| By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper – Saturday, October 17, 2020 — |
Race 1
1 DASHBOARD – Hasn’t quite come to top form just yet, and that move he made last time wasn’t strong. Pass.
2 MR MCDREAMY – Took a lot of betting action for some reason last week and never really got involved. Gets some much needed post relief and that alone should help. I’m still not willing to take a short price, though. SA’s choice.
3 THE MIGHTY MARNER – Bouncing back and forth between tracks and seems to be rounding back into slightly better form. This is a wide-open race, so I wouldn’t talk you off from this inner post. Pat B at a decent price.
4 MAJOR JESSE – As stated last night, there are many invaders from Minnesota racing here this weekend. How did they do last night? That might give you a gauge on them overall. This is a $4K claimer and he’s probably in over his head.
5 THUNDER DOME – Did manage to win two back and then followed it up with a fair effort. Transitions over to claimers here and it might be a tougher spot. Will need to step up with even more punch to get close again. Allard opted off.
6 NIALL HANOVER – I guess he was “supposed” to win that Freehold race, since he was 1-9! Finds way back up the NJ Turnpike for another big track try and this hasn’t been his favorite place. Would need to go a lot faster.
7 SPORTS CHARM – Have to keep this fella on the longshot list, after watching a pretty dull first try here. Needs more.
8 RUTHLESS DUDE – Loved him that spot last week and he got the job done to give us a last race bailout! Now, it’s the first race, so hopefully he can do it again and get us started. Basically meeting the same class level. Fires out.
9 ALWAYS A FORCE – Probably the biggest threat to #8 again. Did a good job of it last week, but maybe he needs the “follow trip” now, instead of the pacesetting one? Outside posts never help that cause. Has to get easier trip.
10 SHATTERED GLASS – Yes, I can see that this is a slight drop for him, but where’s he going from post 10, with #8,9 blasting in his face? My guess is not very far.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Simon Allard 2 over 5
| Top Contenders 8-3-9-2 |
| Race 2 |
1 DRAMATIC POINT – Got caught up in the pace battle last week and paid the price late, with a miscue too! That’s never good. Mark S must be mad, because he listed himself to drive again. At the right price, I might be including.
2 WAR DADDY – The Daddy invades for a big track try and he’s getting needed class relief. Do remember that Troy B has won races here before and this one might be a live price play. Needs that speed for good early position.
3 LUZIANA – Turned in an even effort upon arrival. Sometimes it takes a race or two to get acclimated. I’m not really in love with his prior form, so I need to see a good one before I could try.
4 OUR ART AND HEAVEN – Warhorse is trying to ramp back up into better form. Do note he gets his favorite pilot back. Dex chose over #5 and seems to get along with this guy. For that reason alone, I’d be willing to consider.
5 SOMETHINGINTHEWIND – Veteran 11YO had a better trip down at The Hold and rallied willingly. Endured much tougher trip here before that. Drew perfect midpack post to sit and stalk. Give him live cover and can threaten.
6 MARVALOUS ONE – After getting buried and blocked with Dave Miller aboard back on 9/11, it’s been a nightmare since. Gets Todd Mac in the sulky seat, so let’s take one more chance. Hoping for decent odds too!
7 LUCKY LEVIS – It’s a little tough to get excited about his chances tonight. Didn’t show much last out. I’ll pass.
8 MAKE IT BIG – Tries a new driver tonight after a few aggressive tries. He did tire in both, so we’ll have to get him an easier journey to aid the stamina. We all know he can win here. Trying to add to that one lonely win this season.
9 ANDWIN HANOVER – Suffering a horrible case of the bad post blues! Hasn’t had good slot in two months. It continues tonight and he’s up against it. Would need to get very lucky from way out here.
10 GRANDPA DON – Also not getting much love from the post gods. It’s been a while since he took a shot and left the gate, but this might not be it either. There’s too much other speed. Totally at mercy of pace and trip.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 4 over 5
| Top Contenders 6-8-4-1 |
