By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double analysis for Friday OCT. 23
1 JULA PRO HANOVER – Been a little overmatched in this series so far, but did pick up a check last time! Same goal tonight, starting from the pole position. Will just try to keep up.
2 SPEED AWAY – Made that untimely break late in the mile in Lex. Was going very nicely prior to that too! It was a big step in the right direction. Let’s see if we get the same speed here tonight. Could go a long way again if yes.
3 BEE FOREVER – Gelding by a horse of the year, out of a horse of the year is still learning. There is talent in the tank, as eventually she will figure it out. Requires patient handling again from a good, inner post. Tough to bet, however.
4 SONOFAMISTERY – Steamrolled the last time we saw him here in Kindergarten action. They thought enough to send him all the way to Kentucky. Back in the more reasonable spot and will definitely be the one to beat. Grinds it out.
5 TYPE A – Might have the best chance of upending the favorite. Tried the hopples once and that didn’t work. Came back with strong qualifier. Needs that speed to try and get the jump on #4. That’s the best way to win.
6 SEVENSHADESOFGREY – Already 0-10, but seems to be coming around now for the Burke Brigade. That was a decent late kick last time, and it will be a follow trip again. Would love to track #4. That would be great trip.
7 SOUTHERN MAZZARATI – Gets toughest post in a while, but there isn’t a ton of early speed in here. Pilot might look this field over and know he’s got to take a shot. Seems to be finishing well too! Not totally out of this one.
8 SWAN BY LAND – Regressed a little in that last one down at The Hold. Okay. Back to mile track and he did have a few good efforts here. Still, it’s a tough post and he will need to get lucky here.
DRIVER CHOICES:
George Naplitano, Jr. 7 over 8
| Top Contenders 4-2-5-7 |
Race 2
1 THREE WAY SPLIT – After a slowish start to her career, she seems to be on the improve for the Alagna Armada. Sometimes, it just takes a while and that’s what this series is for. The late bloomers. Has rail, but loses T Mac.
2 IN LOU OF MONEY – A little tough to figure out lately. Some good efforts. Some flat ones. The one brush and crush at the Red Mile was impressive. Needs that kind of speed or move tonight. Not sure we’re going to get it.
3 LINDY AT THE BEACH – Paced home strongly in every Red Mile try, but just didn’t get lucky. It’s time for that to change. This appears to be a softer spot and Lindy will be on the move earlier here. Probably the one to beat.
4 DRESDEN – Not sure what happened there at the end of September, but it wasn’t good. The qualifier here last week was a complete turnaround. Still not sure what to expect tonight, but I’d love to see that speed again.
5 CLASSICIST – Overall, going pretty well. I like the speed. I like the consistency. May have to go a touch faster tonight, but that’s not out of the question. Stablemates both got the outside posts. This one has the speed, though.
6 HEART OF MINE – This is no easy spot for filly that hasn’t shown too much early zip. If she takes back here, it could be a long way home. She definitely has ability and hasn’t made any mistakes. Tough to bet, if price is short.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Corey Callahan 2 over 4
Todd McCarthy 3 over 1
Mark MacDonald 6 over 5
| Top Contenders 3-5-1-6 |
