MEADOWLANDS NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 11, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
One of the strongest angles in handicapping races is to be constantly on the
lookout for horses for courses. Well, that old racing axiom rang true on Friday
night in the Meadowlands Breeders’ Cup (G2) when TAP DAY (Pleasant Tap),
unbeaten in two prior starts at The Big M, finished powerfully in the stretch to
win the Friday night feature, $500,000 Meadowlands Breeders’ Cup (G2), going
away by three lengths.
The winner was forced to check sharply into the first turn when placed in
tight quarters, and as a result, raced near the back of the pack down the
backstretch. He subsequently found his best stride leaving the far turn under
strong urging from jockey Eibar Coa. More acceleration would be forthcoming in
the stretch, and once Tap Day reached overdrive at the eighth-pole, he blew past
the leaders to win decisively. Alumni Hall (A.P. Indy) raced within shouting
distance of the leaders down the backstretch prior to assuming a tenuous lead in
the stretch. However, he could not match strides with the winner late and had to
settle for second money. Purge (Pulpit) stalked, then set the pace to the
midstretch, but tired slowly in the final furlong to finish a good third.
The winning connections of Tap Day are taking a wait and see attitude
regarding the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). If that race was going to be held at
the Meadowlands, I’d say “Go for it!”
In other stakes action on the card, TRUEAMERICANSPIRIT (Is It True) upset the
field in the Garden State H. for New Jersey-bred runners. Trained by Tim Hills,
the winner rallied smartly in the stretch to post a 1 1/4 length victory. Park
Avenue Ball (Citidancer), who returned from the shelf after a bout with a virus
which caused him to miss the Pegasus H. (G3) last week, was the heavy favorite.
He stalked the pacesetting War’s Prospect (Lion Cavern) from the outset and
labored noticeably in the stretch as he attempted to overtake that rival, with
the rustiness beginning to show. Park Avenue Ball finished with interest to get
the place by a neck over the front runner, who held on gamely to the wire.
Upturn (Distorted Humor) made a bid outside of runners around the far turn, but
failed to sustain that rally into the stretch and eventually wound up finishing
fourth.
Unfortunately, The Meadowlands was forced to cancel its live program on
Saturday night after running only one race due to extremely inclement weather. A
fine card of racing had to scrapped as a result.
Racing is slated to resume on Tuesday with a 1:10 p.m. (ET) 1ST-race post.
Jersey kingpin Joe Bravo has assumed his usual spot atop the jockey standings
with a two-win lead over Chuck Lopez, Rajiv Maragh, Jose A. Velez, Jr., Felix L.
Ortiz and Jose Lezcano, who are all locked in a dead-heat for second with four
victories each.
Todd Pletcher continues to lead all trainers, but by just a single victory.
Jason Servis, Tim Hills and Mark Henning are all tied for the second spot.
There were no perceivable biases on dirt to begin the week on Tuesday.
However, as the week progressed, early speed became more advantageous, and early
speed types dominated the results on Friday.
The turf course played uniformly to begin the week, with speed runners faring
quite well on Thursday.
There did not appear to be any discernible path biases all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Friday (10/7)
1ST – GOLDEN UNION (Dixie Union) closed well to finish second against the
grain of a speed biased track. Fits well at his current level.
3RD – ROSSETTA (El Corredor) finished a fine third in her well bet debut.
Argued a very hot pace and gave ground grudgingly in deep stretch. Should have
gained beneficial conditioning and experience from this effort. Bred for a
sprint and to win early.
8TH – UNFORGETTABLE MAX (Northern Afleet) turned in an improved effort
stepping up into a Grade 2 stakes. Set a strong and pestered pace to the far
turn before weakening. Would benefit from softer competition and a middle
distance of ground.
Thursday (10/6)
1ST – DOUBLY APPEALING (Unbridled Jet) finished a good second switching to
the Meadowlands. Exhibited improved speed to chase a quick pace dictated by a
multi level wire-to-wire winner. Appears poised for a career best effort in her
next start.
6TH – KENMARITA (Take Risks) turned in a creditable third-place finish
stretching out to a distance of ground. Held extremely well battling for the
lead in a race that was fast throughout. Should be much fitter next time out and
would benefit from some class relief.
Wednesday (10/5)
6TH – TISSY FIT (Lasting Approval) turned in a much improved effort switching
to the grass at the Meadowlands. Closed with a purpose chasing home a dropdown
wire-to-wire winner in a race that finished up well. Is obviously better suited
to grass and can move forward off this effort.
7TH – OUTSIDE THE LINES (Zamindar) direly need this sprint effort. Raced a
bit lethargically returning to five furlongs and finished evenly late. Should
move forward off this effort.
Tuesday (10/4)
6TH – NURSE CULKIN (Take Me Out) raced wide vs. a modest pace off the shelf.
New York invader rallied with interest in the stretch in a race that finished up
well late. Will benefit from this effort over this grass course and needs a
livelier pace scenario for improvement.
7TH –WHOPAHO (Private Interview) was a tough luck second switching to the
Meadowlands on the drop. Raced a bit wide and continued on gamely in the stretch
only to be outgamed by a perfect trip ground-saving winning favorite. Fits well
at his current level and distance.