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Handicapping

Week Of 1/13 - 1/19
SU13
MO14
TU15
WE16
TH17
FR18
SA19

Track Handicapper Darin Zocali's Bio
	RACE REVIEWS by Darin Zoccali A thoroughbred and standardbred racing announcer and analyst, Darin works for several racetracks including the Meadowlands, Parx Racing at Philadelphia Park and Tioga Downs. He is also a regular fill in on Sirius XM Radio's Down The Stretch broadcast. He is a graduate of St John's University (class of 2005) and is one of the youngest announcers/broadcasters in the racing business.

Race Reviews For Friday, January 18, 2013

1

First Race

Picks: 8-3-2-9

H	Horse	Comment
1	SPECTATOR K	Steps up off a win. Good to see that in his first start off the layoff. This will be tougher and Campbell chose off.
2	IRON WILL	Good effort in his first start over the track as he just had too much left to do. Tetrick will keep him closer from here. A chance.
3	CELEBRITY BOMBAY	Appeared to be rolling right along last time before tiring in the stretch. He needed that start and will improve here.
4	RUSH N SUPREME	Faced better last time, although that race fell apart a bit in the stretch. Has a good draw and will need a trip from here.
5	DASH FOR THE CASH	Just left with too much to do last time. This is a similar post so Campbell will have to keep him closer. A slice.
6	LUBBOCK	That was an even try last time and I suppose he can be better with a start under his belt. See how he looks on the track.
7	BEAU JOE	Has added Lasix in his last pair of starts and it hasn’t moved him forward much. That concerns me. Standing against him.
8	ZUEREST	Didn’t race bad, but the betting public expected better. He has every right to improve in his 2nd start back off the layoff. Player.
9	LIVE JAZZ	Liked how he was finishing last time after a ground saving journey. He will have a tougher trip from here. Should offer value.
10	OUTLAW	Made an untimely break last week when favored. Not sure lightly raced gelding has the speed to overcome the draw.

2

Second Race

Picks: 8-6-7-1

H	Horse	Comment
1	RINGO	Caught a buzzsaw in Leg 1 and he catches the softest of the 3 divisions on paper. Still, this won’t be easy, but he has a chance.
2	THE GREEN KNIGHT	Still believe we have not seen the best of this guy. Carlson chose off to a Leg 1 winner, but he gets Miller. Maybe.
3	CEE PEE PANIC	Just ran out of steam in the stretch. So far this meet, sans one night, the Burke horses seems to be a bit short.
4	MY SUGAR DADDY	Did not make much of an impact in Leg 1. He wasn’t a factor in his prior Meadowlands start either. Playing against.
5	KINGS POINT GRAD	Was not able to make the successful transition from Freehold to this tough series. Looks like a longshot again.
6	CONNERY BLUE CHIP	Just had way too much to do last time. Bongiorno must keep him closer. If in striking range, he has a chance.
7	BESTJETYET	Winner in Round 1 and he avoids the monsters in the series again. No reason he isn’t a legitimate threat to win again.
8	SCREEN THE CALL	Considering that was his first start in 6 months, I thought he raced great. Lost to the series favorite. Could be tough!
9	VARSITY HANOVER	He had one of those “sneaky late pace” miles last time. He might be overbet, but I am inclined to use him on tickets.
10	PRINCE SHARKA	Could only get within 7 ½ lengths of the winner last time. If Andy doesn’t blast, he will be left with too much to do.

3

Third Race

Picks: 8-5-6-7

H	Horse	Comment
1	MOHEGAN HANOVER	Made a break prior to the start last time. He was a bit cold on the board there too. Watch the tote action here.
2	KING’S CAVALIER	This is a bit of class relief, but the winner of that last start did not fair very well next time out. Not sold on his chances.
3	REV IT NOW	Never got involved last time and now Tetrick chose off. I guess he can improve, but I will be watching this time around.
4	SOAPY SAP	I never guess right on her. She went a tough first over trip last time and faltered. Will she offer more value now? Tricky call.
5	C L CLASS ACT	That was a good first effort on opening night. Has been off 3 weeks now, but if he builds off that, then he will be a player.
6	BIG BALLER	Not a bad try at all last time. This post should give Callahan some options and this gelding has a bit of speed. Contender.
7	FEEL THE PRESSURE	Finishing 2nd to one of the top 2 three year old filly trotters last year is nothing to dismiss. Is she ready? Lookout.
8	YANKEE ROYALTY	Off a month following the judges scratch. Look at the barn change here. Toscano might have him ready to fire.
9	CIVIC DUTY	Not a bad try in his first start back at The Big M and he can build on that mile. Has speed, but Gingras chose off. Maybe.
10	EPIC TALE	Fell into one of his bad habits last time and now is rewarded with post 10. This doesn’t look like the spot he will rebound in.

