| By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper –— Friday 121820 —- |
Race 1
1 KAY’S DELIGHT – It’s hard to hop on board her boat until she gets a little more class relief. Hopes to sit close. Pass.
2 BEST HONEY HANOVER – Wow is she good right now! Stepped up the pricetag after the Fusco claim and she clearly proved she could handle it. Short price last week and likely even shorter price coming tonight. The one to beat.
3 MILADY DENVER A – Certainly wasn’t bad last time, as nobody was catching #2. This is interesting slot for her, giving Leon a few options. He can sit it out patiently and try to make one run. Or, try to fire for position. Usable either way.
4 ALKIPPE – You see what post position can do sometimes. Never had a chance in that last one. A Nap told us once that she’s best making just one move. Tonight, it could be a grinding kind of move. Not sure that’s going to work.
5 SHEIKH YABOOTY N – Was bet like the “International Good Thing” last week and Dave sure gave her a chance. But, that trip was way too tough and she wasn’t beating #2 anyway. Midpack post here. Not sure what the plan will be.
6 STELLENBOSCH – Also ended up too far back last week. The prior win was a sparkler, and congrats if you bet that night. I think she’ll need a little luck to end up back in the hunt. Not leaving, so totally at mercy of pace and trip.
7 ALWAYS MINDY – She has shown the ability to leave the gate, but don’t know if she will. If she grabs up and takes back, it’s going to be a long road home. Won’t be easy to make up ground, once #2 secures the lead.
8 QUITE A SIGHT – Gave it a very good try against the favorite last week and that was just her first start here. It will take a touch more to reverse the decision, but it’s not out of question. Expect the full blast, then see what the trip is.
9 CHASE YOU – Finds her way back from Yonkers and it couldn’t be a tougher spot. I will be watching closely for future evaluation.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dave Miller 5 over 9
| Top Contenders 2-3-8-5 |
| Race 2 |
1 CHING CHING LUCKY – Filly gets the rail again, but she still has a lot to prove here. On plus side, her barn has given us a few surprises recently. Will hope to stay trotting, sit in and save ground all the way.
2 R HERBIE BLUE CHIP – Makes first start for the new barn and looks like the perfect horse for this team. Lightly-raced 3YO has shown some ability, so let’s look for a lot more from Herbie pretty soon. Has post edge too!
3 CLASSIC CON – Have to keep this one on the longshot list for now in current form. Needs big wakeup call.
4 MANHATTANUP NO ICE – Added Lasix recently and hasn’t picked it up just yet. Still a longshot to me.
5 MANOFMANYLUVS – Up from Philly to take a mile track try. I don’t like seeing those breaks. I’ll watch one here.
6 SCIROCCO PATRICK – That was a much improved start last time! Came charging home behind that impressive winner and it looks like Team Silva has figured him out. That could spell trouble for the rest! The Captain knows him now.
7 DEVIOUS HANOVER – Seems to pick up checks, but doesn’t win too often. I do like the speed he packs, but would love to see her add the finish. Sometimes that takes time. In line for good trip here. Stays trotting too!
8 WAITING FOR WINGS – Didn’t really make much of an impact in debut here. Gets stuck with another tough post and I would need to see a lot more before I could endorse.
9 GERARD – I don’t think we’ve seen this one here before. Lots of starts, but only one lonely win. Dex will be sending from this post and there is potential. That’s an awful lot of second-place finishes, though. Use underneath?
10 FOCUS POCUS – No doubt he’s the key to the race! Now that we know he can leave the gate! That was an outstanding try against that impressive colt last out. IF he can get any type of smooth trip, he is the one to beat now.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
| Top Contenders 10-9-2-6 |
