Friday 1/22/21 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Mitchell Newman

Friday free play is to continue to ride the Over streak the Brooklyn Nets are currently in the midst of, as the Nets play their second in 48 hours against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland.

When these teams played on Wednesday it took overtime to decide and their were a combined 282 points between the teams in a game that landed Over the total and then some.

For the Nets, Wednesday's Over marked the 10th straight game that has cashed for Brooklyn's Over players. Brooklyn averages 120.3 points per game, but they also give up 115.8 points too, so a team like Cleveland that scores just 102.9 points per game is certainly capable of posting some higher than average numbers once again in the backend of this two game set.

Cleveland has now landed Over the total in their last pair of games, so while I do not expect their to be going on 300 combined points again tonight, I do think that the Nets strong Over trend continues - especially with Kyrie Irving now back on active duty, for now.

Nets-Cavaliers Over.

1* BROOKLYN-CLEVELAND OVER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bob Valentino

My comp play for Friday night is to sit back, put my feet up, pop some popcorn, mix a sarsaparilla and enjoy some offense between Denver and Phoenix.

This will be the second meeting between the Western Conference rivals - the first on New Year's Day ending in a 106-103 upset win for the Suns in Denver in a game that held Under the total. That Under snapped a string of 3 straight series Overs and Overs in 6 of the previous 9 series meetings.

The Suns have been mostly an Under team this season as their 9-4 season Under mark attests, but Monty Williams' team has slowly but surely been gathering some Over steam as 4 of their last 7 games played have gone that way.

The Nuggets on the other hand have been a most definite Over team for the year as 10 of their 14 this season, including their Tuesday night game against Oklahoma City have landed in the Over column.

I am looking forward to seeing some points on Friday and this is the game that I think we will see them in.

Nuggets-Suns Over.

2* DENVER-PHOENIX OVER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse) - Race 1	$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $1 Place Pick All Starts Here/ $1 Superfecta (.10 cent minimum wager $1 Early Double / $1 Pick Four
Maiden Claiming $3,500 • 4 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 63 • Purse: $7,000 • Post: 6:00P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Trailer. HERE I GO INDY is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * UP TIME: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. JOURNEY CAKE: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layo ff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
3	UP TIME	2/1	7/2
1	JOURNEY CAKE	5/2	4/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
7	AWESOME PIRATE	7	5/1	Front-runner	0	0	70.8	45.8	38.3
4	THATS WHAT U GET	4	7/2	Front-runner	0	0	54.0	38.9	30.9
1	JOURNEY CAKE	1	5/2	Stalker	65	48	61.4	58.1	55.1
3	UP TIME	3	2/1	Alternator/Stalker	62	64	40.7	56.8	53.3
5	HERE I GO INDY	5	20/1	Alternator/Trailer	66	58	21.1	32.4	23.9
6	BOLD EAGLE	6	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	4.7	37.0	26.0

Unknown Running Style: ELUSIVE ART (6/1) [Jockey: Guce Ramon - Trainer: Figueroa Roman].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park

Gulfstream Park - Race 8	$1 Daily Double / $2 Quinella / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Super Hi 5 / $.50 Bet 3 (Races 8-9-10)
Optional Claiming $16,000 • 5 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 4 and up • CR: 89 • Purse: $40,000 • Post: 4:11P
(RAIL AT 96 FEET). FOR STATE BRED FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $16,000. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 22 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $12,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES)(MAIDEN RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT FIVE FURLONGS

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Trailer. DOUBLE MEDAL is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * WAR STAR: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. THINKIN COWTOWN: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" des ignation. DISTINCTLY BLUE: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. DOUBLE MEDAL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SONG RIVER: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
5	WAR STAR	9/2	5/1
9	THINKIN COWTOWN	4/1	6/1
8	DISTINCTLY BLUE	8/1	7/1
2	DOUBLE MEDAL	5/1	8/1
3	SONG RIVER	12/1	10/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
4	FOLLOW ME MOM	4	30/1	Front-runner	88	86	101.2	79.4	65.4
3	SONG RIVER	3	12/1	Front-runner	92	91	101.0	79.8	68.8
1	ANGELCENTS	1	7/2	Front-runner	79	87	0.0	0.0	0.0
5	WAR STAR	5	9/2	Stalker	92	90	88.6	83.4	79.9
8	DISTINCTLY BLUE	8	8/1	Stalker	94	88	82.8	79.8	73.3
7	MISS MIAMI	7	3/1	Stalker	87	80	79.3	81.4	74.4
9	THINKIN COWTOWN	9	4/1	Alternator/Stalker	96	87	70.0	80.4	75.4
2	DOUBLE MEDAL	2	5/1	Alternator/Trailer	90	79	73.8	85.2	75.2
6	NIKEE KAN	6	30/1	Alternator/Non-contender	102	87	55.8	76.0	64.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Laurel

