By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — November 19, 2021
Race 1
1 PIRATES ALLEY – Took his mark on a mile track out in Illinois, so that shouldn’t be a problem. Produced one win down at Freehold since moving into the new barn. Not totally out of the question here. Rare chance for Tony V at a price?
2 BRUCE’S MAGIC – I have patiently been waiting for the right spot for Bruce and I think this has to be it! He’s had big-time excuses in last few, but finally gets the right post vs. the right bunch. Will donate to Operation Skyrocket handle!
3 KINGOFTHEJUNGLE – A little bit of a clunker last time, when wildly overbet anyway. Didn’t really pack much of a punch. Usually he’s good for one solid turn of speed. Let’s hope it shows up this week. Will offer better odds.
4 FERDINAND A – That was a pretty game effort and win for his co-owner and driver last week! Not bad! James turns the lines over to the younger Mr. Harrison tonight. I think we know what the gameplan will be. Speed. Speed. Speed.
5 WOODMERE ULTIMATE – Maintains his position on the longshot list. Not sure I can make any strong case. Pass.
6 MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING – Feels like he’s been around forever. Doesn’t win all that often, but did grab one here last year. That was a confidence booster down at Freehold, but he was big fave. Johnathan back in bike tonight.
7 R MADDY BLUE CHIP – It’s dangerous to ignore these connections in spots like this. Horse does have some back class to work with. Looks like he’s versatile too! I’m not in love with current form, but can turn it around. Maybe.
8 ELYSIUM SEELSTER – Roy put an absolutely perfect trip on this mare last week and she just didn’t have the needed kick up the pylons to win. I doubt she gets that great chance again. Has to find a way to finish better. Tough post now.
9 CECIL CASANOVA – He’s been pacing fast enough to beat these. But, he also lacks that winning kind of habit. The move from pole to post nine won’t help. Mark will have to find a way to put him in play earlier. Chance, but no cinch.
10 ROCKABILLY CHARM – A fresh claim here! And right into the GSY, which may have been by design. Not a bad idea, since they’re racing for $15K each week. But, it will not be easy to overcome post 10. Not sure about price either.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Roy Marohn 10 over 8
Top Contenders 2-4-10-1
Race 2
1 CROSSFIT MOUSE – They’re all dropping in class, so that always makes for a VERY tough race to handicap. The Mouse seems like a fit here. Will need an easier trip than first time here, but they come right back. Tries Dexter now. Trainer: Horse has been very disappointing since the purchase. Unexpected “Blah” effort last time. I do expect better this week.
2 CHOCOLATE MATTERS – With Pocono now closed for the season, we’ve seen a bunch of invaders. Overall, they’re not going that great. Maybe this will be the exception? Gets good post. Will stalk. Likes to hit the board too!
3 MEADOWBRANCH ROCKY – Finally gets a little break from the post gods. Let’s hope it translates into a better result. It’s been a long campaign with just two wins to show for it. Will have to work on the stamina issue here, however.
4 MANHATTANUP NO ICE – I’m sure they’ve been waiting for a drop for the Ice. He needs it! Last few really haven’t been very good, but we’ve seen him suddenly “wake up” before. Don’t be shocked by stronger effort.
5 MARVELOUSTRIX – This really is her kind of field. With only eight horses in here, she should be close enough at every call. She can fly late. I just hope the price is right, to make her worth playing. I don’t want underlay odds.
6 INNISFALLEN – Squeezes in for the alternate condition here. Also off a nice confidence booster down at Philly. #-5, though! Really? Knows how to win here. Will definitely try to get the jump on a few of the closers. Has that speed.
7 MUSHANA – I’ve chased this guy before. He was somewhat flat in the Big M comebacker, but that was against a better bunch. He lacks speed, so that’s the biggest problem from this post. Demand a fair price, if you fancy. Tough call.
8 SOUL TRAIN – Not getting much love from the post gods lately. Didn’t show anything in first start back here. I can’t guarantee it will be any different. Not sure this is really an easier spot, either. Your call, folks?
DRIVER CHOICES:
Scott Zeron 6 over 8
Top Contenders 5-6-1-4
