By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, April 22, 2022
Race 1
1 MACINTOSH N – Outraced his odds with an improved return to Club Med last week. Now he steps up to tackle seemingly tougher GSY pacers. Has the rail and Mr. Ahle is very familiar with him. Will sit, save, try get lucky late.
2 BYTHEWAY HANOVER – No, I don’t know how he won last week, but he came flying out of the clouds to get up. Somebody cashed too, because he was only 5-1. So far, very few have handled the step from GSY1 to GSY2. Maybe.
3 FOURBOLTMANE – I’ll keep him on the longshot list for now. Recent form not very good. Needs total turnaround.
4 SUNSHINE’S FINEST – Not much has gone his way in a while. Would probably appreciate the drop back to GSY1, but not sure when that’s going to happen. With all the power outside, he’s just hoping they mix it up enough early.
5 THNDRFROMTHETHRON N – Not much luck in this corner either. I think he will need some sort of drop too!
6 NOTABADGAME – Just like #2, he won in the same fashion. Coming out of nowhere! So, with that said, if you didn’t have him at 10-1 last week, do you go with a potentially shorter price now? On the hike up? That’s a tough call.
7 CHEYENNE RYAN LEE – Turned in a little bit of a clunker last week when he just did not fire. Okay. It happens. He’s right back in box, so let’s expect nothing wrong. I’m not in love with this post. JC may have to take shot, leave.
8 MV OK PALACIO BR – We all know his game by now and horse is pretty sharp at moment. But, unless you’re planning on some mayhem up front, how’s he going to reach from way back in the pack? That’s a good question.
9 TUXEDO BAY – Good ‘ol Tux just can’t catch a break and win one of these! He’s been knocking on the door in a big way. Ends up in same tough post as last week, so that never helps. Will be aggressive early. We’ll see how it goes.
10 SEEUINNASHVILLE A – Joe Lee put an absolutely perfect trip on this one last week to basically snap a forever skid! I don’t even know last time horse won a race! So, they get stuck out in the 10 now. And, he won’t be 8-1 either.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 9-10-2-8
Race 2
1 VINTAGE GAL – That was a real nice effort last week! She had to dig in and fight and won by wanting it more. So, on to leg two here, from the pole post. She will stalk early and try to get loose late again. Not out of the question. Trainer: Great performance last week! Draws the rail and any repeat performance gives her a big shot.
2 SUNSETBOOZECRUISE – Picked up checks in last several, all at different tracks. Another inner post, so she will probably just try to follow #1. That might end up being a good trip. Let’s see if she extends that check streak.
3 BUNGALOW BILL N – Proved that first win was no fluke. Mark Mac really gets along with this fella, so too bad he isn’t still Mic’d Up! Seems like the controlling speed again, so catch if catch can. Maybe they won’t? Three in row?
4 TJ BLAST – Got bet off the board last week with Tony V back on board, and he gave TJ every chance! Battled bitterly and gamely all the way. Now, it’s the transition over to Trackmaster race. Switch to Hall of Fame pilot. Will threaten.
5 SVENGALI – He’s still pretty good. Launched a big move trying to catch Bill last week, but flattened out a touch. I guess he’ll just need to find a bigger kick to get the job done. Not sure that’s coming. No real pace setup in here.
6 DOCTOR BUTCH – The Doc has been bouncing back and forth between the GSY and this kind of level. He’s pretty hard to gauge at moment. Some good efforts. Some flat ones. So, if you do bet, I will just wish you luck.
7 FINAL JUSTICE – Early speed just isn’t his game, so when you draw the outside post, that’s a problem. Yes, I saw him come flying home last week, but he might be stuck in same difficult situation. Not worth that same 7/2 price.
DRIVER CHOICES: Scott Zeron 2 over 6
Top Contenders 3-4-1-7
