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Race Reviews

  • Week Of 5/13 - 5/19
  • SU13
  • MO14
  • TU15
  • WE16
  • TH17
  • FR18
  • SA19
Track Handicapper Darin Zocali's Bio
Darin Z  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 Saturday, May 19, 2012

1 First Race Entries
Picks: 4-7-1-6
H Horse Comment
1 IDEAL IN VEGAS Put forth an even try in The Simpson prior to dominating a condition field at Philadelphia. She can hit the board in here.
2 ROCK CONCERT She has one racing style, dead stone closer. In a short field, she will be closet by default. Question is her class now.
3 THINKYOUCANDANCE Aggressively steered in her first start of the year, and raced OK. This is a sizeable class hike now. Longshot.
4 PIROUETTE HANOVER Was a bit short in her first start back and got beat by a budding star in Day Blue Chip. Clearly the one to deny.
5 CHILD’S PLAY Earned a confidence builder at Yonkers. Still, this is asking a lot of this filly. She’ll need to step up her game now.
6 AIR GUITAR HANOVER An even effort in The Simpson after shipping back from Canada. Filly has some ability. Competes for a share.
7 ROCKIN BELLE She has shown good speed at times in Canada, but is yet to face the caliber filly of #4, or have to go this fast. Improves?
2 Second Race Entries
Picks: 4-3-1-5
H Horse Comment
1 MYBROTHERGEORGE Defeated Mel Mara last year at The Meadowlands. Has added Lasix, but qualifiers have been lacking pop. Ready?
2 ALL STIENAM Raced well enough in The Simpson, and closed well. Catches a monster in #4 now and battles it out for a minor award.
3 IDEAL CHAMP Tried to grind first over against a pair of Pace eligible and came up short. Given his form, he looks second best on paper.
4 A ROCKNROLL DANCE He is #2 on my Road To The Meadowlands Pace. Excellent QUA’s. Monster season in 2011. All systems go!
5 ROCKULESE Took a lot of play last time, but was roughed up early on. Likely to use his speed to get position. Expect him to be better.
6 HANG TEN Now just 1 for 14 to start his career, but he is yet to face a field like this. Up against it and retains his longshot status.
7 ROCKWEILLER Still winless from 13 starts. Exits a key race as the winner is going to be a star. Still, must improve to win this event.
3 Third Race Entries
Picks: 1-4-6-3
H Horse Comment
1 POKER CHAMP I like this gelding tonight. No chance from post 10 last time. Slides inside and catches a softer group. May offer value too.
2 HONS LEAVIN FEEL Dauplaise put up a catch driver, but the result did not improve. There is just not a lot to signal a turnaround. Longshot.
3 SUCCESS ROCKS Was favored last time, but tired after brushing to the lead. The 0 for 13 mark scares me as he won’t offer much value.
4 THANKS FOR STOPPIN Gelding had some pace last time and this is a field that should be to his liking. Expecting this gelding to be tough.
5 GENERAL MCARDLE His recent form has not been too sharp, but he raced OK at this level right here earlier in the meet. Mixed feelings.
6 SPECTACULAR MAN Where did that effort come from? Perhaps the wide draws at Freehold were really hampering him. Player right back.
7 BLADE RUNNER He had some nice efforts in Canada earlier in the year. Drops to a new low level too. Could wakeup in this spot. Maybe.
8 FROG JUICE Beaten over 20 lengths last time in a very similar spot. 0 for 13 on the year as well. Longshot until proven otherwise.
9 ONLY IN AMERICAN That’s 4 different racetracks in his last 4 starts. The gaps between starts is a concern. Need to watch one first.
10 FINN MAN Getting some class relief but he doesn’t really have the speed to overcome the draw. Has a tall order ahead of him. Not sold.
4 Fourth Race Entries
Picks: 6-4-5-2
H Horse Comment
1 DENYITTOTHEEND She did win 7 of 12 starts last year. Qualified behind a superstar last week. Still, likely that a minor award is her ceiling.
2 BABE PER VIEW Still just 1 start this year and she finished in front of #1 in that QUA. Like that foe, appears to battle it out for a small share.