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 6 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $15000 Class Rating: 66

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 3 THE EXCEPTION 8/1
# 2 MEGA MILLIONS 6/1
# 7 NIC NIC BOOM 10/1

THE EXCEPTION is my pick especially at a such a nice price. Has run soundly when racing a dirt sprint race. Is a key contender - given the 79 speed rating from his most recent race. MEGA MILLIONS - Have to love when any equine makes a quick comeback. Must be carefully examined as he drops to compete against this softer lot.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Aqueduct - Race #3 - Post: 1:50pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $35,000 Class Rating: 73

Rating:

#1 ROYAL KAZ (ML=5/2)
#4 MOONSHINE MAKER (ML=4/1)


ROYAL KAZ - Sophisticated selectors will tell you that this horse has strong speed. I like to play horses that faced open company in their last race and drop into state bred races. This gelding fits the bill. Based on this gelding's recent efforts, he should benefit from this shorter trip. The November 27th event at Penn National was at a class level of (78). Dropping down the ladder based on class considerably, so he should be in a good spot. MOONSHINE MAKER - Ran a lackluster race at Aqueduct last out. Racing on a fast track puts this gelding at the top of my contenders list. Gelding took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. Breen will try adding blinkers today in hopes of an improved performance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 BRUNATE (ML=2/1), #8 BRICKYARD (ML=8/1), #2 HAVE A HEART (ML=8/1),

BRUNATE - Didn't come through as the favorite twice in a row. Probably won't gain a win today either. That was merely not a very good showing in the last event. BRICKYARD - Speed figures of 67/50/46 are pointed the wrong direction. The Brain cautions me to keep away from ponies in sprint contests that haven't finished in the money in sprint races of late. Don't feel this questionable contender will make an impact in today's race. That last speed rating was mediocre when compared with today's Equibase class figure. HAVE A HEART - This mount ran a common speed rating in the last race. He shouldn't improve and will likely lose today running that figure.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#1 ROYAL KAZ is the play if we get odds of 9/5 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [1,4]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sam Houston

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 5 - SO - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $17000 Class Rating: 90

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN 2020 - 2021 OR CLAIMING PRICE $10,000. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 22, 2020 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 22, 2020 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 4 COCO TIGER 5/2
# 7 GETALOADOFTHIS 2/1
# 3 HAWKWOOD 6/1

I have to support COCO TIGER here. Lately Doyle has been hot which may give the edge to this gelding. Ran a strong last race. Ought to be considered here on the basis of the figures in the speed section alone. GETALOADOFTHIS - This gelding looks good in this event since Caldwell has a strong win percent with horses going this distance. Is a very solid contender based on figures recorded as of late under today's conditions.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Penn National - Race #3 - Post: 6:52pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,800 Class Rating: 56

Rating:

#6 PHIL THE BANKER (ML=8/1)
#9 STRAITOUTA CONGTIN (ML=3/1)
#4 MARC WELLS (ML=4/1)


PHIL THE BANKER - If this colt gets out of the gate cleanly, he'll be tough to catch. I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a come back. STRAITOUTA CONGTIN - After the race aboard this animal on Nov 27th, the jock is going to be in tune with the gelding much better. This animal wins a lot of money per race. At the top in this event. MARC WELLS - A thoroughbred coming back this quickly after a nice outing is a good sign. Ran in the last race against a higher rated class of horses at Penn National. The move down the ladder based on class rating points should suit him well. Trainer, Kravets, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 BAREFOOTIN' BAY (ML=9/2), #7 VOODOO CAT (ML=5/1),

