By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, November 5, 2021
Race 1
1 NOTABADGAME – Yes, this is a step up, but I like this guy’s chances from the pole position with Tony V. He’s sharp. Horse is just getting used to his new barn. Has enough speed to sit close and then try to pounce late. Good shot!
2 JERRYTONE – Finds his way back up the Turnpike to place of prior success. Recent lines at The Hold look a little flat, but I think he likes it here better. Also drew well for solid pilot. Will make one big move at some point. Times it?
3 MAY I CRUISE WEST – Gets a little bit of a break from the post gods, but will need a lot of luck to jump up and win.
4 GALACTIC GALLEON N – New pilot here, but he does have a “P” license. The 12YO veteran gelding hasn’t won a race yet this year, so that will sway me against. I guess I just want to watch one here.
5 MR D’S DRAGON – Sports a very mixed bag of efforts lately. Some good. Some, mystifyingly bad. So, I have no idea what to expect tonight. Last time here, the Dragon was flat. Will need a much stronger effort to get any closer.
6 OUTRAGEOUS STORY – Was having troubles on the smaller tracks, so Mike R brings him here. Let’s see IF he’s fast enough, and IF he stays pacing. That’s a lot of “If’s!” That last qualifier was better. Let’s try to be positive. Trainer: Qualified well after some miscues. He has a chance, if his driver doesn’t ruin his chances.
7 PROLOGUE – It’s usually dangerous to ignore the Judge in these races, but this horse appears to be in poor form. Pass.
8 ROCK TO GLORY – 13YO warhorse is back off the layoff tonight for Team Chiodo. He’s certainly got enough back class to go with this group, provided they have him primed and ready. That is the question. Post won’t help either. Trainer: Qualified well, but will need a few races to get sharp again.
9 FERDINAND A – Not getting much love from the post gods lately. I do remember that 27 flat blast last time here, however. May not have to go that fast, but will have to leave to get involved. Slight upset chance if he gets a trip.
10 FERNADO – Tony C with a new acquisition here out of Indiana and Ohio. Will he be a good fit here? That’s a great question. We might get a few answers tonight, but I’ll probably let him beat me if he can. Post 10 always a killer.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 1-2-8-9
Race 2
1 SEEUINNASHVILLE A – Was bet pretty hard in last few down at Philly. It didn’t work out, stamina-wise. Last time here, it was kind of the same thing. I have my doubts if this guy will be a true “big track” horse. Also, 0-27 so far this year.
2 ART SCAPING – Can we say he’s improving? Even slightly? I’m not so sure. Drew good post. Sits in and stalks.
3 JUST N ACE – Have to give this one a long look for his new barn. Mr. Estrada has excelled in that category. Catches a pretty even field here, so it might not take that big of a wakeup call to earn some immediate dividends. Maybe.
4 GENERAL JOY A – Just 1-23 this year, so that’s a concern. Couple of slowish qualifiers off the bench. I can’t guarantee he’s fully cranked and ready to go, but this is a wide-open race. Somebody has to step up and win. Your call, folks?
5 CAPTAIN’S REIGN – A non-winner this year, so that’s bad. But, even I can see the class drop here. There are a few races in recent history that would be good enough. Hasn’t shown much speed, so maybe at mercy of pace and trip?
6 AMERICAN CHROME – I make this horse, the horse to beat tonight. He’s got speed. He’s facing a field of question marks. And he clearly improved in first go for his new barn. Should benefit from the Philly speed tightener.
7 KING OF HEROES N – Not many starts over past few years, so he must have his issues. That, plus post eight, make him a real tough play tonight. Wasn’t terrible in first start here. So, maybe he can improve off that.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Todd McCarthy 3 over 2
Top Contenders 6-3-4-5
