By James Witherite, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Saturday September 9
Race 1
1 FINAL JUSTICE Freehold invader was stymied by the 10-hole in his last two MADC races, but turned in a better staying bid at 16-1 last out. Variables remain despite pole.
3 FIRE LIGHT Capone’s choice passed tired foes for the last check last week after chasing evenly for minors in $15k fields at Philly consistently. Cover should aid.
4 MASK ON MASK OFF After circling to win at 12-1 five back, he found MADC 2 fields just a bit too tough. He’s back to a winning level after failing to fire from astern at Tioga.
5 PAN STREET USA The 33-time winner some fairly heavy lifting a few starts back before being all-out to hold for third. Last out, early exertion to clear stung him pretty badly.
6 NATHAN FEELSGOOD Give this guy credit for early exertion in his last couple races, but the trips ultimately took their toll. Kinder trip will be the key to improved results.
7 SWEET MOVES He pushed first-over and dueled to victory five back, and he used similar gains to take second at Freehold two back as well. Direct involvement seems key.
8 MY WISH CAME TRUE He’s not hit the board in his last five, but that was largely against $20k types at Philly. This field is easier; forgive dull flow last week. Can bounce.
9 HARRY HANOVER In a race full of horses trying to regain form, this one stands out on account of his late gains in his last two and his last-to-first sweep five back. Strong.
10 UNCLE COZ He cleared, yielded, and chased to hold second in low-level company at Freehold last out. Now he rises and draws the outside. Asking a lot of him.
Top Contenders: 9-8-3-4
Driver Choice: Cameron Capone #3 over #5
2
Race
H Horse Comments
1 GAZOO He’s been off for two months and he was an OK fourth to Voukefalas in his Q last week. Chases OK in bottom-level races; can pick up a piece with cover.
2 MAYOR OFTHEMOMENT Second-time Davis starter broke from astern at Harrington last week. Switch to two turns should ease trouble, but variables remain. Watch and assess.
3 SHORE OF HIMSELF Philly invader stayed on more than OK with similar in his last two after failing to fire from astern three back. Kind draw should serve to land him close.
4 GOOD INVESTMENT Stratton opts to stay with this one who chased for a one-paced third on a slight step down last week. Now he gets further relief off that renewed effort.
5 MUSCLE FACTORY A I like that he’s had enough left in the tank to hit the board against tougher in his last two starts, and more so his versatility. Class relief third out? Yes.
7 TWIN B RAPTOR Class relief should help even finishes in his last two count for a lot more. We likely won’t see the same value for this stalker-closer on the class drop.
8 JESSICAS BEACH BOY This is a lateral move out of TrackMaster races for the 14-time winner. Of late, closing power has been strictly diametrically opposed to early exertion.
9 BUCKEYE EMERY Five back, he blasted clear from the eight-hole and Pocono and held sway late. This is a bump up from that, but it proved what he needs to contend here.
10 BAILEYS ROCK N He was no threat from astern on the drop to the bottom of the class ladder on Hambo weekend, and he missed his last due to illness. May need this start.
Top Contenders:5-4-3-7
Driver Choice: Jordan Stratton #4 over #8