BAREFOOTIN' BAY - Doesn't look inspiring to me after the lack of any type of closing talent on Dec 30th. VOODOO CAT - Doubtful for this thoroughbred to do much running with no recent success in a short distance affair.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #6 PHIL THE BANKER on top if we're getting at least 7/2 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [4,6,9]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [4,6,9] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	[4,6,9] with [4,6,9] with [1,4,6,7,9] with [1,4,6,7,9] Total Cost: $36

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Oaklawn Park

01/22/21, OP, Race 3, 1.30 CT
01/22/21,OP,3,1 1/16M [Dirt] 1:40:01 Purse $32,000. FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. Weight, 124 lbs. Claiming Price $30,000, if for $25,000, allowed 4 lbs.
. . . .
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse P# must be the top rated horse for the Occurs, WPC, and ROI to be valid.

100.0000	6	Mau Mau	6/1	Cohen D	Diodoro Robertino	TSW	122	31.97	1.74/$1
097.1872	9	First Rate	5/1	Garcia M	Maker Michael J.		122	31.97	1.74/$1
096.9741	3	Sharecropper	2/1	Geroux F	Maker Michael J.	E	122	31.97	1.74/$1
096.4253	5	Change Direction	15/1	Bowen R	Holthus Paul E.	F	122	31.97	1.74/$1
096.2462	11	Wayne O	12/1	Eramia R E	D'Amato Philip		122	31.97	1.74/$1
095.9093	10	Davidic Line	20/1	Cabrera D	Ortiz John Alexander	J	122	31.97	1.74/$1
095.6558	4	Jacks Fire Balls	8/1	Santana. Jr. R	Van Berg Thomas L.	C	122	31.97	1.74/$1
095.2873	7	Big Biz	10/1	Vazquez R A	Villafranco Federico		122	31.97	1.74/$1
095.2566	1	Handy	4/1	Loveberry J	Vance Thomas D.		122	31.97	1.74/$1
094.8843	8	My Name Is Phred	20/1	Morales J	Morse Randy L.		122	31.97	1.74/$1
094.7904	2	Incorrigible	8/1	Talamo J	Moquett Ron		122	31.97	1.74/$1

Top rated horse with "Dirt Surface Not fst/wf" - WPC 28.66, ROI 1.17/$1
. . . .
100.0000 6 Mau Mau
[Category]Condition
[DirtNot_MdnMClm]RacePurseGreaterThan$25K -with-
[DirtNot_MdnMClm]RaceDistanceRoute

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Friday, January 22: Stronach 5 Picks - $97,892 Carryover

January 21, 2021 | By Frank Carulli

The Stronach 5 on Friday, January 22 features races from Laurel Park, Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park and Golden Gate Fields. Since nobody went 5-for-5 on last Friday's Stronach 5, this week's pool features a $97,892 carryover. With just a 12% Takeout and a $1 minimum, the Stronach 5 is horse racing's most player-friendly wager.

LEG A: LAUREL PARK (RACE 8; 3:55PM ET) // MAIDEN CLAIMING // 7 FURLONGS (DIRT)

Trainer Claudio Gonzalez was 9/4-2-2 the last two racing days at Laurel Park, with three easy winners of at least 6-1 odds. He excels off the claim, so take a chance with WHAT THE FLASH (10-1) to start the Stronach 5 with a $97,892 carry-over pool.

LEG B: LAUREL PARK (RACE 9; 4:25PM ET) // CLAIMING // 1 1/16 MILES (DIRT)

EGO TRIP appears the best of six class droppers. He is reunited with second-leading jockey Sheldon Russell, who coaxed a winning rally from the lightly-raced 6-year-old two starts ago. AUDACIOUS QUALITY was no match for Ego Trip in a $10,000/nw3 claimer at this distance, but he had two wins and a third at Laurel Park in November and projects a good stalking trip at a big price.

LEG C: SANTA ANITA PARK (RACE 3; 4:32PM ET) // CLAIMING // 7 FURLONGS (DIRT)

JAN'S RESERVE finished in the money at 6F, 6-1/2F and 1M at this level before he was outrun last out. He's usable at 5-1 odds. TOBACCO ROAD raced over his head in his last three starts but is dangerous at this level. AWHITESPORTCOAT doesn't shy from the photo-finish camera and jockey Juan Hernandez has proven a strong finisher since his arrival in Southern California, a good sign in a longer sprint.

