By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper, Friday, Sep 18
RACE 1
CHEYENNE RYAN LEE – Rounded into form nicely down at Philly, and don’t forget that his pilot has won here in the sulky already. The pole could be tricky post, but horse has flashed speed before. May only need smooth trip. Trainer: Want to give him another chance in here, and hoping girl power prevails yet again this week.
2 GYPSY LEATHER – Scooted down to the Ocean for a speed try and it didn’t work out after setting pretty fast pace. The Judge tends to be more patient than most and might just let this veteran settle. Watch for a late pouncing try.
3 SCIROCCO MISTYSAID – Been a little disappointing lately out of town. Also burned a few bucks in this series back in July. I really don’t know where they’re at with the gelding. At least he gets an inside post. Sits and stalks? Needs more.
4 MAY I CRUISE WEST – Maintains his role as big longshot, especially coming off a mistake. I will pass again.
5 JUSTABITOFCHARM – Went a lot faster in that qualifier than she’s used to. Invades with a lot to prove here.
6 FOREVER WORTH IT – Sure looked like a winner, pouncing off the turn last week and then got collared by a flying rival. Still, it was good, strong effort and we can look for another one tonight. Timing critical, but very possible.
7 RACE ME ROCKY – Bob D just tried to send this guy down the road and they ran out of gas under heavy pressure. I really don’t know what would be any different tonight. He may get to the lead, but must find a lot more stamina.
8 LEAR SEELSTER – That was an improbable, but incredible flying finish from last! Very eye-catching for sure. Gets stuck with another outer post here and is totally at mercy of pace and trip again. What will the price be tonight? Lower.
9 BADIX HANOVER – A bit unproven on the big track. Gets stuck with a rough post tonight. Bob H is usually a speed kind of driver and I don’t see him taking back in this spot. Needs to find bigger kick, but not out of the question.
10 JACKAMINO – Where is he going from post 10? Probably not very fast. A clear case of the bad post blues lately.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Top Contenders 6-2-1-9
RACE 2
1 DRESDEN – Nice homebred filly here! Ships in with three-in-a-row in New York. Scotty Z had a tough choice here and opted to stick with #3. But, I don’t want to read too much into that. IF this filly likes big track, expect a strong effort.
2 SKYY – Nice name for the daughter of Just Add Vodka! And, so far, she’s come along nicely for Team Bittle. Seems to be versatile and this is ideal spot to just sit and stalk the favorites. Don’t be shocked if she comes charging late.
3 MARSALA HANOVER – Strong, classy filly here by The Captain. She’s proven at the top stakes level already and she’s got three wins too! Z opted here, over #1, but they both have great chances. Speed seems to be her game. Guns out!
4 THREE WAY SPLIT – It’s taken a little while, but seems like this lass may finally be learning the game. That was good, powerhouse finish in the qualifier and if this one sets up for a closer, she’s got a chance too! Price might be right.
5 JK ALWAYSBALADY – Nothing wrong with the way she’s been brought along. We can all see the pedigree, and she flashed speed right from the get-go. Interesting spot, outside the favorites. Might have to leave again, to stay close. Trainer: Needs to race off a helmet, as she’s a little lazy.
6 SOUTHWIND XENA – Yes, that was a disappointing effort down at Philly, but she might not have liked racing on the lead. Hadn’t done that prior. With that said, I don’t see her gunning out now. Will be patient, and hope for a trip.
7 I SAY NO MORE – Looks like the longshot of the bunch, having drawn the toughest post. Would need a lot to go her way to have a shot.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Scott Zeron 3 over 1
Top Contenders 1-5-3-4