3 VY HANOVER Raced very well in The Petticoat Final but since then things have not gone her way. She needs to improve again to contend.
4 MIKELEH Liked her last week and she was a dominant winner. This is a step up, but she looks like she can compete in this spot. Player.
5 BLACKJACK PRINCESS Just got nosed out by a filly that loves the Big M stretch. While, she hasn’t won yet this year, she’s been sharp.
6 ROCKAROUND SUE Filly had to need her last start. No problem. She is only going to get better, and she should contend for the win here.
7 CLEAR VIEW HANOVER She improved last time, and I like the late interest she showed. Moving in the right direction. Value for exotics.
8 MY DEAL Just 2 starts in the last month. She has the speed to overcome the draw. Wild card of the field goes out for top connections.
5 Fifth Race Entries
Picks: 3-2-8-1
H Horse Comment
1 SOCIAL NETWORK How did Facebook’s stock do Friday? Racing himself back into shape. Gelding has talent, but gets a huge test here.
2 MORTAL ZIN Has done nothing wrong this year, in fact he has come back great! Gets a huge test for class with #3 in the field. Contender.
3 SIMPLY BUSINESS Colt is #4 on my Road to The Pace. Metro Pace winner improved in his 2nd qualifier. He can be lazy, but he’s talented!
4 BRENT MONTANA Nice QUA at Pocono. He is a bit light on seasoning however, and will need to improve a bit to compete at this level.
5 TERCO CORAZON Huge longshot last time and didn’t make much of an impact against a monster winner. Longshot again in here.
6 INTERVENTION Like to see him passing horses in the stretch last time. Colt clearly has some ability. This is a sizeable move up the ladder.
7 DIVULGE Cost big bucks at the January Sale here. Made an appearance in March and another last week. Gets his first big test of the year.
8 I FOUGHT DALAW At one point early in 2011, he was the best 2YO in the country. He didn’t finish as well as he started, but he’s still fast.
6 Sixth Race Entries
Picks: 4-5-3-7
H Horse Comment
1 ROCKIN THE HOUSE Kicks off a tremendous Invitational that is wide open. Sharp win at Pocono last time. Will be tested for class here.
2 RIVER SHARK He looked like a player in the Levy but things went a bit awry at the end. Came back with a nice effort. This is a step up.
3 SAPPHIRE CITY Allowed another to set a wicked pace at Tioga. That horse broke in the stretch. Sapphire was winning anyway. Class test.
4 WE WILL SEE The double millionaire world-champion is back. His last QUA was spectacular. He looks ready to go. Big 2012 ahead for him.
5 SPECIAL T ROCKS He has gotten on a roll in his last 3 starts. He wins 50% of his starts too. Returns to The Meadowlands awfully sharp.
6 SHOOBE’S PLACE Enters this very sharp. The knock is the hike in class. Is he up to the likes of #4? We will see. But, he’s very good now.
7 MEIRS HANOVER Did not do a bad job in The Graduate at all and is putting together a nice season. If #4 falters, he is one of many players.
8 DIAL OR NO DIAL Surprised Miller opted off this millionaire. He was favored over #5 last time too. Either single #4, or go very, very deep.
7 Seventh Race Entries
Picks: 1-7-5-9
H Horse Comment
1 TOWNSLIGHT HANOVER Finished with some interest last time. Moves inside and gets a new pilot. Interesting price play in a tough field.
2 UPFRONT ELLIJAY ED Raced better last time. This horse has talent, just doesn’t always show up. It’s hard to guess which ‘Ed is racing.
3 HIGH NOON Clearly needed his first start back. Would have liked to see him finish better in those QUA’S. He may need one more start.
4 MORALITY He has tailed off and his form has regressed. Loses Tetrick tonight and he requires a complete turnaround at this point.
5 VEAL MARSALA Disappointed as the favorite last time. It was just his 2nd start back and he should continue to improve. Should be better.
6 HEART OF ROCKNROLL He has been facing better recently. His effort on 4/14 reminds us that he can jump up with a big mile anytime.
