The Meadowlands and Woodbine are the centers of attraction for high-profile races this coming weekend. Without having the draws available today, here is a preview of the races (check the blog Friday for choice plays).
On Saturday, Jan. 23, The Complex, Clyde Hirt and Presidential finals gather the early heroes of older pacers, most of which have been active and successful in the previous weeks’ legs of said series.
In the Complex, twice-beaten Tidewater Tomahawk might surprise everyone and win the $72,500 final even though he was short in the series’ two legs, finishing second. Second-leg winners Real Image and California-import Pacinello will be sharing a lot of the win pool, enough play to make “Tomahawk” an overlay, even if a low one.
In the “Hirt” group, you will never get a good price on Real Joke, who appears to tower over all the Hirt pacers in the $94,600 final. However, betting against him could mean playing an overlay, Allamerican Pewter. And Star Party could be in the mix.
The Presidential Pacing Series, worth $125,000, is the big feature Saturday night. Last week, Blatantly Good, having taken two races straight since Meadowlands opened, settled for second over Jeremy’s Successor and Western Shore deluged his field in the other leg’s split. The final may play out best for “Good” with far too much speed haunting the mile.
The $$77,100 Willowbrook Pacing Final is set for Woodbine on Saturday night. Keep It Real will be trying to make amends after disappointing the betting public in last week’s leg. He gets the rail. Handsome Harry will be all out trying to catch “Real” and Ideal Race has to find a good spot early since he leaves from post 9.