By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper, Friday, Oct. 2, 2020
First Race
1 SO TAKE THAT – Not a whole lot going on in this corner. Already 0-21 this year. Definitely a big longshot.
2 JACKAMINO – Five-time winner this year disappointed last time down at Freehold, but he’s had some decent tries here on the big track before. I’m not ready to bet the ranch, but in a race like this, he does have a chance. Good post.
3 PREPPY ART – Seems like Preppy has lost that “winning habit” lately. Keeps grinding out the checks, so that’s a good thing! Pilot has a win here this year, so consider that. Horse will be flashing that reliable speed. Maybe one to catch?
4 BADIX HANOVER – Geared up a nice kick last week, once he got out. I think the inner post is a big deal for him, so Bob H can keep him close. IF things get a little wild up front, we can expect this guy to pick up the piece. Must use.
5 SCIROCCO MISTYSAID – I have to admit that I’ve been a little disappointed with him last few. Mark had him in perfect position twice and couldn’t get it done. I imagine he’ll shoot for similar stalking trip again. Must finish better.
6 IN THE HUDDLE – Mixed feelings about many of the Saratoga shippers on the card tonight, this one included. This gelding had to work his way all the way down class ladder to get a win. Have to think this is a big step back up.
7 SANATTLE SLEW – Bouncing back and forth between the small tracks and here. But, I don’t see anything to hang my hat on! No good recent efforts. An outside post again. Maybe Dave G can get him “motivated?” I have my doubts.
8 DAVID THE SAINT – Another recent sufferer of the bad post blues! There was a time when David had some speed. Tonight might be a night to take a shot? Overall, horse is good now. Just needs a trip, and a little bit more.
9 JUSTIN CREDIBLE – He’s got some history here, but much of it mixed. The 0-19 record this year sticks out badly. I don’t think he’s capable of blasting out, so it could be a long night. Will need to get very lucky.
10 MAY I CRUISE WEST – Where’s he going from post 10? Not very far. He’s a pass, as usual.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 4-3-8-2
Race 2
1 BASTION – One of the fillies trying to beat the colts and Trond has a pair. This lass may have the better chance, and she’s rounded into form quite nicely. The rail might be a tricky spot, but she’s got some speed. New driver.
2 DEVIOUS HANOVER – Hasn’t come back quite as strong so far at age three. No wins yet. Recently on Lasix. I would have liked to see more when she exited the Stallion Series. Maybe she’ll step it up with switch to big track. Trond’s pick.
3 UNPAID ADVISOR – Forced the early pace up at Vernon and then got pretty tired. Not good when you’re 3-5! Expect a different kind of trip from Alek tonight and do note that he does have a driving win this year. Still a longshot.
4 BUSY DOING TRIX – Danny the co-owner on this one, and they’ve had some trouble keeping her trotting. Since we haven’t seen her here yet, I’ll take a good, long look out on the track. Has to prove she can go a little faster.
5 BURBERRY – That’s always a nice comeback when you get back into the race after a miscue. It seems like she can go this kind of speed on a big track, so I wouldn’t be too quick to toss out. IF she trots, we’ll see some speed.
6 MISTER WALKER – Another one that hasn’t won yet this season. Somebody will have to break that streak. I see a lot of trouble in his lines lately, so he’s probably overdue to have something go right. Will offer the right price, if you fancy.
7 MARVELOUSTRIX – Still owns that ONE lonely win in her career, and it did come here. Occasionally, she owns a nice kick, but always needs the right kind of setup to launch. Can never bank on that.
8 SWEET SOFIE T – I’ll keep her on the longshot list for tonight. She’s got a lot to prove here on the big track.
9 SHINKANSEN – Looks like the favorite to me, off that dazzling second score down at Philly. Raced very well here earlier. I do see he hasn’t raced in almost a month, but it may not matter. Hopefully, Kelvin will have him ready.
10 ROGER RABBIT – Hasn’t had a lucky draw here yet! The bad post blues continue. He’s got a speed horse just inside, which never helps. May end up with the same trip he had last time, and pass some tired ones.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Trond Smedshammer 2 over 1
Steve Smith 7 over 5
Top Contenders 9-5-1-6