7 KEEP GOING Ran into Freddy Day who was poised for a breakthrough win last time. He raced well, keeps Sears. A lot of positives here.
8 SCOTTY MACH N Seems to be the wild card of this group off a blowout win against softer. Can he handle this class hike? Not yet for me.
9 COBALT MAN Got some class relief and responded with an improved effort. Comes right back at the same level and figures tough again.
10 ROADSIDE DELIGHT Have always respect this horse as he can be scary fast. Comes with questions too, though. If he shows up, lookout!
8 Eigth Race Entries
Picks: 9-6-1-7
H Horse Comment
1 CUSTARD THE DRAGON Good to see Custard come back well at 4. Miller’s choice over Alexie, that’s a big call. Legitimate contender.
2 MCLELLAND Pulled the upset over Oscar and Ray last time. This race is even tougher. Would be a surprise once again in a tough field.
3 FREDDY DAY HANOVER Needs the right spot to get his picture taken. He found it last time. I’m just not betting this is one of those spots.
4 PEDRO ISLAND He was overmatched in a good field last time. Buzzy takes over the lines tonight. This race came up very tough. Passing.
5 TAKESHIGEMICHI Pulled the shocker 2 starts back, but was unable to duplicate that effort last time. This is even tougher. Needs more.
6 OSCAR OSCAR Nothing wrong with his last 2 efforts, he has just gotten to a level that he can’t dominate. He’s a contender every week.
7 BIG BAM RAY His lack of speed is his kryptonite. He would win much more often, if he could stay closer early. Still, can’t be dismissed.
8 ROCK TO GLORY Technically, he is getting a class drop. But the winner of that last start couldn’t win here. I’m not sure this is any easier.
9 ALEXIE MATTOSIE Clearly, this is a gigantic class drop. Interesting that Miller chose Custard over Alexie. Still, this guy is a contender.
9 Ninth Race Entries
Picks: 7-3-5-6
H Horse Comment
1 BLUE CLAW Was not able to win at the bottom level, so I have a hard time endorsing him on the move up in class. Needs even more now.
2 SEGUNDO HANOVER He had a good start to his season, but for the most part has not been as sharp lately. Improvement required here.
3 OH MY JOEPA Uncharacteristic mistake last time. You see who he has been facing and this is some real class relief. I expect a big effort.
4 BETTORS CURSE Steps up off the win. Sometimes horse can build off a confidence builder like that. Still, it was his only win of the year.
5 DIABLO SEELSTER Another big class drop and he has a win already this year at The Meadowlands. That performance wins this race.
6 INTHEBLINKOFANEYE I admit, I am surprised he is still searching for a win. Now he moves out of claiming company, an interesting angle.
7 SHELLYSBLOCKBUSTER Added Lasix but may have needed that start. He gets some class relief and could prove an interesting play now.
8 STORMIN RUSTLER His winless streak has now reach 14 to start the season. He continues to search for the right spot. This is tougher.
9 CC RACY Burst onto The Meadowlands scene when adding Lasix. Since then, he has been beaten a combined 47 lengths. Not buying.
10 EVENING JOB Is another looking for an overdue win this year. Has not responded to the claim yet though. Tough draw. Wait and see.
10 Tenth Race Entries
Picks: 7-1-3-5
H Horse Comment
1 TIME TO ROLL He was 3rd in the NJSS Championship last year before calling it a season. QUA’s are very impressive. He is one to watch.
2 DAMON BLUE CHIP Nice effort last time at The Meadows. This is a sizeable jump in class and he catches a couple of potential monsters.
3 HURRIKANE KINGCOLE Added Lasix in that last QUA. On many people Meadowlands Pace watch lists, including mine. Might need one.
4 VERDAD In a tough spot here. Coming off a dull effort and facing a couple of stars in the making. Looks like a longshot here.
5 I’M THE PIED PIPER Can’t knock this horse. One of the most consistent horses I’ve seen to start his career. Always shows up. Needs best.
6 BULLET BOB As the races have gotten tougher, he hasn’t been as effective. He hasn’t seen anything like this yet either. Must improve.