4

Fourth Race

Picks: 7-9-2-6

H	Horse	Comment
1	WHO DAT LOVE	Went the tough mile last time going first over and it just didn’t work out. Pierce chose off. Sits in and tows along.
2	KING’S LEGEND	Could not have been more impressive in that qualifier. They clearly wanted a race mile out of him for this. Dangerous.
3	EVERGREEN POWER	Was not a factor in Leg 1 and this is certainly not going to be any easier. Needs major improvement.
4	YANKEE DOODLE JIM	Was able to save ground and sneak by a few in the stretch to earn a check. Hopes for a similar outcome here.
5	DAYDREAMIN LYNX	Winner of last came back to win in Leg 1 of this series. He did have post 10 there. Still, not sold on his chances.
6	DEFYING GRAVITY	Gelding certainly brings plenty of early speed, but he faltered in the stretch last time. Needs to find more in the lane.
7	HOLDINGALLTHECARDS	He was a compelling winner in Leg 1 and is going to be very difficult to beat here. The one they are all chasing.
8	DIAL A WIN	That was an OK effort in Leg 1 and he might have needed the start. He will need to improve, but I may toss him on my tickets.
9	ETHAN HANOVER	Gave One Through Ten all he could handle last week. If there is a threat to the favorite, this is it. Still looks 2nd best.
10	YO CHEYENNE ROCKY	Raced well against a Leg 1 winner, but skipped last week. That’s a concern. Now has post 10. Up against it.
11	INTERVENTION	Passed a few in the stretch, but from this spot I think he might just have too much to do. Looks like a longshot.

5

Fifth Race

Picks: 3-5-4-6

H	Horse	Comment
1	ZOOMING	He just had way too much to do last time. He might be overbet off that mile, but if Buter keeps him closer, he is a win candidate.
2	MACS BAD BOY	Showed good early speed last time at this level, but tired throughout the mile. I need to see improvement in here.
3	BLESSED VICTORY	This gelding was out the entire mile last time, which is never an easy thing to do. Gets red-hot Miller too. I like him.
4	JULT LIKE LLOYD	He is awfully sharp, but he will also face a major test today. Allard showing confidence in him. There is ability here.
5	NOT AFRAID	This gelding has a lot of talent. This is the toughest field he has seen in some time, but he may be up to it. Price will be short.
6	DON’T KNOW CHIP	He was the disappointment last week. Just did not have that same late punch. Can he improve? Sure. Tricky call.
7	A LISTER	Had too far to come, but he was making up a bit of ground in the stretch last time. If he stays closer, he can earn a minor award.
8	TAKE MY PICTURE	This gelding has been off for 5 weeks, which is always tricky. But he has kept some very tough company. Interesting.
9	ELLEN’S ISLE	I think that last effort is similar to what we will see here. Don’t see her blasting. Takes back and hopes to pass a few late.
10	THE BUDSTER	Was he exposed last week or just fell victim to a tough trip? Is the trip going to be any easier from here? Up against it.

6

Sixth Race

Picks: 3-6-10-7

H	Horse	Comment
1	YA GOTTA GO	Found himself in an impossible spot last time. Will have a better chance from here, but still looks like a longshot for now.
2	MASTERS CHAMPION	Gelding has a tendency to go off-stride, which often very tough to swallow. That qualifier didn’t inspire me.
3	IN MINT CONDITION	I really liked his qualifier. He pulled and moved outside on his own with no cover and finished very strong! The pick.
4	ROCKNROLL JEWEL	His last pair of starts have been solid, but this will be tougher. Not sure he is up to this level. Playing against.
5	POWER SURGE	Did not get into contention last time, but raced OK the week before. Which gelding shows up tonight? Tricky call.
6	BUCKEYE IN CHARGE	Getting a bit of class relief. He was a convincing winner at the $15,000 level. I can see him performing well here.
7	IMAGE OF DAWN	Raced well last time and appeared to handle the class hike just fine. This 14YO has to be left under consideration.
8	FRESCO BLUE	Not sure this is the right level for him as he didn’t seem to handle it on opening night. Watching for future consideration.
9	DREAMZZZZ R FOR U	He continues to race very well, but his lack of speed keeps him reliant on the trip he receives. Still using here.
10	ELUSIVE REWARD	Gelding was a compelling winner at this level two weeks ago. Has the speed to overcome the draw. Will be tough.

