By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Saturday, January 30, 2021 —
Race 1
1 BUZZ – Had a trip over the track in a spot where he was probably overmatched. I guess he’ll need one more. Drops?
2 GIGFY – Actually kept up well a couple weeks ago when forced way up the class ladder. He’s got to stay at this level for a while now and this is no easy task. Same thing coming. Hit the pylons and tow along. Maybe for minor share again?
3 HENDERSON SEELSTER – Gotta love the way he’s racing right now! That speed is so effective when he trots out of the gate smoothly. Andy is the guy that gets along with him best, but not here tonight. It’s a step back up, but he can handle it. Dangerous.
4 LION SAFARI AS – Little bit of a wild card in here. Was forced up to this level last week and never really got into the race. Just put a line through that. The prior win was strong, and competitive vs. this class. He should get into it.
5 EXPLOSIVE RIDGE – No, I don’t know where that effort came from last week, but it sure was a wow mile! He stormed home like a brand new horse, paying instant dividends on the claim. The pricetag goes up $10K now. Is he this good?
6 GODSPELL HALL – I hate to see that miscue last time. Just when I thought he was finally coming into his own. Seemed to be thriving with the time between starts. It’s another two-week break here. Will he show up and trot? Don’t know.
7 CHIPLOSIVE – He did have a good speed try vs. #6 two back. Then found that Winnerup race way too tough. I’m not in love with the post here and wonder what G Nap will try? Back to the speed, or wait and rally? Good luck guessing.
8 ST JAMES GATE – After a really good start to his career in the Burke Brigade, the wheels have come off a little. Yannick hops back aboard tonight and will try to right the ship. The post won’t help. Take a long look at him out on the track.
9 DRAZZMATAZZ – Finds his way back up the NJ Turnpike from Freehold. That Preferred was just a little too much for him. I’m never really sure about his mile track ability. That, plus this bad post, probably make him a pass.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Corey Callahan 5 over 9
Top Contenders 3-4-5-7
Race 2
1 MY PAL JOE – Have to love the way this Joe is going right now! Reaching peak form and maturing with every start. The pole position draw looks like a big advantage tonight. Can fire out and then do whatever Alek wants. Versatile too!
2 THE CANDYMAN CAN – Bought for $36,000 at the Sale a week ago. I thought he might bring a bit more, after that convincing pocket-pouncing win in lifetime best. So, let’s wish the connections good luck! Would love that trip again.
3 ACTOR HANOVER – Freshened up just a touch recently, and that’s usually a good thing. Needed the comebacker at this very tough level. He’s going to fire a big shot soon, but we all probably have to guess when. Good luck with that.
4 CHASER HANOVER – Exits that extremely tough race last week, which was practically an Open. Don’t hold that against him. Was just getting good prior to that with Dave M and Simon. This is the next right spot for him. Will test Joe!
5 SCOOTNROLL – Finds his way back to the Buter barn, with all of Canada shut down. Probably a good idea! It looks like he was just getting good too! 10-17 is a very nice record so far. Lots of upside potential. But, will he need this one?
6 WYATT J – Had a very nice sophomore season, winning eight of 10. Not bad! So, let’s begin the 4YO campaign on the big track. He’ll have a little something to prove here, but he does look fast enough. Is he tough enough for Club Med?
7 DUDDIE’S LOR – Duddie finally gets in, in back-to-back weeks. But even I will admit the effort last Saturday wasn’t very good. Moves to tougher post, in field full of speedballs. Will need to get luckier, and I want to watch one. Loses DD.
8 FLYINGEVENBETTOR N – This guy disappointed me last week, simple as that. Should have had a lot more punch, but did not. So, what do we do from another outside post? Tries another new driver. Not much early speed on view.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 2 over 7
Top Contenders 1-4-5-2
