Freehold Grand Circuit Handicapping

With the Grand Circuit visiting Freehold Raceway on  Friday for the Lady Suffolk and Saturday for the Dexter Cup, the Road to the Hambletonian officially begins although admittedly, these races  have lost their luster.  That being said, it seems only fair that we take a look at these races to see if any 3yo trotters appear to be ready to come out of these races and stamp themselves legitimate Hambletonian or Oaks contendors.

On Friday, the Lady Suffolk has been divided into two divisions, with five horses each.  I know each owner wants their horses on the gate but this makes for two poor wagering events and horsemen forget this is a gaming sport (at least it is supposed to be).  But two divisions we are left with so let's take a look.  These races are also featured in the HANA Harness Grand Circuity Handicapping Shoot-Out contest.

Friday, May 2, 2014 

Freehold Raceway 3rd Trot - $33,075 - The Lady Suffolk - 3yo fillies (1st Division)
1 - Low Valley Dream (Smith, 6-1) -Lost interest in season debut in qualifier.  Pass.
2 - Fastdownthehill (Marshall, 3-1) - Three for three in the morning.  Impresive but first time over the half mile oval.  Not at these likely odds.
3 - Reality Storm (Abbatiello, 10-1) - Lightly raced filly has shown little in major stakes apperances.  Pass.
4 - Suegrabitnrun (Schnittker, 4-1) - Fits these after starting off in Vernon late closing series.
5 - Bella's Spunkin (Meittinis, 9-5) - A good one, but don't feel the love for a horse who has been racing in DSBF exclusively.
Selections: 4-2-5

Freehold Raceway 9th Trot - $33,075 - The Lady Suffolk - 3yo fillies (2nd Division)
1 - Mistresswithmuscle (Miller, 3-1) - Appears to have come back stronger. Greeness is only question.
2 - Cee Bee Yes (Bartlett, 2-1) - Seems to stand over field.  Horse to beat.
3 - Glams K (Smith, 4-1) - Ships in from EC series at the Meadows.  Can't dismiss.
4 - Thisgirlisonfire (Gregory, 8-1) - May develop into a good one, just not yet
5 - Pinkingofyou (Mashall, 10-1) - Some ability vs state-breds.  Not likely here.
Selections: 2-3-1

Saturday afternoon brings us the Dexter Cup where a field of eight are scheduled to compete in the 10th race.  My selections for the 10th race.

Saturday, May 3, 2014 

Freehold Raceway 10th Trot - $115,750 Dexter Cup Final - 3yo Open
1 - Sumatra (Sears, 3-1) - Nice return.  Will look to control from the rail.  Dangerous. 
2 - Derby (Stratton, 8-1) - Wiped out.  Not strongest Schnittker participant.  Pass.
3 - Donato's Wish (Schnittker, 6-1) - Maiden seems not up to it.  
4 - King City (Brennan, 9-2) - Seems to have come back stronger.  Finished 2nd in elim.  Threat.
5 - Sheer Action (Gregory, 5-1) - Strongest of Schnittker contingent.  Looks to land share. 
6 - Dave Briggs (Jo. Takter, 10-1) - Two wins over track before being wiped out.  Use in exotics.
7 - Consumer Rate (Dube, 12-1) - Another seems to have come back stronger but post compromises chance. 
8 - Sarcastic Man (Pierce, 7-2) - Scored from post 7.  One to beat as long as clean journey.
Selections: 8-1-4-6