By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Analysis April 16, 2022
Race 1
1 MICKEYS SPIRIT – Every horse in the race technically drops a notch in class, so is it really a drop? No! Mickey burned a few coins down at Philly last week, but that was a tough trip. He just can’t overcome that. Will need better trip here.
2 STRAIGHT TALK – I know it’s been a long time since he won, but he’s got to have a chance in here, right? The effort two back wasn’t bad. The trip last time was impossible. This is post relief. Todd will have him in position tonight.
3 BUY IN – The Burke Brigade have two of the eight in here, and Yannick took #4. Most of the time, that’s all we need to know. Not sure what’s gone wrong with this horse, but they keep trying him. Eventually will find something.
4 BAYFIELD BEACH – I think it’s about time for him to break out and deliver a top effort. Remember, he was a stakes horse at one time. He’s paced in 50 twice on the program and this is about as low as he can do. No excuses.
5 LEON DAVID – We can make the case that he’s tailed off a bit. Did not use that speed last time, and flattened out from the flow. That’s just not enough! Georgie will look this field over and know he has to send. Let’s see how far.
6 SO TAKE THAT – Been bouncing up and down the class ladder. Some tough trips. Some unbelievable rallies! Barn tried listing T Mac, but didn’t get him. It’s all about pace and trip for him. Needs a few things to go his way. Not sure. Trainer: A slightly better post position, which will make a big difference for him. Will definitely be involved this week!
7 A BETTOR BEACH – Making second start for the Johnson barn. His stable has been on a decent roll. Since that last effort wasn’t very good, let’s look for any changes that might be made. Something has to happen.
8 PATERNITY SUIT A – Absolutely NO love from the post gods for this poor guy lately. I’m sure they thought they’d have an easier spot on the slight drop, but it’s not. Have to wait for better situation.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Todd McCarthy 2 over 6
Yannick Gingras 4 over 3
Top Contenders 2-4-7-1
Race 2
1 TULHURSTSANTANNA A – Ouch if you took the 1-2 odds over at Pocono. Doesn’t appear to me that he had any excuses. He’s a better horse than that, so maybe it’s just taking time to race back into shape. Give another chance.
2 BAY BRUTE – Not a whole lot going on in this corner. He’s still a longshot, until he starts pacing regularly.
3 D M JOHNWICK – On the slow comeback trail for sure. Eventually, the barn will figure him out. It’s just going to take a little more time. Maybe Georgie can wake him up a little. He’s done that so many times in the past.
4 NOME HANOVER – Tough call here. Because he’s worked his way ALL the way down the class ladder. That really wasn’t a bad try upon return to Club Med. Should benefit from that. Wasn’t Tetrick’s choice, but I expected that.
5 MIKI MINAJ – Poor Shades hopped on the bandwagon and picked him last week! I wish I could have “booked” his action. Curled up on the front end again. He wants no part of the lead on a mile track. Will race from behind again.
6 THE COOKIE MONSTER – Making second start back off the layoff. And, the first one wasn’t bad! He’s supposed to improve off that. Tetrick almost always sticks with this barn, when given a choice. I will look for more. One to fear?
7 CLIFFHANGER – Not a whole lot going on here either. Stuck outside. Will need some sort of dream trip. Unlikely.
8 BECHERS BROOK A – They freshened this guy up a little bit and he appeared to need it! The qualifier behind those two Free-For-Allers was pretty good. I suspect that IF he shows up ready, they will have a tough time beating him.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Tim Tetrick 6 over 4
Top Contenders 8-6-1-4
