Race 1 Review — February 28, 2020
By Dave Brower
1 MAKE IT BIG – Still waiting on a breakthrough mile from this gelding. Juan had him out and moving last week into that mayhem pace, but he just didn’t have enough. Draws similar inside post and will hope for a better trip. Your call?
2 STEUBEN MAGIC RIDE – Came on belatedly to pass some of the tired ones last week. Not bad, but he will need more to get any closer. The post is better, and he is racing back into shape. Chance for a little bit more tonight.
3 MAY I CRUISE WEST – Similar effort to #2. Ended up pushed very wide at one point and flattened a little. Longshot.
4 TOP OF THE MARK – Talk about a nightmare post and trip! That would describe his journey. So, let’s not be too hard on him. Better post. Second go for new barn, so they could make some changes. Usable at a square price.
5 PARKLANE JET – I didn’t feel too good when he was jumping behind the gate last week, but the Judge got him settle and they came on to measure off a game #6. Different driver tonight, but similar effort required. No breaks, please!
6 SCIROCCO MISTYSAID – Went an absolutely unbelievable mile last week! Dueled the whole way around and was still digging in late. I see him going right down the road in here, hopefully with a lot less pressure. Don’t expect 8-1.
7 ROCK AMERICA – Invades from Monti as one of three for the barn. They’ve both got a chance. Joe Lee gets the call on this one and he’ll be looking to make amends for last week. Wasn’t his fault, though. Can this horse hack it here?
8 KEYSTONE CAMARO – Third of barn’s starters gets the tough post and possible pace scenario. Last couple times we saw him here, he lacked mile track stamina. I’ll stick with that and prefer others.
9 LYONS AMUSEMENTS – Was in-to-go on Wednesday at the Spa, which is after press time for this program. Does he look like a fit for the big track? I’m not so sure.
| Top Contenders 6-4-7-5 |
| Race 2 Review – Friday, February 28, 2020 |
1 DARKRSHADEOFPALE N – She’s had some starts to get used to North American racing and this finally looks like the right spot to take a swing. Wasn’t Yannick’s choice, as expected, but I do give her a chance to beat Jane. Experience.
2 EXOTIC DANCE – She’s been rock-solid since she got here. Changed a very well-meant foe last week and kept up very well. Drew may “try” to step around #1 if he can and maybe get another ideal trip. That would help a lot.
3 MANHATTAN PLAY – I’m still really not sure about this lass. Yes, she did race a lot better last week, so maybe that’s the hint we’ve been waiting for. Still seems like a one-move pony, so she will need a trip too! Long overdue.
4 PETAL TO THE METAL – Stacy’s mainstay mare has found this level a tad too much so far. This field is no picnic either, so maybe we have to wait for a class drop? The post is ideal if she can advance in a live flow. Tough call.
5 MAJORETTE ANGIE – Except for that one disaster, she’s been trying pretty hard. That trip last week was impossible against the front-running winner. But, that’s her game! Totally at mercy of pace and trip. Demand a price if you like.
6 CAVIART JANE – All things considered, that was a superb try in her first start of the year two weeks ago. That was exactly what they were looking for. Remember, she’s a 3YO tackling older, more seasoned foes. Off the pace again?
7 ILANA Z TAM – She’s missed a few weeks sick, so that IS an issue. The post won’t help either. I just don’t envision her blasting in here, so she’ll hope to follow #6? That would at least give her live cover.
8 CAROUSEL – Does she have ANY early speed? I don’t know, but this would be perfect spot for it. IF she takes back to last, would need a dream journey to have any upset chance. Last was touch of a clunker too!
DRIVER CHOICES:
Yannick Gingras 6 over 1
| Top Contenders 1-6-2-3 |
Dave Brower, Meadowlands handicapper, television analyst, and author is an HRI Harness Racing contributor