LEG D: GOLDEN GATE FIELDS (RACE 3; 4:49PM ET) // CLAIMING // 5 1/2 FURLONGS (ALL WEATHER)

EXTRACTOR lost by a nose as a 3-to-5 allowance favorite off a one-year layoff. He will be a solo play on alot of tickets. Use MONSTRODAMOUS, who broke his maiden at Golden Gate as a 2-year-old, was claimed on the drop to this level last June, now begins his 4yo season off another long layoff.

LEG E: GULFSTREAM PARK (RACE 10; 5:13PM ET) // MAIDEN CLAIMING // 5 FURLONGS (TURF)

With 40 turf starts between these 12 maidens, only MIAHSOLOMIAH has finished second. Translation: Hope you're alive in the Stronach 5 and hit the "ALL" button.

MY TICKET

LEG A: 5
LEG B: 1, 8
LEG C: 5, 8, 9
LEG D: 1, 5
LEG E: ALL

TICKET COST: $144

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis/Wagering Strategies - 1/22/21

January 22, 2021

Jeff Siegel’s Santa Anita Analysis & Wagering Strategies


Specifically designed for the rolling exotic player, Jeff Siegel’s “Daily Analysis and Wagering Strategies” isolates those horses that should be included in daily doubles, pick-3s, pick-4s, pick-5s, and the pick-6.
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The selections are posted at 6:00 a.m. and updated later in the morning to reflect late scratches and changes (approximately 10:30 a.m.).
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Grade Descriptions: Grade A=Highest degree of confidence; Grade B=Solid Play. Grade C=Least preferred or pass; Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play.


Click to view today’s Santa Anita Workout Report


RACE 1: Post: 12:30 PT Grade: B-
Use: 3-Kitten’s Cat; 4-Via Egnatia; 7-Mystery Messenger

Forecast: The Friday opener, something of a grass grab bag for $40,000 older claiming sprinters, may set up nicely for Mystery Messenger, a prior winner over the local lawn and guaranteed a good stalking trip outside in a field without much early speed. In the frame in his last pair and with speed figures that are good enough to win, the V. Cerin-trained gelding should be able to settle in the second flight and then have his chance from there. Kitten’s Cat is a New York invader that has been quite popular at the claim box of late, most recently joining the R. Falcone, Jr., barn after finishing second in a $25,000 seller at Belmont Park before shipping west. Now seven years old, the veteran son of Kitten’s Joy is solid in the speed figure department and has won over the local lawn in the past, so we’re expecting an in-the-money finish at the very least. Via Egnatia is back sprinting over a course he’s been known to like and in a race that should have comfortable early splits the R. Baltas-trained gelding projects to be prominent throughout. We’ll give Mystery Messenger a slight edge on top but use all three in our rolling exotics.
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RACE 2: Post: 1:02 PT Grade: X
Use: 1-Cashlings; 5-Lance the Legend

Forecast: Cashlings is listed as the 6/5 morning line favorite in this maiden $30,000 claiming sprint for 3-year-olds and probably will leave even lower than that. A solid runner-up to stable mate Love My Jimmy in his debut here last month in a race that produced a good speed figure, the P. Miller-trained son of Ghostzapper won’t need anything more than that to handle this weak assignment, but the class drop along with the “for sale” sign that it appears to represent indicates he’s really not that highly-regarded by the connections. Lance the Legend is a first-time gelding with numbers that are okay for the level, so if the favorite for whatever reason fails to fire the J. Bonde-trained son of Shanghai Bobby will have a strong look at it.
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RACE 3: Post: 1:32 PT Grade: B-
Use: 4-Black Storm; 9-Awhitesportscoat

Forecast: Awhitesportscoat lost a toughie when missing by a neck in a $10,000 claimer earlier this month and today moves up a notch for new connections in a race that came up weaker than par. If the son of Hansen can turn in two alike, he can win, and with nine victories on his resume the A. Sherman-trained gelding certainly knows where the wire is. Black Storm is a four-time winner over the Santa Anita main track and has the route-to-sprint angle that we like. The J. Mullins-trained gelding will be doing his best work late. These are the two we’ll be using in rolling exotic play in an extended sprint that projects to have a very soft early pace.
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RACE 4: Post: 2:05 PT Grade: B+
Use: 6-Hockey Dad; 8-Minehunter; 9-Bob Daniels

