By Edison Hatter, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Analysis Saturday, May 20, 2023
Race 1:
1 SECRET VOLO – She put together a solid mile last week in the first leg of the NJSS to finish third behind the classy WALNER PAYTON. Despite being 1-for-13 lifetime, she has earned over $179,000. Second start off the bench here.
2 CHECK HER OUT – Was beaten over ten lengths against the ultra-talented SPECIAL WAY last time out, but did manage to finish third at a huge price. She’ll look to build on that mile in just her fifth lifetime start tonight.
3 LIFE ITSELF – Kicked in :28.4 and was closing some ground late last time out while finishing fourth in her first start since last year’s Breeders Crown. She draws better this week and should be able to get away closer to the pace early.
4 WALOVER – She found success in some overnight races down at Philly to start the year and backed it up with a solid third here a few weeks ago. She has fitness and form on her side to start the season, but will face a class test here.
5 TACTICAL MOUNDS – She won twice last year as a two-year-old and started this season with a pair of pretty good efforts. Made a stretch break last week to lose all chance. I’ll toss her in underneath, but she’ll need to stay flat here.
6 KNICKKNACK HANOVER – Big longshot last time out against similar off the layoff and wasn’t able to show a lot while finishing a well-beaten sixth. Tough to build a strong case for her in this spot. I’ll pass and wait for a better race for her.
7 MAMBACITA – She was no match against SPECIAL WAY last week, but she was a clear second-best in the first leg of the NJSS. She gets away from SPECIAL WAY in her division this week and should have a big chance to win in this one.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Selections: 7-3-1-5
Race 2:
1 QUEEN SUN RYSER – She went 0-for-13 last season, but kept some decent class with some Stakes tries. She’s found friends in overnight events recently and has won two of her last four up at Saratoga. Legitimate winning chance here.
2 SWEET GISELE – He hasn’t been able to show a lot in his recent form down at Freehold and wasn’t really involved against similar five back here at the Meadowlands. She’s started her year 0-for-9 and will look to get on track here.
3 WIGGLE MY COOKIE – Had to work first over last week in a trip that didn’t quite work out against MADC foes. Finished third two back against MADC company, but wasn’t able to show a lot three back against similar to this field.
4 P L PORTIA – Form at Saratoga and Monticello was sharp coming into last week’s start here at the Meadowlands and he backed it up with a strong second against similar. Draws well and I’ll try her on top again this week.
5 LADYZAR – Finished fifth last week against similar while dropping out of NJSS company the week before. She took significant money, but the first over trip just didn’t work out. Draws well and has a big chance to rebound tonight.
6 DIAMOND OFFICIAL – Recent form out at the Meadows has been solid as he knocks on the door for his first win of 2023. He moves into the Darran Cassar barn tonight and will try his luck in this realistic spot on the big track.
7 LOVIN MISS DAISY N – Finished second two back against MADC company off of a good trip, but she otherwise hasn’t been able to show a lot in her recent form. That includes last time out from a tough Post 10 draw. I’ll pass and watch.
8 SOMETHING UNIQUE – Recent form hasn’t shown a lot in her last two miles since the sick scratch last month down at Philly, but those fields were likely tougher than this. Outside post tonight, but could get a piece with the right setup.
DRIVER CHOICES: Andrew McCarthy 6 Over 5
Selections: 4-8-1-5
