By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Saturday, September 10
Race 1
1 VARNEY – Just one lifetime win, so he hasn’t exactly esteemed himself during career. Made up just enough ground last time to warrant an extra look, but I wouldn’t risk too much hard-earned cash on this guy. Not reliable enough.
2 SARATOGA BLUE CHIP – Was inexplicably sent to the gate at ridiculous 1-2 odds last time. What’s up with that? And he raced well, but not well enough. I don’t suspect he will be that low again, but I’m still not ready to hop on board.
3 PURPLE SKY – Won the last time we saw him here. Tried Philly against somewhat better claimers and wasn’t able to stay the course late. Back to Club Med, and in a very soft spot. I wouldn’t talk you off in this situation.
4 MCKEE CREEK – Hasn’t been all that sharp over the past several starts, so let’s put him on the longshot list.
5 JACKAMINO – On the comeback trail again. Had one start. Will probably need one or two more. I will wait.
6 DANDY IDEA – I don’t have a good history of guessing on Dandy, but at least he likes to win. Not too many of the others can say that. Was forced to re-qualify after whatever happened on Sept. 3. Let’s see what we get tonight.
7 DOC SEMALU – Gets the tepid call as morning line favorite, simply because he won last time. That might be good enough to do it again. Veteran gelding goes back to the pro ranks tonight. Looks a lot better than most of these.
8 GRATEFUL KISS – Seems like the Posnerosa Crew have this guy ramping back into better form. I’m not in love with this post, but feel the right pace and trip scenario would bring him into play. Loses Jake C, as expected. Needs that speed.
9 GEE WILLIKERS – Moves way outside. Doesn’t seem to possess much early go. That makes him a longshot in here.
10 FINAL JUSTICE – He’s had nothing but good posts, so the 10-box is a problem. Demand fair price if you like.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Jake Cutting 9 over 8
Top Contenders 3-7-8-2
Race 2
1 WHISTLE A SONG – Just can’t stay trotting, so that is a BIG problem. I know this is a big drop, but I don’t know if filly is worth the risk. You have to make that determination, and base it on price. No low odds, please.
2 BLARNEY’SBLUESTONE – Ended the Ocean Downs meet on a high note, winning on Wednesday at odds-on. So, this is the short rest thing and I’m not really a fan of that. Pilot will just try to keep the gelding in play, and see if he finishes.
3 NINETEEN CRIMES – Outraced his odds last time with a decent finish to be third. Keep in mind this mare is on the comeback trail, so that was good step in the right direction. I want to see more before I endorse, but maybe.
4 STREET SMARTS – Got a few months off. Had been facing better and faster foes, so that’s a plus. This is not exactly a standout field, so he should have a good chance, if they have him ready to go. Qualifier was okay.
5 KEN’S WALNER – They took him all the way out to Kentucky again and he picked up a few checks in that tough series. This is easier, but we’ve been disappointed by him before. He’s won at this level, but questions still remain.
6 OSVALDO HANOVER – Still looking like a longshot to me. I would be surprised if he stepped up and won.
7 ANGELS FOLLY – Tough beat if you had this lass last time. She did the dirty work up front and just got nailed at the end. BUT, she stayed trotting and flashed good speed. That would be the ticket again. Very usable tonight.
8 SV ROYAL FLUSH – Not sure I like this spot tonight. Tough post. Must find more stamina and I just don’t see it.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 5-7-4-3
