By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, January 5, 2021
1 NORTHERN ROCK – JC put him in a really nice spot last week and that earned them a major check! Gets post relief now and won’t be 38-1. So, what should we do? We should probably use again, even at reduced price. Will fire out.
2 ROCKIN PANDA – Put it all together a few weeks ago, and it seems many got the “memo!” Went off at very low price, but did pay out, so credit for that. This trip will be similar, but he is facing a better bunch. Will need very best again.
3 JUNIOR’S DEW – Got caught in a bad spot early last week and then ended up out the entire mile. That’s not going to work, so a much smoother trip will be required. Let’s see if Junior can get a nice trip. He needs it.
4 RUFO – Another one that had a pretty rough journey on that cold, windy night a few weeks ago. Don’t hold that against. I like of like this post for him. There should be enough action to set up a rally. Let’s count on it! Usable.
5 ANOTHERPRETTYFACE – Coming off a scratch and missed time. Will surely need this. A longshot for tonight.
6 SIR JAKE’S Z TAM – It would be tough to make a strong case for success here, based on current form. Even Joe Lee couldn’t get him to hit high gear. In need of total turnaround to get any closer.
7 MAY I CRUISE WEST – I’ll just call that last one a “clunker?” Loses the inside post help. Another needing a lot more.
8 VICTORIAS MAVERICK – Maybe a tad disappointing upon arrival? Launched a move and flattened out. Sometimes I can forgive one dull effort. I would like to see a lot more tonight, even from this post. Let’s see if we get it.
9 VERGEOFGREATNESS N – Ended up with a sluggish start last week and it cost him dearly. This post certainly won’t help matters. Hoping James S has him up and on the gate this week. Would love to see a bit of speed.
10 SCIROCCO MISTYSAID – Paid instant dividends on that claim with a very impressive down-the-road romp. Is the same thing coming tonight? It sure looks that way. I would have a tough time going against. Might even be better.
DRIVER CHOICES:
John Calabrese 1 over 5
Top Contenders 10-4-1-2
Race 2 Review
1 GRANDPA DON – Grandpa launched another of his wide moves last time and flattened out again. I really don’t know what to tell you, folks. It has now been a while since he delivered a big kick. Good luck if you think more coming.
2 AMERIMAN – Finally gets a break from the post gods! And he sure needs it. This might be spot to pay off a little on that claim. It’s a wide-open race and somebody has to step up and deliver the goods. Maybe this Man?
3 BLUEBIRD GOLDWYN – Barn’s got a pair in here, and the Bird got the better post. Not exactly the most consistent performer recently, so that’s a problem. I wouldn’t bet the ranch, but he might turn it around a little vs. these.
4 JOLLITY – Barn had some success here the past few weekend, so they’re bringing another one. Why not? Costs the same to put two on the trailer instead of one. That one start at Vernon last summer is intriguing. They put Dex up too!
5 VICTORYDAZE WILWIN – Nope. Not yet. We’re getting to the territory where he should be finding better stride, but I’m not convinced just yet. I will be patient.
6 SHARKNADO – I really thought last week he had a decent chance. In reality, he did not, running into the monster mile from Mistysaid. IF that foe won the opener, add a few points. Let’s see some speed, please. A real big maybe!
7 FRANKANDJOANNE – Finds his way back up the Turnpike for a big track try. Was flat the last time we saw him here. I would be hard-pressed to expect a huge effort, especially from this post. I want to watch one again.
8 LUZIANA – Does he have any early speed at all? I see a few decent rallies, but if he gets away last in here, it’s SO hard to make up ground. Took his mark once on a big track. Maybe he will like it here? Another big maybe.
9 THUNDER DOME – They bet Thunder like he was going to be good last time. The trip didn’t work out, and now he gets slammed with a much tougher post. He can leave the gate and I expect he will. Still needs a decent trip.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Todd McCarthy 9 over 1 Andy Miller 2 over 7
Yannick Gingras 8 over 3
Top Contenders 2-4-6-9