7

Seventh Race

Picks: 8-5-7-6

H	Horse	Comment
1	SPICE IT UP LINDY	Gets a bump up in class, and since this is an A-2/FFA Handicap, it’s a considerable class hike. Will be a tough task.
2	MAGNUM KOSMOS	I really think he does his best work on the big tracks. Big sweeping turns help him a lot. Can he last on the lead?
3	PHOTO KING	He is deceptively sharp right now, but this will be a tough task and Pierce opted off. I expect him to show speed again.
4	ALL ABOUT JUSTICE	Moved into a tougher race last time and it showed a bit. Runner-up from last came back to win. Mixed feelings.
5	LUCKY ROLL	Loved him last week and he just got up. This will be tougher, but he has a good draw. Expect him to be in the cover flow.
6	UNEFOISDANSMAVIE	She might be in career form right now and will tackle the males this time. Big test for her, but she is very sharp.
7	ICE MACHINE	Snuck through to win last time. He has speed to use as well. He leads this field and can win, but is far from a cinch.
8	TAC’S DELIGHT	He is exiting a very strong race and is incredibly sharp right now. Off a month with a wide draw, but he will be tough.

8

Eigth Race

Picks: 6-2-5-1

H	Horse	Comment
1	MISS SAND CREEK	Not a bad effort at this level last time and she remains in good form. This field is wide open and she is a contender.
2	DRAGON PRINCESS	She got rolling just a little too late as it took her a while to hit her best stride. She has a right to be better this time.
3	HOSTESS LISA	Left with too much to do last time, but she raced well. Callahan will try to get her into the cover flow for one move.
4	LAST MINUTE CINDY	Expecting speed from this mare. Tetrick chose off, but she is racing well right now. This is a test for her. Maybe.
5	FOR ALL WE KNOW	She is the toughest call of the race. Locked in, but not sure how much pace she actually had. Watch the tote board.
6	GORDYS FILLY YENTA	She was flat out flying but it was too late last time. This is a much better draw and she might pass them all here.
7	HERES MY TICKET	Turned a perfect trip into a nice win last time. That price is likely gone and I think she might be a bit vulnerable now.
8	DREAM’S BAR	Tried speed last time but it didn’t work out. She hasn’t raced well in either start here so far. I need to see more from her.
9	CAROLSIDEAL	Made a break last time and not gets caught with a similar wide draw. Just too many other options to consider here.
10	SLEAZY DOES IT	Yes, she has been racing at a level above this, but she hasn’t shown me enough to attract my wagering attention.

9

Ninth Race

Picks: 1-6-5-2

H	Horse	Comment
1	FLASHY LADY	Mare took a ton of tote action last time and I think she needed that start. This race is wide open, but she can rebound.
2	FOUNTAINBLEAU VOLO	I was disappointed with his effort last week. I really felt he should have been better. I guess he can improve.
3	MUGSHOT JESS	Recovered nicely from that miscue, but note he was 6/5 in that race. This spot looks tougher. Pierce chose off too.
4	VICTORY NUT	Never made the gate last time and gets some class relief. Have seen a Rideau Carlton winner. Mixed feelings here.
5	MY LEAP OF FAITH	Nice effort last time, but this will be tougher. Seidel seems to have him on top of his game. Cannot be dismissed.
6	LORD DARBY	That wasn’t a terrible effort at the level above this last time. Slides back down to where he won. Looms a contender.
7	SOME LIKE IT HOT	That was a nice try in that qualifier, and I am wondering where it came from! Winner is an Open Trotter. Will she trot?
8	IN YOUR ROOM	Getting some class relief here as well, but made a break when leaving from post ten. Takes back and hopes for best?
9	IL MAGO	Has a start under his belt and picks up Pierce, so there are some positive indicators here. One of many contenders in here.
10	APRIL SUNSHINE	Off over a month, but moves to the Burke barn which always warrants attention. Follow the tote board on this one.

