While the emphasis is on the Meadowlands Pace, the last prep races at the Meadowlands for Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks are being held this weekend. Friday night’s card features two divisions of the Delvin Miller Memorial for fillies while Saturday evening has eliminations for the Stanley Dancer Memorial for the colts and geldings plus the finals for the NJSS for two year olds.
Let’s look at the two Delvin Miller Memorial splits. These two races admittedly look good for the morning line favorites, but there are still some intriguing fillies in the race. In the first division, if someone cuts extremely fast fractions, Bone A Fide could score a minor upset. In The Mean Time is making her third start of the year and it appears she still has some upside potential.
In the second tilt, Jesse’s Messenger has developed into a nice race horse after going undefeated last year in on the Ohio Sires stakes and fair circuit. She wasn’t overly impressive but in her last start at Northfield, she won by over fourteen lengths with more left in the tank. Munis Blue Chip would be my choice from an inside post.
Here is my analysis for the two Miller Memorial splits:
3rd Trot - $146,250; The Delvin Miller Memorial (1st division) – 3yo fillies
1 IPO Blue Chip (10-1) – Still looking for first win of the year. Not the place to get it.
2 Religulous (10-1) – Has been improving at the Hilltop. Don’t ignore.
3 Springtime Volo (5-1) – Has just been missing. Expect her to be closing at the end.
4 Bone A Fide (7-2) – Very good chance if she gets speedy fractions up front. Only problem is I don’t see that happening.
5 Ultimate Cameron (9-5) – Undefeated this year. The one to beat.
6 Wingbat (12-1) – Still a maiden coming into this race. Will still be a maiden when it is over.
7 In The Mean Time (4-1) – Another lightly raced who is undefeated. Will land share.
8 Bunny Tech (15-1) – Hambo eligibles don’t lose at Gratz.
Selections: 5-7-2
5th Trot - $146,250; The Delvin Miller Memorial (2nd division) – 3yo fillies
1 Impressive Kemp (15-1) – Out of place versus non-restricted fillies.
2 Behindclosedoors (8-1) – Making third start of sophomore campaign. Must step up.
3 Crown Laurel (10-1) – Will be riding the rail hoping for a trip. Not in time.
4 Fashion Feline (5-2) – Scorched the oval last time. Will try again.
5 Bramalea Hanover (5-1) – Bad time for miscue in last. Share with a trip.
6 Glide Power (3-1) – Will be following the #4 hoping to pass in stretch. Might not catch the fave.
7 Jesse’s Messenger (9-2) – Has stepped up admirably from OSS. Don’t ignore.
8 Munis Blue Chip (8-1) – Tough post for this filly. Pass.
Selections: 4-6-7
The USTA's Eye on Harness Racing previews the Meadowlands Pace. While we will discuss the Pace in the next entry, you can get a comments on the elimination races to help you with your handicapping. There is some coverage regarding Sunday's Ben Franklin FFA at Chester Downs.
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