By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, June 25, 2021 —
Race 1
1 COLONIAL AS IT – Marching his way right up the class ladder down at Philly, so barn opts to try him here on the big track. Not a bad idea! But, this is no easy task against some stakes-level type colts. I will take a good long look.
2 ZENITH STRIDE – It’s been a little bit of a mixed bag for him so far this year. I did like the way he dug in on that very sloppy night. Few weeks off after that. Came back with less-than-stellar effort vs. #3 last. Couldn’t hit high gear.
3 SONOFAMISTERY – Sears rolled this guy pretty good last time and horse responded strongly! Maybe that’s the kind of wakeup call he needed? This is similar spot, although technically a drop. I imagine we’ll see similar tactics to front.
4 BEE FOREVER – Like #2, he can be a little hard to gauge at times. Still not smooth-gaited, and the judges have been giving him some “x’s” on the program. Not sure about the pace scenario to set him up tonight. Vic will be patient.
5 MOON BRIDGE – This is very interesting spot for the 4YO. He’s in against all 3YO’s, and coming out of some very ambitious spots in the Graduate. He just wasn’t good enough to stay with them. He is good enough to stay w/these.
6 LOCATELLI – It’s Nancy T’s birthday week and she sure didn’t get any love from the post gods in here! Hated to see this horse roll into that miscue last time, because he’s not a breaker. Let’s see if she makes any changes on him now.
7 TAKE THIS SOCIETY – This looks like a step back UP the class ladder tonight. Made up a bit of ground from tough spot in that last one, but this will be more difficult. Outside post. Needs to find that speed again to threaten.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 3-5-4-2
Race 2
1 ETHICS – Still a “work in progress” for Team Orange Crush. Did stay trotting two weeks ago, and was finishing better. Went faster too! The inner post will keep him close enough. I want to see another good one first.
2 AUNT IRENE – One of the fillies in here, trying to beat the boys. She’s certainly got the talent, but it’s taking a while to get back into top shape. This drop, and good post should have her ready to roll with more. Expect it!
3 MAGIC CAPE – He’s now had a couple starts to get used to the place. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t great either. Yes, he’s had to trot a lot faster, and he’s made no mistakes. I like that. Just has to find more stamina late stages.
4 KILDARE KING – Had a disastrous trip out to the Meadows where he broke. Oh well! Back to Club Med, and into a somewhat softer spot. Obviously, no mistakes allowed and another new driver will take the call. Mixed feelings.
5 NARZARIO – I can still remember that amazing charge he uncorked to shock one of the Sires Stakes fields. Hasn’t been the same since, but definitely has some excuses. Price should be okay, IF he can get a smoother trip. A maybe.
6 DUTIFUL – Gave it a good go in that consolation last month. Few weeks off after that and solid multi-move comebacker down at Philly. I guess we could add a few points if Bee Forever did well in the opener. Has speed.
7 TEQUILA N ROSES – Squandered a golden opportunity in that much softer spot last week. Should have had more, in my opinion. Gets stuck in much tougher situation tonight, and must do it from an outside post. Asking a lot.
8 GOODGOLLYMISSMOLLY – Graduated nicely over at Pocono, so it appears she’s come back much stronger this year at three. Barn’s got a pair in here and no love from the post gods. Will need all of that speed, and then some more.
9 ALTAR – A really tough call here! It’s a bad post. She enters off yet another miscue. Gets a new driver tonight. And, probably not much betting value, from this barn. I need to see a good one again, before I could endorse.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 2-5-4-6
