By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper – Early Double Analysis — Saturday, February 27, 2021 —
Race 1
1 ALWAYS AND AGAIN – After the monster romp two weeks ago, he came back with a less-than-stellar effort on the lead. But, I’ll give him a break for that since front-end horses didn’t seem to be holding too well. Dexter opted off.
2 MAJOR BETTS – Somehow managed to only make nine starts last year on the Glamour Boy stakes trail. So, he must have a few “issues.” When on his game, he’s as fast as anybody! Explosive kind of speed. Likes bigger track better.
3 SUNDOWN KID – Picked up a check in Big M debut, and first start for new barn, but this is a rough move up in class. I probably need to see a good one against a talented field like this, before I could endorse. Very tough spot.
4 WYATT J – After the superb effort from off the pace, the strategy got changed up two weeks ago and he wasn’t quite the same. Yes, he was used pretty hard, so I get it. Back to the patient, closing move now? Probably. Must use.
5 CENTURY FURY – Really don’t know what to do with this one tonight. He flashed a bit of speed here two back, but tired. The Yonkers line looks a little confusing. He may take a shot and send, but will have to find more stamina.
6 GALANTE A – I didn’t get the memo on this fella last week, but congrats if you did! Yannick drove with total confidence and he was right! Like #3, this is a monster move up in class. I seriously doubt he can handle it.
7 THE CANDYMAN CAN – Hasn’t been good since that pocket-rocket trip of a lifetime! I now need to see a good one before I can even consider again.
8 ROCKIN THE ACES – What a nice spot this is, for extremely talented gelding. Actually made a very nice move in that winner’s over and held on for a board spot. So, this is definitely a softer field. No excuses, even from this post.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 2 over 1
Mark MacDonald 4 over 3
Top Contenders 8-4-1-2
Race 2
1 BATTLE STRONG – He’s had a couple of starts here, to get used to the track. Tonight is the night they take the gloves off and race him! I don’t know what the price will be, especially with Dexter, but I’ll take whatever I can get.
2 ROCK N BLUE – Does not seem to be sharp right now and would be a tough play, coming off that miscue. Sits in, saves ground, and tries to get lucky. I’m not so sure about that.
3 FULL VIEW – He’s due to bounce back better! Barn’s been tinkering with equipment, so check the board once again. Yannick knows him now, even if that last one was dull. This is pretty serious dropdown, so no excuses tonight.
4 PRIMO GIOVANNI – Looks a lot like #2 right now. Just not good. We haven’t seen any of his prior speed in a long time. He has to be better than that, right? Right now, I’m not so sure.
5 I’M NO PANSY – Finds his way back to Club Med for owner/trainer/reiner. The pretty roan horse is easy to spot out there, but he’s going to need to turn up the jets a little. Last one was an improvement. Maybe that will continue? Trainer: Back in shape after a short layup due to a quarter crack. Last race came home in 28.1.
6 ODDS ON DAYTONA – I hate when horses get beat on the lead at even-money down at Freehold. Means they were “supposed” to win and didn’t. This will be tougher, simple as that. Let’s see if he likes the mile track.
7 ARI ALLSTAR – Had a race over the track and it wasn’t bad! Passed a few late to acclimate. Proved he could pace a little faster too! Now, he gets stuck with a tougher post, and wasn’t Dexter’s choice, as expected. Still has a chance.
8 SKYWAY FIREBALL – Boy, I hate to see that scratch last week! That was a perfect spot for him too! This is probably not the perfect spot, or the ideal post. Loses Dexter. Nothing less than a top effort will beat this bunch. Your call, folks?
9 SMILEANDSAYCHEESE – Looks like they’re battling some sickness issues here. We haven’t seen that monster late kick that the Cheese usually packs. I need to see it first. Not yet.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 1 over 7,8
Top Contenders 1-3-7-8