Forecast: Bob Daniels ran like a short horse in his debut when weakening in the final furlong to wind up fourth in a state-bred maiden dash at Los Alamitos last month but we’re expecting the son of Race Day to step forward significantly with that effort behind him. The J. Mullins-trained sophomore switches to turf, adds Lasix, retains T. Baze, puts on blinkers, and recorded a sharp recent workout while wearing the hood to indicate he’s primed to show his best stuff. Hockey Dad, another second-timer with every right to improve, exits a fast, highly-rated and productive race and shows two solid gate workouts since that late December outing. The jury is out on the Nyquist runners on turf but if he handles it the D. O’Neill-trained colt will be factor from just off the early pace. Minehunter is bred to be a quick colt and may be more dangerous than his moderate series of workouts would indicate. At 5-1 on the morning line, he’s worth including somewhere in your rolling exotics.
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RACE 5: Post: 2:34 PT Grade: C+
Use: 2-Chevelita; 3-Sideways Suances; 5-Made in Karoo

Forecast: Here’s another spread race, this one for $40,000 maiden claiming 3-year-old fillies over a mile. Chevelita, taken for $50,000 by R. Hess, Jr. in November at Del Mar, drops in price (never a positive sign) but she’s drawn comfortably inside, adds Lasix, and has trained like she’ll appreciate two turns. She’s a contender by default. Sideways Suances, like all newly-turned 3-year-olds eligible to add Lasix, finished second in a similar affair at Los Alamitos last month and her experience around two turns guarantees that she’s fit for the trip. Made in Karoo has been well-beaten in both starts but against infinitely tougher straight maidens and actually has a major look based strictly on speed figures. She’s yet another adding Lasix, so there are at least a couple of reason to expect a much better effort today.
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RACE 6: Post: 3:04 PT Grade: B-
Use: 5-Constantia; 9-Anonymously; 10-Claro Que Si

Forecast: Let’s go with a price in this extended grass sprint for fillies and mares Claro Que Si won a similar affair on dirt her earlier this month, and if she can duplicate that type of effort in her first try on the lawn, she could be dangerous right back. The daughter of Competitive Edge owns a good stalking style for this distance, sports a sharp recent training track blowout to keep her on edge, and seems better than her 8-1 morning line. Anonymously, away for 10 months, returns for a barn that usually does well with layoff runners and has finished first or second in four of eight career starts over the Santa Anita grass course. She’ll be part of what should be a moderate early pace and may stick around for a long time. Constantia, a winner of two of her last three, rallied from far back over this course and distance to spring a 19-1 surprise three weeks ago while registering a career top number, and there’s no reason the J. Sadler-trained filly can’t be dangerous once again. With good racing luck and some help up front, the daughter of Munnings seems likely to be heard from in the final furlong.
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RACE 7: Post: 3:34 PT Grade: B
Use: 5-Va Va Vegas; 8-Found My Ball; 9-Luckys Last Stand

Forecast: Va Va Vegas probably wasn’t completely cranked up when closing to be second in his debut at Los Alamitos last month but with that effort behind him the B. Baffert-trained could be ready to produce a significant forward move. The son of Empire Way has trained well since that race, adds Lasix, switches to J. J. Hernandez, and gets an extra half furlong to work with. We’re expecting him to be along in time. Found My Ball, third with a very wide trip in his debut, is another that should improve with experience and Lasix. The son of Square Eddie has trained a little bit better than his work tab might indicate, though he’ll most likely have to do his work from off the pace. Luckys Last Stand, another second time starter, exits a maiden $50,000 affair in which he pressed the pace before weakening to wind third while earning an okay speed figure. He’s looked decent in the morning since, so the son of Lucky Pulpit, listed at 5-1 on the morning, should be included somewhere.
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RACE 8: Post: 4:04 PT Grade: B-
Use: 2-Hartel; 4-Mystery Man; 8-Exultation

