By Edison Hatter, Meadowlands Handicapper BIG M Early Double Friday, May 19, 2023
Race 1:
1 DOC SEMALU – He’s shown a bit in his last two miles against similar while picking up a pair of fourth place checks. He draws a fairly soft division this week and draws well, so he should have every chance to be in the mix in this one.
2 SHORTYS GIRL – Recent Freehold form has been pretty solid for him as of late and he raced okay here last week on the ship in from Post 10. Draws inside tonight and I’ll take a chance with him as he should be closer earlier this time.
3 PHILOSOPHIZER – He’s been close to the early pace in his last few tries, but he hasn’t been to show a lot in the back half of his recent miles. Would need to take a step forward to contend in this one tonight. Winless in last two seasons.
4 MAKE IT BIG – Big longshot last time out in his second start off the pair of sick scratches. Tough trip from Post 9 last week when he was parked the mile, but he draws much better tonight and will look for a better trip in here.
5 STOLEN ART – Big longshot against similar in many of his recent starts and he hasn’t been able to show a lot recently that would allow for a strong case to be built for him here. I’ll pass tonight and look elsewhere in this one.
6 SOMWHERENBROOKLN N – He picked up a few checks down at Freehold last month, but hasn’t been able to show a lot in his recent races. However, I’ll use him on the move to the big track. Only one in here with multiple wins in 2023.
7 ROCK THE CASBAH – Solid mile to finish a distant third last time out up at Tioga against an easier group. Not a lot in the recent form at Monticello prior to his last race, but he’ll look to build on that mile tonight here on the big track.
8 MASTER CONRAD – He’s picked up a couple of checks in recent tries against similar, but he hasn’t been threatening for a win in those races. Draws a tougher post tonight and will have to try to work out a trip in this one.
9 ROCKABILLY CHARM – Even try last week from an outside post against similar, but he took significant money in recent tries against similar and can be in the mix tonight even from this post with a trip and a setup in here.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Selections: 2-1-6-9
Race 2:
1 VEL LARRY – Shows an okay line last time out when he finished second down at Shenandoah Downs against a conditioned group. He’ll look to build on that mile, but will have to prove himself on the big track. 0-for-14 in 2023.
2 HARRY HANOVER – He’s won his last two miles here at the Meadowlands against MADC company, including last time out when he made a break before the start. He’s sharp now and looks to be a serious win contender in this group.
3 T DOG – Ignoring the no contest he was involved in, he’s won two of his last three and was second in the other race up in New York. He’s starting to figure it all out now as he makes just his ninth career start tonight. I’ll try on top here.
4 BRAZEN BRAZILIAN – A second entrant from the Michael Kimelman barn in this one, he won two back against MADC company, but managed just a fifth place finish against similar last week. I’m more interested in his stablemate here.
5 SPORTS ADVISOR – He’s really found some tough times here to start the season as he is currently 0-for-15 and couldn’t show much last week against a bottom level conditioned group. I’ll pass until we see more in his form.
6 MISTER HAT – He sneakily closed in :27.4 and closed some group last week while finishing fourth against similar. He has gotten some checks here at the Meadowlands recently and could round out the exotic wagers again in this one.
7 LET’S FOAL AROUND – He’s found some success in a few miles already here at the Meadowlands this meet and he returns now with some very sharp form from Monticello. Draws outside in the short field, but isn’t impossible here.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Michael Kimelman 4 Over 3
Selections: 3-7-2-6
