By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper – Saturday, October 3, 2020 —
Race 1
–1 MORE THE BETTER N – This looks like a pretty good spot, if horse can get his act together and finish. Post and class relief together often produces winners. I’ll hop on board and expect him to be good tonight with JB. Must use. Trainer: Class and post relief will obviously help. Helps to have Jason B in the bike too! This is his spot to have big chance.
2 STELLA’S PHELLA – In the past, he’s snuck into the gimmicks by sitting in and saving ground. That’s the goal here.
3 WILLIE BOOTS – Willie has definitely tailed off again, so he stays on the longshot list. Will need big wakeup call.
4 SPICEBOMB – The Bomb has been a touch disappointing of late. Oh well! It’s back to bottom class, but he also needs to finish better, or switch it up to speed. He can do that too!
5 JUXLIVIN MY DREAM – Arrives with an 0-17 record, so that’s not good. Had tough trip in that one big track try, so he will need an easier one to have any threatening chance. I usually need to see it first.
6 ALL IT TAKES – Simon had an option and chose here, over #8. Surprised me a bit. This gelding’s been an underachiever all season. But, I’m sure Simon will send him again, to try and get jump on #1. We’ll see if it works.
7 ROCK N ZEUS – Owns that fairly decent late kick in his bag. It’s all about pace and trip tonight. Pat will need to put a better trip on him than last time he steered. Horse is capable, but needs a few things to go his way.
8 ALL WEEK – I really don’t know what to expect tonight. Was loaded two back. Not so much last time. Burned the bettors too! He lacks speed, so an outer post presents another problem. Will have to get into it somehow.
9 CHANGE STRIDE N – We always have to guess on the Vallee horses. This one can take back, or blast in 26 seconds, so who knows. As long as the price is right, I’d consider using.
10 DEERFIELD BEACH – Was very well-meant last time, trying that brush and crush. Got a little weak late. The switch to post 10 looks like a killer for him too! Would need a lot of things to go exactly right.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Simon Allard 6 over 5,8
Top Contenders 1-4-7-6
Race 2
1 VIPER – We just haven’t seen a whole lot from this guy yet, so he looks like a pass until we get more speed.
2 SIR GENE G HANOVER – One of two 2YO’s in here. Moves into the Burke Brigade and it doesn’t take them long to figure one out. This fella showed just enough ability up north to demand a second look. Let’s see if ready off layoff.
3 DONTPASSME HANOVER – I’ve been following this guy since that deceptively good effort on 9/11. I hated to see that break after that, so there are issues. Finished up nicely again last time. Gets Tyler B back in bike. Hope for smooth trip.
4 CLAYTONS BETTOR N – Simon’s choice over #2 has a big chance in here. Gained valuable confidence over at Pocono and can easily transfer that here. I don’t know if he’s in the same class as #10, but we’re going to find out. Value?
5 ROCKIN RODEO – He’s moved around a little bit, right? Last two local tries not exactly inspiring, but I wouldn’t be shocked if we saw a lot more tonight. I like the post and potential for okay trip. Let’s see if he fires a shot.
6 BULLVILLE TERROR – IF you’re a Georgie Nap fan, and IF you think gelding’s last race was an improvement, why not use him? I can see that he’s 0-20 this year. Tough call, but let’s expect more.
7 ACES ROCK – Tends to lag a little early, so let’s take another pass on him from outer post. I need to see more.
8 TETON SUNSET – Barn’s been good with its shippers up from Delaware. And this gelding is used to traveling all over New York. Mike Cole is here to drive his own and there will be no taking back! Expect a solid send. Gets trip after that.
9 I’M NO PANSY – Had a useful trip over the track and there could be more in the tank tonight. Horse needed that race. I’m just not in love with this post, and #10 probably blasting. Maybe we watch one more?
10 DIAMOND HEAD – It’s very rare to see a horse go from the Jug to a non-winners of two! All in all, he didn’t race that badly too! I guess if he can get to the front, this race should be over. Maybe get late test from #3,4.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Simon Allard 4 over 2
Top Contenders 10-3-4-5
