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The weather forecast for Friday evening at Meadowlands calls for mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching 66°F during the day and dropping to around 49°F by evening. The turf course is currently listed as Firm, providing excellent racing conditions for tonight’s six-race card that features all turf racing. The rails are set at 0 feet tonight, which represents a change from previous Friday night cards at the facility.
Race 1 – $5,000 Claiming (7:00 PM ET)
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Purse: $17,500
Key Contenders
Take Me To Church (IRE) (#2) stands out as the logical favorite despite his poor 2025 campaign. The Gregory Sacco trainee was stakes-placed in 2024 and showed his only good effort this year when running two turns on turf. Sacco has strong numbers with new acquisitions, making this deep class drop potentially significant. Samuel Marin takes the mount.
Mt Suribachi (#3) represents the backup choice as an eight-year-old gelding who retains two-turn turf experience. While his best days may be behind him, this represents his first attempt at this claiming level, suggesting potential improvement from Timothy Smylie’s barn.
Pace Analysis
This appears to be a race lacking early speed, which should benefit stalkers and closers. Take Me To Church profiles as having enough tactical speed to position well without facing pressure.
Selection: Take Me To Church (#2) to win
Race 2 – $5,000 Claiming Fillies & Mares (7:28 PM ET)
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Purse: $17,500
Key Contenders
Bali Kuta (#2) should get the run of the race as a typical stalker who can handle setting a slower pace here. Christopher Elliott rides for trainer Keri Brion. Her last effort showed she got tired late after pressing a more contentious pace, but tonight’s setup appears more favorable.
Whirlwind (#3) was originally entered in a tougher $7,500 claiming race but defected in favor of this spot. Richard Hendriks trains this three-year-old filly who finished competitively in better races at Monmouth and Delaware this summer, giving her a class edge over many rivals.
Selection: Bali Kuta (#2) to win, Whirlwind (#3) to place
Race 3 – $7,500 Claiming (7:56 PM ET)
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Purse: $18,000
Key Contenders
Feral’s Joy (#7) gets top billing from handicapper Eric Solomon, noting that Katie Davis is 3-for-3 with runners she’s ridden at this meet. The five-year-old gelding was overmatched in his last starter allowance effort but scored previously in $16,000 claiming company. The class relief should benefit Jorge Duarte Jr.’s trainee.
Richard Ave (#1) already captured a victory at this meet, clearing the non-winners of two lifetime condition. George Weaver trains this three-year-old gelding who showed improved form when stalking rather than leading. Samuel Marin needs to resist the temptation to send from the rail.
Longshot Consideration
Bean Machine (#6) was pace-compromised when facing tougher competition earlier in the meet. Adam Bowman rides for Linda Simon, and this four-year-old colt could offer value in restricted claiming company with a better trip.
Selection: Feral’s Joy (#7) to win, Richard Ave (#1) to place
Race 4 – New Jersey Bred Allowance Optional Claiming (8:24 PM ET)
Distance: 5 Furlongs Turf
Purse: $52,500
Key Contenders
Bad Girl Betty Lou (#2) won an open maiden claiming race at Pimlico in the slop but was intended for turf. Timothy Hills takes over training duties and has one winner from one starter at this meet. The three-year-old filly shows natural speed that should help in this sprint format.
One Fine Wine (#11) benefits from cutting back to a sprint after two route attempts. Patrick McBurney trains this four-year-old filly who finished second at this level recently while tracking a gate-to-wire winner. Her tactical speed keeps her relevant in this full field.
Also Eligible Consideration
A Cozy Thing (#13) needs a defection to participate but closed well for second in beaten claiming company at Monmouth. While five furlongs might be short, Joseph Pantaleo’s trainee belongs in the upper echelon if she gets in.
Selection: Bad Girl Betty Lou (#2) to win, One Fine Wine (#11) to place
Race 5 – $7,500 Claiming (8:52 PM ET)
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Purse: $17,000
Key Contenders
Zihuatanejo (#9) offers value at longer odds after a competitive fourth-place finish at this condition last month. Francisco Martinez, excellent with front-runners, may try to get this five-year-old gelding to the front early with limited pace pressure expected. Michael Aro trains.
Chaz the Chief (#3) was a nice maiden winner in state-bred company before running well for third at this level. Carlos David trains this five-year-old gelding who faces Richard Ave again, and a strong performance from that rival would be flattering.
Pace Angle
Always Fun (#7) might be sent for speed by Julio Hernandez if the top choices don’t press early. While potentially below this competition level, he could prove dangerous if left alone on the lead.
Selection: Zihuatanejo (#9) to win, Chaz the Chief (#3) to place
Race 6 – $16,000 Claiming (9:20 PM ET)
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Purse: $19,000
Key Contenders
That Sun of a Gun (#7) appears ready for a forward move making his third start off a lengthy layoff. Patrick McBurney’s horses typically improve with racing fitness, and this five-year-old gelding’s last effort was his first two-turn attempt in over a year. Samuel Marin rides.
Mungo (#6) has been second in his last two starts at this level and brings consistent form. Renaldo Richards trains this five-year-old gelding whose tactical early speed keeps him competitive. He nearly won at 11-1 odds two back at Monmouth.
Closer Look
Post Command (#9) was bottled up on the rail as the favorite last time and faces another wide post draw. Chuck Spina trains this four-year-old gelding who belongs at this level after competing in tougher spots earlier this season.
Selection: That Sun of a Gun (#7) to win, Mungo (#6) to place
Jockey Notes
Francisco Martinez shows strong statistics with front-running types and should be aggressive with Zihuatanejo in Race 5. Samuel Marin has been effective at this meet but needs to avoid the temptation to send Richard Ave to the lead in Race 3. Katie Davis maintains a perfect 3-for-3 record with her mounts at this meet, making Feral’s Joy a strong play in Race 7.
Trainer Insights
Gregory Sacco shows strong numbers with new acquisitions, supporting Take Me To Church despite the significant class drop. Timothy Hills has one winner from one starter at this meet and takes over Bad Girl Betty Lou, who was meant for turf in her last start. Patrick McBurney has horses that typically race themselves into shape, making That Sun of a Gun a solid choice in the finale.
Best Wagering Strategies
Value Plays: Zihuatanejo (#9) in Race 5 offers the best value at longer odds with Francisco Martinez’s tactical advantage. That Sun of a Gun (#7) in Race 6 presents another solid value opportunity third time off the layoff.
Daily Double: Consider connecting Feral’s Joy (#7) in Race 3 with Bad Girl Betty Lou (#2) in Race 4 for a potential score with Katie Davis and Timothy Hills both having strong meet statistics.
Pick 3: Build around Take Me To Church (#2) in Race 1, Bali Kuta (#2) in Race 2, and Feral’s Joy (#7) in Race 3 for the early Pick 3.
Previous Night’s Racing Summary
Track conditions remained firm throughout the evening, and early speed proved valuable in the sprint races while closers found success in the route events. The meet statistics through October 4th show 25% winners from top selections with a positive return on investment.
