By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper
Race 1 Review – Friday, October 30, 2020
1 BADIX HANOVER – Didn’t race too well over at Yonkers, so Scotty D brings him right back here. Some of those series efforts were okay. I’m not sold on him, but the right trip could see him hit the ticket. I don’t expect him to win.
2 JUNIOR’S DEW – The only one in here for the claiming tag. Bouncing around between here and Freehold. Shows that one win. Still looking like a longshot to me.
3 FRANKANDJOANNE – Trainer Anderson taking a turn in the sulky seat. Haven’t seen that yet. Quietly, the gelding is in decent form. Was okay last time we saw him here. I would expect to see some early speed at very least. A maybe.
4 BLUEBIRD GOLDWYN – Back from Philly with the 0-15 slate. I doubt he can beat these tonight. Pass.
5 WATCHMENEIGHNEIGH – Bounced back with a better effort last time. That early miscue cost him before that. I guess it’s all about the trip from this post. The Judge will have to put him in position to launch that big move. I can see it.
6 WALKS OF LIFE – A little hard to gauge right now, with some inconsistencies. Slightly better post here, so we might see the switch back to speed. I’d be surprised if MM didn’t take a shot and send here. Can they get to the lead?
7 GOOD DAY MATE – Was just too far back to do any damage last week. Okay. Things set up nicely for the big sweep before that. It’s the same situation here. IF the pace is hot, and IF the flow is live, he’s got major chance. No price.
8 FRILLS N LACE – Was heavily bet when Joe Lee hopped in the bike last time and the horse did not fire. I’d be very hesitant to accept another underlay price from this post. Would have to show a lot more to upset.
9 BARYNYA A – It would be tough to make a strong case on the Saratoga shipper from a rough post. Not for me.
10 DRAMATIC POINT – After I had given up on him a few starts ago, he somehow, someway uncorked a dramatically improved effort! I have no idea where that came from. But, I do know he’s got post 10 trying for the repeat. Good luck.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 5-6-7-3
Race 2 Review
1 QUEEN TILE NO – No real threat last week in her division. Same situation here. Likely to sit in, save ground and try to get lucky late. Will need a few things to go her way.
2 ME THREE – Went off at a big price in her Big M debut last week and promptly broke. Tough to like off that.
3 SAADET – Raced very well for Vic last week! That was a big step in the right direction. This filly took some time to come around, but she’s there now. Comfortable enough to fire out of the gate. I’d like to see that again. Guns?
4 HOT AS HILL – It took a while for this lass to reach the front last week, but once she got there, she just coasted away from them. Yes, several things did help, but she was good! Will probably face a bigger test here, but she’s solid.
5 DAZZLING REIGN – Seems to be a one-move type, and she could get away last in here. Not sure that’s going to work, but it is a short field. If the faves were to soften each other up, that raises her chances.
6 DUTIFUL – She’s the key to the race! Flashed some serious ability out in Kentucky, and then showed up here ready too! That was an excellent, chasing try last week, and in very fast time. IF she goes that fast again, she should win.
DRIVER CHOICES: Vic Kirby 3 over 2
Top Contenders 6-3-4-5
