By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Analysis Saturday, March 12, 2022
Race 1
1 WAY TO CLOSE – Had a pretty tough trip two weeks ago and couldn’t sustain it all the way. He still fits with these, and gets the pole post again. Hopefully, this journey goes a little smoother. Been consistent for a long time. Price?
2 AIR GUITAR – Barn’s got two in and this one appears to have the better shot. Because he’s just a 4YO he gets the extra pricetag, so they can put him in for $35K, and tag ends up over $43K. Still has a bit to prove at this level. Your call?
3 ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP – Barn’s other starter is taking a huge hike up the ladder tonight. He kind of just went around there from the tough post last week. This post is better, but I’m not sure he’s this good. Will just have to prove it.
4 WRAPPERS DELIGHT A – Disappointed me a little bit when he came up flat on the price hike. So, they smartly lower the number back to where he probably belongs. IF he’s anywhere near as good as 2/26, good luck beating him.
5 BARBADOS – The Eddie Q barn have two in as well. Just to make things easier on us handicappers. This gelding has been plagued by bad posts and impossible trips lately. When’s that going to change? I have no idea.
6 THE BOOK OF LIFE – Could he jump up and surprise us tonight? Maybe. They’ve played around with his pricetag and it’s created some interesting situations. Not all necessarily good. We might see that big speed again. Possibility.
7 BLACK CHEVRON N – He was pretty flat last few, so that means it’s price-drop time again. No worries. He will wake back up soon, but we might have to guess when. That’s the hard part! Not sure I’m in love with the post either.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 7 over 3
Top Contenders 4-1-6-5
Race 2
1 EMMA TALKING – The lone 3YO gets “assigned” the rail tonight. It’s never easy to show up and have to tackle older, more experienced foes. But, we could be looking at a good one here. Nice pedigree. Patience. TWO good qualifiers.
2 SHEZABARHOPPINCHIC – Found a nice field of her friends over at Pocono and Marcus put a real nice trip on her. She was due for that kind of win. But, it’s back to the wolves here and no easy spot. She might have to step it up even more.
3 FLYHAWK EL FUERTE – Barn brought a few in for this weekend’s races. Some of them are in pretty tough spots. This is probably another. The Hawk’s form has been just fair, and against lesser company, in my opinion. Must step it up.
4 LEDGES – Tetrick was listed on the two horses to beat tonight, and he opted for the Bird. Makes sense to drive for the bigger barn. But, that doesn’t mean this mare can’t win! She was loaded in that comebacker, but all saw it. Your call?
5 BIRDMAN – Technically, this is a pretty big drop. Those were tougher fields he took on over last few. Remember when he first showed up here? He was winning easily. It probably was a tough call for Tim, but I’d have done same. Box em!
6 CREATARMA – Off a little too long for my taste, and enters with just one slowish qualifier. That’s not enough.
7 SHENZI AS – I’ll keep her on the longshot list too! She seems like a “work in progress” for barn that excels in that category. Eventually, they will right the ship, but not just yet.
8 TORN TO PIECES AS – Broke in first go for new barn, so that’s never a good sign. Drew a tough post tonight, with all the power inside, so that doesn’t help either. Probably just trying to get around there, on-gait from this slot. Pass.
9 SHARE THE WEALTH – Enters with that 1-17 slate, so that catches my eye. It’s a pretty long layoff too, but Ray usually has his readier than most. He opted to qualify the horse here, which is a plus. And, he was good! Ready or not?
DRIVER CHOICES:
Tim Tetrick 5 over 4,7
Top Contenders 4-5-1-2
