By Dave Brower, Meadowlands handicapper – Race 1 Review–Saturday, July 11, 2020
1 SOHO CHELSEA A – Definitely needed that first start back and looked a little flat late. A longshot again, even on rail.
2 BIG STRETCH MARK – Stretch has had two starts now, so he should be getting closer to top form. One night soon,
he’s going to surprise us with a big effort and don’t be too sure it won’t be tonight. Good post. Speed again?
3 ITS JUST TOO MUCH – Most of his best work this year has come at Freehold. Merely “kept up” in the first go off the
layoff. Wasn’t Dexter’s choice, and probably won’t be mine I’d need to see more first.
4 ON ACCIDENT – Raced really well here, almost pulling off the upset. Then stepped up down at Philly and wasn’t quite
as big a threat. Back to the big track, but at slightly higher level. Will need that same kind of good stalking trip.
5 TIE YOUR SHOE ED – Hasn’t looked nearly as ready as some of the others in here, so let’s take a pass again.
6 COACH CAL – They claimed this guy right before the shut-down, so that’s not fun. Had to feed him for three+ months
before getting a chance to race. I love that he won over at Yonkers, paying some dividends. Can he do it here too?
7 SPICEBOMB – Spice was clearly in need of his comebacker. We all know his style. It might take one more race, or a
class drop, but he’s going to be ready soon! I’ll be watching very closely for more effort here.
8 HEAVENLY SOUND – Have to give him a big chance tonight, even from the outer post. There’s plenty of back class in
this corner, and it’s actually hard to believe he’s 0-9 this year and won only once last year. That will have to change.
9 SEEING EYE SINGLE – Gets lucky to “scratch” into this spot, even though he was AE2! And, it’s a perfect spot, except
for the post. Last pair at Philly were fine. He likes this track too! Figures to be firing out, right along with #8. Must use.
10 ULTIMATE FLYER N – Gets the worst of it, post-wise and did not impress me in last 10-hole try. Same thing here.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Eric Abbatiello 2 over 10
Top Contenders 8-9-6-2
Race 2 Review
1 CAFE AMERICANO – Still on the list as Hambo eligible, and that was a pretty-impressive looking first start back. It was
just his second go of the season too! This is huge class jump, so let’s see if he can handle it with another new driver.
2 BEYOND KRONOS – Yes, that second start back was much better than the first one, so I’m anxious to see if that trend
continues. Wasn’t Tetrick’s choice here, but that was expected. Drew same good post. Will keep up, maybe more?
3 BEADS – What on earth do we do with this guy? He’s the greatest “qualifying” horse ever! But, he loses his manners at
night. For gambling purposes, you either key him on top, or throw him out. There’s no in between. Good luck!
4 JULA TRIX TREASURE – Barn’s other starter worked his way nicely through the Sires Stakes. Didn’t miss the board! He
seems like a one-way grinder, so the shorter field should help. IF anybody softens up #8, watch out. Solid horse.
5 LIGHT BLUE MOVERS – They finally got him qualified, so that’s a step in the right direction. Still a longshot.
6 CAPRICORNUS – Good try here. Good try down at Philly. Showed ton of ability last year as a freshman. Barn has him
rolling in the right direction. Has slight post edge on #8. We’re going to see big push off the gate. Can he upset?
7 VINNY DE VIE – Not much love from the post gods in this corner. Continues here. Looks to me like he will get away
last and that’s just not going to work out in a spot like this.
8 EL IDEAL – No, he’s NOT Hambo eligible, so he will have to earn through these minor stakes races. He was an absolute
monster last year and I liked the much-improved third qualifier. He looks ready now and should crush these w/Andy.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Andy Miller 8 over 1
Tim Tetrick 6 over 2
Top Contenders 8-6-4-2
Handicapper, author and television analyst is an HRI Harness contributor