Forecast: The finale is a messy restricted (nw-2) claiming sprint on grass for $25,000 older horses. We’ll go three-deep and hope that’s sufficient. Exultation, away since April and returning from Oaklawn Park as a first-time gelding, has trained well enough to be fit and ready and has run well over this turf course in the past. In the frame in eight of 10 career starts, the son of Paynter attracts hot-riding U. Rispoli and should be dangerous from a second flight, stalking position. Mystery Man shows up in a seller for the first time while clearly being culled from the stable, but the once well-regarded colt is a strong fit on numbers and has the route-to-sprint angle on his resume. He also gets in light and projects to be on or near a moderate early pace. Hartel appears to be the quickest in the field and if he can shake loose early, he could take this group a very long way. The P. Miller-trained gelding missed as the favorite in his comeback at Del Mar but with that effort underneath him coupled with the class drop, he’s a “must use.”
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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Al Cimaglia: Meadowlands Early Pick 4 Analysis

January 22, 2021 | By Al Cimaglia

Race 6

1-
5-

Race 7

2-
4-
9-

Race 8

1-
4-

Race 9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Santa Anita - Race #1
Picks Notes
#2 Appreciated Has been offering only mild finishes, but this drop in against claiming company gives him some chance to wake up here after trying better.
#7 Mystery Messenger Reliable finisher steps up a bit for this, but he's in pretty good form and seems like the type who will appreciate the added sixteenth he gets to work with here.
#3 Kitten's Cat Barn has done good work shipping here in recent years, but this 5/2 ML favorite doesn't seem any better than a few others on his best day. Demand a fair price.
Race Summary Appreciated should offer a fair price after some modest looking running lines that show only mild interest, but this easier spot may allow him to bring a better effort and outkick these late.

Santa Anita - Race #3
Picks Notes
#4 Black Storm He has been competitive with similar in the past, and he scored at this level locally back in October. Recent underneath shares may keep him at a playable price.
#9 Awhitesportscoat He has held some good form for some time now, and he's the main danger in this spot if he's able to hold his form for the new barn off the claim. Should get a cozy trip on a modest pace.
#10 Lolo Paniolo Showed a little bit of late interest last out for twice this price, and this softer spot may allow him to wake up a bit after a long string of tries with better.
Race Summary Black Storm has a pretty honest finishing kick, and he may offer a fair price with a couple of underwhelming performances to his credit in recent races. Box him up with Awhitesportscoat.

Santa Anita - Race #7
Picks Notes
#6 Sabuda Worth a look while adding Lasix for the first time, as this guy turned in a really nice Keeneland debut before following it up with two clunkers. I'd probably want something a bit better than the 7/2 ML price.
#5 Va Va Vegas Finished up well without threatening the winner as the 4/5 chalk in the Los Al debut, but he's sure to be overbet here out of the Baffert barn.
#4 By Moonlight This guy owns a little bit of pace, and he looks like one who may appreciate the move back to the dirt where he posted a decent debut effort at Del Mar last year.
Race Summary Sabuda would need to offer a bit better than a $9 win payoff for me to jump in, considering he's probably got to get all the way back to his debut run after getting beat 30 lengths in his last two. That said, the Baffert might be overbet, leaving a fair price here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Meadowlands - Race #10
Picks Notes
#8 MAGICAL WINNER K Steps up off sharp victory in the slop, today's Best Bet.
#6 ITSONLYMONEYHONEY Can narrow gap on top one after first-over trip off layoff.
#3 SKYWAY KON MAN No factor from post 9, expect improvement in second start back.
Race Summary Magical Winner K drew away from a confidently-driven pocket sitter in a manner that suggests he will handle the class rise. Play 8-3 and 8-6 exactas.

Miami Valley - Race #1
Picks Notes
#2 ACHILL'S Z TAM Took money in faster division of split race, worth a price stab.
#4 MIGRATE BLUE CHIP Dayton invader has best numbers, seeks 24th win.
#1 BEST SHOT N Acclimated locally, draws rail, can land minor awards.
Race Summary Achill's Z Tam earned his top speed figure off a freshening, was heavily-bet in a follow-up try and didn't threaten while second-over. He can bounce back at an inflated price.

Yonkers - Race #10
Picks Notes
#7 HEAVEN'S GAIT Took the late money and ran to easy victory, taken to repeat.
#1 SUGAR FACTORY Romped at this level prior to post 10 assignment in latest.
#5 RANCOUSY Chased co-favorite, held third at Freehold.
Race Summary Heaven's Gait was bet down from 9-2 to 2-1 late, inhaled the leaders on the final turn and won geared down in his seasonal debut. Play a 7-1-ALL trifecta.