (if this were hockey, if woulda been a hip-check). Six Pack grabs the lead and this fella is “parked”. Yet, he soldiers on and even maintains his 4th place position, despite trotting a lot more steps than those horses positioned on the inside. Very impressive. I think he scores here. The “Bionic Man” is back. Linda Toscano trains. Others: 3 Seviyorum; 6 Chromeo; 4 Dream Baby Dream.

Race Two:

5 BETTERTHANBRIE gets some serious class relief after finishing 5th against NYSS types up at “The Spa”. I believe this Betterthancheddar-bred is “sitting” on one. Of course, she has to produce. As I look back to an April qualifier, this gal reeled off a 1:52.3. If this filly can reprise that effort, she can easily prevail. The question is: “If”. Jimmy Takter trains and drives this Western Ideal-bred. Others: 4 Major Maid; 3 Lulu De Vie; 2 Ideal Life.

Race Three:

4 MULTITASKR HANOVER gets my nod in the GSY “Hot to Trot” amateur drivers series. This 5-year old Explosive Matter-bred trotter has drawn a series of outside starting posts (yet, he’s been most competitive). This evening, the horse and his driver-trainer, Jennifer Lappe, gets some post position relief. This trotter appears handy enough to set out for the lead (Jennifer’s husband, John Kokinos, tried it once, but this fella faded in the stretch). There’s not much early speed in this amateur event so that if Lappe did decide to put this horse “on the engine,” it wouldn’t be too difficult to make the top. Then, she’d just have to rate the horse. On February 9 of this year, Jennifer Lappe and Stacy Chiodo won both halves of the early double; it was the first time at The Meadowlands that it had been accomplished by two lady drivers. Others: 1 Hes A Castoff; 2 War Cry; 5 Wild Smile.

Race Four:

6 STORM TRACKER. It’s “The Bionic Man,” Tim Tetrick, in the bike for trainer Linda Toscano. This Big Jim-bred brown mare has finished 4th in her last two starts, one at “The Big M,” the other at Yonkers. In both cases, she went off as the odds-on favorite. She certainly has an opportunity here to make amends for those disappointing performances. This gal should be closing in deep stretch. Will she get up in time? This appears to be one of those “buy insurance” races. If you’re looking elsewhere: 5 OK Heavenly; 2 MyLittleSurferGirl; 3 Rockin Praline.

Race Five:

6 PINKMAN. Yes, I know: Dummkopf! Yet, I find it hard to bet on a horse that I know will be a prohibitive favorite. I’m taking an upset try with “The Thunder from Down Under,” Andrew McCarthy, and trainer Jimmy Takter. This fella’s last race – his first pari-mutuel start of the 2018 campaign – was not too shabby. I believe he’s got more in the tank. Yes, I understand it’s “a reach,” but I won’t rule him out. Others: 1/1A Fly On/Double L Lindy; 3 Misslarose; 4 Go Byem.

Race Six:

6 BROADWAY BRUISER (Hambletonian Eligible) is my pick in this 3 & 4 year-old trot. “EA: He’s In the Game” is in the bike for trainer Don Swick. This Muscle Mass-bred colt has finished 2nd twice (one by dq) in his only two 2018 starts. This fella’s times have been very good (I look for more from this guy). I can see it now: “…and with a rush in deep-stretch, here comes Broadway Bruiser!” Others: 9 Voss Volo; 10 Glide in the Wind; 8 Repentance.

Race Seven:

2 CHEAP THRILLS appears to be rounding into form. IN his thus far six starts he’s finished 3rd three times. Is today the day that he breaks through for a trip to “Club Med’s” winner’s circle? I believe there’s a strong possibility. Tim Tetrick mans “the lines” for trainer Jeff Bamond, Jr. Others: 4 Jenna Hanover; 1 Clara Bea; 6 Always Fast.

Race Eight:

5 MASTER KINGPIN. It’s “The Bionic Man,” again. This time for trainer Tom Lail. This Master Lavec-bred gelding tries “the big track” after several tries at tight-turned Freehold Raceway. This guy has been quite competitive down on route #9. He’s hit the tote in his last four. I guess my only concern is that he’s missed a week. If you’re looking elsewhere: 6 Joey’s Cash; 9 Dewey Hava Winner; 4 King Cast.

Race Nine:

3 GOLD MEDAL SWAN. This Mark Silva-owned and trained entrant was the scourge of this spring’s GSY amateur events. He’s tailed off some; yet he now meets a field that he should be able to handle. Jim Marohn, Jr. is in the sulky. Only caveat: he’s missed a week. Others: 7 Crazshana; 2 Osvaldo Blue Chip; 1 SevenBuyEleven.