By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, April 23, 2021
Race 1
KIWI IDEAL N – Used up his little bit of speed in the early going last time. So, with the rail again, it might be time to just let him sit and save ground. It worked for a check in the prior start. That’s what I’m looking for.
2 JUST WAVE GOODBYE – Seems like everybody wants him, and that’s very confusing to me. He’s a “check-getter,” but definitely not a winner. Moves inside and takes another swing for Allie. Let’s see if it works.
3 MASTER CONRAD – Enjoyed that nice, patient steer from John C last week and then just swept right on by late. New barn has him going very well right now. The inner post is ideal again. Only needs the right kind of pace setup.
4 ROCKIN RAMBARAN – Won a regular claimer with the one last sweep under Yannick. Paid instant dividends on the claim, but we do have to consider this another move up. This field looks better than that last one. Must prove it again.
5 MAY I CRUISE WEST – The outside post basically ruined his chances last time. Slides in a little. Maybe for a piece.
6 TASTE OF HISTORY – Last time we saw him here, he jogged as the big favorite. Things haven’t gone quite as well since, and he returns in a pretty tough spot, off a scratch. I have no idea what to expect.
7 KINGOFTHEJUNGLE – Makes his second start down from Canada, and the first one really wasn’t bad. Roy put him in play and horse just couldn’t sustain it. Should benefit from that experience, and Roy knows him now. A possibility.
8 JUSTIN CREDIBLE – Maintains his usual longshot status, losing the help of an inside post. Will have to step it up.
9 STATESMAN N – Tried to grind it out down at The Hold and that didn’t work out. Why bother? He just always seems so much better here anyway. But, this post will test him again, and so will the field. Some sharp foes in here.
10 PREPPY ART – I guess we can’t hold that scratch against him. Prior to that, he looked like one of the sharpest horses at the track. Yes, post 10 can always get in the way, but he’s overcome it before. I do wonder what the price will be?
DRIVER CHOICES:
Jacob Stillwell 1 over 9
Top Contenders 10-7-9-3
Race 2
1 WHATSTROUBLNUROCKY – Seems like he never wins, but that was one heck of a speed show he put on last week. Probably deserves a week off! Does get a new driver this week, likely with a different gameplan. Let’s see how works.
2 AMRCANBOOTSCOOTA A – He’s had a couple of chances to get used to the track. Actually wasn’t bad with that tough trip two back. Last start, not so much. Have to keep him on the longshot list.
3 PAR INTENDED – Troy had him in a decent spot last time, but horse just did not fire. That’s not good enough! Will have to find more in the tank to get any closer. Or, eventually find a softer spot. Tough call tonight.
4 KATHYS SON A – Still waiting on some sort of wakeup call here. I haven’t seen it yet, so he’s hard to like. Pass.
5 FINAL JUSTICE – In a field like this, he’s got to have a big chance. I know his overall record isn’t very strong in the win column, but somebody’s got to win the race. Pilot will put him in play from this post. What will price be?
6 BIG SWEEP OSBORNE – If you just cover up that last one, he’s a major contender too! Not sure how pilot will plan, because he doesn’t really have much speed. The field is small enough where he can stay close. Your call, folks?
7 BEBOP ON THE BLOCK – Is The Bop good enough to handle the price hike? That IS the question. His last effort was best I’ve seen him look. Fact that barn “knew” he’d get outside post for this tag is confidence. Likely end up favorite.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 5-7-3-6