10

Tenth Race

Picks: 1-4-9-5

H	Horse	Comment
1	ONE NIGHT	I was impressed by her most recent effort coming from a very tough spot. She had a nice season last year. She’s a player.
2	SHAKY HANOVER	Was not a factor on the class drop despite taking plenty of money last time. Can she rebound? Won here last year.
3	GROUNDED	She was able to sneak past a few last time, but I have not seen enough to warrant a win bet at this point. Keep watching.
4	OLE MISS	She raced much better off the pace with Lasix last time. She looks like she will be a handful in this spot. Logical contender.
5	RHAPSODY ROSE	She has plenty of speed and this is a class drop. Still looking for the right spot, and I can see her improving here.
6	MEMUMSNOTNICE	Makes the trip down from Canada and has plenty of early speed. Think this race is a bit tougher than last couple.
7	REILLY’S DAUGHTER	She had to need that start last time, and you have to expect improvement in this spot. Is she ready yet? Tricky.
8	CHILD’S PLAY	Just don’t like how she has been losing ground in those qualifiers, although winner of last is a nice mare. Pass for now.
9	ELLEOFNXAMPLE	She is likely going to try and make one big late move here. But will she find a way into it? Might be vulnerable this time.
10	DELIGHTFUL DIVA	Raced well behind a very sharp mare last time out. This post is not going to be easy and Miller opted off. Tricky.
11	BELL ON WHEELS	She has not been very sharp lately and I would be surprised if she turns things around in this spot. Longshot.
12	GORDYYY’S PET	She has been very sharp lately to say the least and gets a bump up in class again. Needs to work out a trip from here.

11

Eleventh Race

Picks: 5-6-4-1

H	Horse	Comment
1	MR DENNIS	Raced very well in Leg 1 of this series and draws a similar post. Is he ready to step up and breakthrough? He’s a possibility,
2	ROCKWEILLER	Did not race well in Leg 1 of the series and will need to improve a great deal off that to contend here. Longshot.
3	MAN HE CAN SKOOT	Found a way to earn a check in Leg 1. Things don’t get any easier from here. Looks for a similar result.
4	ARTHUR	Not a bad try in his first start off the four week rest. He has a right to improve off that mile. Looms a contender for the win.
5	VODKA IS TERROR	Added Lasix and responded with a very good effort. Can he build off that in here? Could be a danger to the fave.
6	ONE THROUGH TEN	Just able to fend off Ethan Hanover, so see how that one raced earlier. He is the one to beat, but price is short.
7	ARTS IDEAL HANOVER	If he can every stay pacing, he is a threat. I just cannot trust him to do that at this point. Watch this time.
8	STAR CHASER	Just did not have any late punch in Leg 1. He will need to improve off that mile to contend here. Needs more this time.
9	SHAWS CREEK BLUFF	Nice win last time over ‘Dennis. Loses The Buckeye and will need to work out a trip. Repeat may be difficult.
10	NEPTUNE	Did not factor in Leg 1 and now draws the widest post without any early speed. Looks like the longshot of this field.

12

Twelfth Race

Picks: 6-5-2-3

H	Horse	Comment
1	DE VINS GIRL	Just an even try last time and she will need to be better than that here. Picks up Gingras. Tows along and hopes for best.
2	JOYFUL JOY N	She was disappointing last time but she did have a tough trip. I can see her rebounding here and the price should be OK.
3	LOVE YOU BYE	She has been OK since arriving here, but seems to be lacking the knockout punch. One of many contenders in here.
4	RUNAWAY TRAY	Showed good speed last time, but tired throughout the mile. Can she last longer here? Tough call in this spot.
5	REAL RAVISHING	Loomed up boldly last time but just did not fire in the stretch. She is one of many that can rebound. Inclined to play.
6	CLEAR VIEW HANOVER	Just had way too much to do last time. Loses Campbell, but I think she is a sneaky player in here. I’ll try her.
7	AUTUMN MAGIC	She was a convincing winner last time and now steps up in class. She is the only last out winner in this field. Repeats?
8	SADIES PLACE	Just did not do enough last time to attract my attention. I need to see more from her before I can endorse. Longshot.
9	FAIR VOLTAGE	No factor last time and I am not sure this spot is going to be any easier. Will need to see another start from her first.
10	FOX VALLEY SWIFT	Last couple of starts have come from post one. Now she moves all the way out. Tetrick is going to have to find speed.