7 PET ROCK I will be shocked if this isn’t one of the best 3YO’s in the country by years end. Last effort was monstrous. He is the one to beat.
11 Eleventh Race Entries
Picks: 6-7-3-8
H Horse Comment
1 OUTA MY HEAD Thought he would be better last time and he really didn’t have an excuse. I suppose he could improve in his 2nd start here.
1A SHOW ME UP Meadowlands stretch proved to be a bit too long for him last time. Not much speed in the race though. Tries same tactics.
2 CANACO RUN He finished with some interest against ‘Alex in a race that left me scratching my head. Good draw and can be a factor.
2A MYSTERIOUS MOMENT Rode the pylons to a check earning finish. Draws outside without much speed which makes things tough for him.
3 ALEX BULLVILLE Showed a new dimension of speed and just kept on going. Does he have another effort like that in the tank? We’ll see.
4 LETTHEROCKBEGIN He won some nice races last year. But this year has been a different story. Can’t seem to find his best stride.
5 HOME AGAIN DRAGON I liked the late interest he showed last time and feel a big effort could be coming. Loses Sears. Value will be there.
6 SKY TANTRUM The sick scratch didn’t seem to hamper him as he raced very well last time. This race is wide open and he’s a value play.
7 NOBLE FALCON Good to see the veteran get back to the winners circle. Not going to get much a price with him tonight. He can win again.
8 ARTIST’S VIEW Those are two very tough losses and now he has to overcome the wide draw. If he finds a way into it, he’s a contender.
12 Twelfth Race Entries
Picks: 2-1-4-5
H Horse Comment
1 POP COP Is he ready for this off just one qualifier? Coleman must like him to put him in such a tough spot early. Interested to see him race.
2 LONG LIVE ROCK Avoids Pet Rock here and that might be all he needs. Talented gelding should fire a big shot and is the one to beat.
3 TATTLE TELL TEEN Found the NW2 company here too tough and that does not bode well for this assignment. In very tough. Longshot.
4 BETTOR’S EDGE Raced in some big spots last year, but was a cut or 2 below the best. Miller chose off, still feel this guy is 2nd best here.
5 ARC DE TRIUMPH Is yet to earn a check in his career. Schnittker puts a catch driver up now. He might be able to earn a minor award here.
6 BLUES AT MIDNIGHT Has one of his owners driving tonight. Clearly heading in the wrong direction too. Just not the recipe for success.
7 ATTACK MODES BILLY Has put forth a couple of decent races this year, but his last he was well beaten. One of a few battling for a share.
8 EIGHT TEN EOM Has been overmatched in all 3 of his starts. He’s not ready for this and can safely be left of the tickets. Longshot.
13 Thirteenth Race Entries
Picks: 3-2-1-5
H Horse Comment
1 BRANDON’S COLT Raced better getting some class relief last time. Cannot get away too slow from here. Hopefully, he can stay closer.
2 RISK MANAGEMENT Getting a double drop in class here which is often all a horse like this needs. He and #3 look awfully tough here.
3 BLUERIDGE WESTERN Gelding is not able to race to the level he once could. Still, he cannot be dismissed in this spot. Drop and pop.
4 EAGLE JOLT Race OK last time and gets a touch of class relief. Loses Gingras to #2. I am not sold on a win, but can use him underneath.
5 MIDNIGHT LAWYER I cannot remember the last time he lost at this level. Tetrick is at Vernon, so he has a new pilot. Tougher race now.
6 SHARK DRESSED MAN Loomed boldly has a longshot with a chance, but flattened out late. He needed a start. I can use now at a price.
7 MUST BE THE BUNNY Now 0 for 12 on the year and he just can’t seem to break through. He does race well at this level. Usable at a price.
8 JOE DE FINO Was a popular play last time but he faltered. No Campbell tonight, so his trainer is driving. Hard for me to like in this situation.
9 THREE TEN Drops back down to the level of his recent wins. Still, shows a gap with an injured scratch. I am inclined to watch this one.
10 HE’S GREAT Likes to use his speed and he raced well when last seen here. This race came up tougher than usual though. Up against it.