By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper –– Early Double Analysis —Friday, February 26, 2021
Race 1
1 LAZZARO – Finally gets a little break from the post gods tonight. T Mac was able to keep him trotting all the way last week, so that’s a step in the right direction. Still looks like a very “risky” play, but I’ve seen stranger horses win.
2 SPRING IN PARIS – Gets back to the bottom level here, and it’s going to make a big difference. Yannick has put the mare in position a few times, but just hasn’t gotten lucky. That’s due to change and tonight could be the night. Adds L. Trainer: Is right where she needs to be. Drop in class and the inside post all work to her favor.
3 BROADWAY PROMISE – Still a work in progress, after that claim last month. I still need to see a better effort.
4 WATKINS – Endured a rough, first over trip on Tuesday at Yonkers, so this is firing back on short rest. Veteran has been here before and IF he’s still sharp, he can probably be right there. Will need a better journey, though.
5 CHARLEY ONA HARLEY – Seems like he’s rounded back into better form down at Freehold, but this will be a brand new ballgame back on the big track. Would need to go a lot faster here, and I usually need to see it first. A maybe.
6 MARVELOUSTRIX – She’s now had a couple of starts at this lower level, and she hasn’t delivered the goods! Yes, Stevie won a couple of races last week, so maybe that streak will continue. But, I usually let her beat me, if she can.
7 NOBLE ANTHONY – We’ll keep this guy on the longshot list again. I haven’t seen enough from him to like in here.
8 ALEXANDER HANOVER – That 1-29 record past two years sticks out like a sore thumb! But, his last try with Dexter on, looks a LOT better than most of these. It’s a tough move to outside post and he will need a decent trip. Low odds?
9 DIXIE SLIPPERS – Gets the very tepid call as morning line favorite, in an absolutely wide-open race. Especially off that scratch. But, her last three consistent tries stand out in bunch like this. A Mac will have to find a way to get close. Trainer: We ended up with an ice storm up here in Maine last weekend, and it ended up coming into my living room! We couldn’t get out of Dodge! So, no blame for Dixie. It was just Mother Nature’s fault we couldn’t come down.
10 MASSTER BLUE – Bouncing up and down the class ladder and back-and-forth from Freehold. Is this the right spot? I don’t think so, from post 10.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 8 over 10
Top Contenders 2-4-9-1
Race 2
1 WOODMERE OLEKSIAK – Finds her way back to Club Med and it’s the perfect spot for her! She’s turned in a few big miles here in the past, so keep that in mind. I don’t know how big the price will be, but she’s hard to leave off ticket.
2 CLASSICA – Freshened up a bit. Has now had two starts back, and the second one was a lot better. IF that trend continues, you can make a strong case for her with an inside post. Do note who’s back in the bike tonight too!
3 RUBY ON RAILS – Man, was she flying at the end of the mile last week! Really eye-catching. Mark Mac got along with her and will now try to keep the mare a little closer. It’s only an eight-horse field, so that many not be too hard.
4 LIVELY ROCKET – Finds her way back up the NJ Turnpike. Her first go around here wasn’t great, so we need to see more from her before we could endorse. I will pass and watch another.
5 GOTTALOVEMYSHADOW – I really don’t know where we’re at with this recent claim. Her first go for new barn was okay. Her second was not. She did try more speed that night, and I guess that didn’t work? Back to the closing move?
6 LOTUS SEELSTER – Looks like it might take a while to get her back to top form. She was conservatively handled last week in the snow and passed a few late. I’m not really in love with this post. I will gamble and watch one more.
7 QUEEN JOSEPHINE – It’s just been way too long since she won a race. I doubt that changes from this post.
8 PETAL TO THE METAL – She was clearly in need of her comebacker. Have to note her prior success over this strip, especially against a field like this. I can’t say she’s fully primed and ready tonight, but she will be soon. Watch for it.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Simon Allard 7 over 8
Top Contenders 1-2-3-8
