By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Analysis Friday, January 28, 2022
Race 1
1 DASH POINT HANOVER – 11YO hasn’t made that much of an impact in a few starts here. Gets another inside post to try and sit closer early. I still need to see more before I could endorse.
2 ROCKNROLL CAPTAIN – He’s picked up a couple of checks here so far, but that’s not enough. Still a longshot to me.
3 OPUS BLUE CHIP – They changed up the strategy last week, trying to stalk from just off the pace, but horse was pretty flat at the end. I have a feeling we’ll see some speed again. He’s probably still the one to beat. Price might be better.
4 FRANKIE ROCKS A – I’m not ready to hop back into his boat just yet. At least he stayed pacing in the qualifier.
5 DL’S BIG ELVIS – Took advantage of an opportunity with that good speed shown last week! Stayed safely clear of Opus at all times. So, immediate dividends paid on the prior claim. Joe B sticks. Should be good battle w/favorite.
6 CAPTAIN’S REIGN – Seems to have tailed off lately, so they’re trying a new barn in hopes of a wakeup call. That can always happen. And sometimes in races like this, you’ll take any angle you can get. Looks who’s back in sulky seat!
7 P-DRIVE HANOVER – Enters off two good tries for his new stable. Sometimes it takes a few starts before they figure things out. Could offer the better betting value vs. the favorites, but must also overcome an outer post now. Not easy.
8 PIRATES ALLEY – Somehow, Yannick was able to coax a little more early zip out of this closer, but it ended up not working at the end when he got tired. Same post, so I do wonder what the plan will be? Has to change it up.
9 ABSOLUTE INTENT – Note that he’s in for the full $10K tag, so that’s why he gets the outside post. It hurts! Every time. He does show one leave from the gate. I doubt he can win this from last. No matter what, it won’t be easy.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Joe Bongiorno 5 over 1
Top Contenders 7-3-5-8
Race 2
1 HUNTING FOR ANSWERS – Just turned 3YO filly here had he debut over M1 last week, and it wasn’t exactly a sizzler. She stalked in a good spot, waiting patiently, but she offered up just even pace when asked. Must find more.
2 FLASH A SMILE – Didn’t offer a whole lot in the first go here. No real kick at Yonkers either. So, she is very much a “work in progress” for the new connections. I would need to see a little more before I could endorse.
3 EDEN PAIGE N – She’s picked up two checks since finding her way back to Club Med. Both from way off the pace. So, I guess that’s not bad? Is she good enough to win one of these? That’s a good question. I am skeptical.
4 BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT – Making second start off the layoff here. Looks to me like she will need a few more.
5 PATANJALI N – Pretty well-traveled of late for Mr. Taggart. Here. Monti. Maine, etc. I just don’t know if she can go fast enough on the mile anymore. I guess we’ll find out soon enough. Not quite my type of play.
6 I WILL DO IT – Excellent chance here! Especially off that good speed tightener in first trip over the track. She will benefit from that, and probably go a little further. I just don’t think she will be 7-1 this week. So, it’s a tough call.
7 IN THE NIGHT – Brett B drove this lass perfectly last week and they catapulted off cover to a measured victory. Good! Will it work out that nicely again? I’m not so sure. She moves to an outside post. Will need some sort of live flow.
8 CLASSICA – Did a lot of the dirty work last week. Chasing down #6, and setting things up for #7. Do note that she did not quit! Tells me something. Tonight’s problem is the post! Joe B will have to find a way to get her into it earlier.
9 PACIFIC DELIGHT – Not a whole lot of love from the post gods lately. It continues here. I suppose she can show speed at times. Yannick knows her now. I don’t see him just grabbing up and taking back again. Gotta take a shot!
DRIVER CHOICES:
Scott Zeron 1 over 4
Top Contenders 6-8-7-9
