By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Saturday, May 8, 2021 —
Race 1
1 FULL SEND – Barn has really aimed high with this guy lately. He hasn’t been bad, but just a touch under the level. This is probably most realistic spot in a while, and he does have the rail. Hopes to stalk up front, find a seam late.
2 SOUTH BEACH STAR – Simply put, this is a potential monster in the making for Pelling. He was uber-impressive in those last two. But, even I realize this will be a big test tonight, vs. the stakes-winners #3,7. Should be good battle.
3 ABUCKABETT HANOVER – He’s not the biggest one out there, but he’s got major talent! I think he’s come back even stronger this year for the Alagna Armada. And don’t forget he was very good very early last year. Good, strong horse.
4 BETTER TAKE IT – Tetrick put him more in play last week and that trip just didn’t work out. I don’t think we’ve seen his best just yet, but it will be tough to like him in this spot. This is a VERY good field and he needs even more.
5 DELIGHTFUL TERROR – He’s now had two starts on the comeback trail. No real factor here. A longshot again.
6 TARKIO – Also retains longshot status for now. He did well enough to make the final over at Pocono, but was sent off at 70-1 from the rail. That’s telling. He ships here with a lot to prove. I need to see it first.
7 EXPLOIT – Last year’s Metro champ is back. And he looked strong in both qualifiers. Kept under big hold in most recent. He likes a target, so I do wonder what the plan is from this post. Plus, he battles a stablemate. T Mac opt off.
8 ENVIRONS HANOVER – This might be the key to the race! Or, at least the early pace battle. After a good roll of strong speed efforts, he tossed in a clunker and then missed a few weeks. Was probably sick? Regardless, he’s going to gun.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Todd McCarthy 2 over 7
Dave Miller 5 over 1
Top Contenders 3-2-8-7
Race 2
1 DAVIDS COMING HOME – MIA for several weeks sick, so he looks like a pass to me, even from the rail.
2 CECIL CASANOVA – Found that last Trackmaster field very much to his liking. It was a BIG bounce back, and T Mac drove with confidence. This is a pretty big step up the ladder tonight and he’s got to prove it all over again.
3 CLEVER CHARACTER – Seems to me like the Burke Brigade has a big edge in here, with two horses having a big chance to gang up on Leeroy. This is serious class drop for this one, and a third start back. He should be ready!
4 BLACK CHEVRON N – Team Tritton gave this guy a month off after last clunker. Not sure what’s wrong. Needs a big bounce back to find that stride again. Eventually he will, but maybe not tonight.
5 ROLLNTHEJOE – Somebody bet this guy hard down at Freehold last time and got burned. Horse just wasn’t good again. Hey! It happens. Team B sends him up the Turnpike now. Maybe he’ll be better here? I’m not so sure.
6 BATTLE STRONG – Things haven’t really been setting up well for him lately. I guess if there’s some sort of battle royale, maybe he can come charging? That’s a big maybe.
7 SAWYER’S DESIRE – Whereas the other Burke horse is dropping, Sawyer is taking a slight hike back up. But, his speed is pretty strong and that will give Leeroy a few headaches. This race has mayhem written all over it. Watch out.
8 P L LEEROY – If ya can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em? That’s the saying. I was firmly against Leeroy both times and you see how that worked out. But, I’m stubborn and will try again. Takes on the two Burke’s. If he wins again, congrats.
9 GINGRAS BEACH – Talk about the bad post blues! It continues. He looks like a longshot again from way out here.
10 MONEYMAN HILL – Had he drawn a better spot, I could build more of a case. Didn’t really belong in that one race here. Offered up an improved effort at Pocono. This is the right kind of spot, but not the right post. Needs some luck.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Todd McCarthy 2 over 6,9
Simon Allard 8 over 1
Top Contenders 3-7-8-6
