By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, July 15, 2022
Race 1
1 HILLASVIVA – Dropped some nice time in the second prep for the real races. Typical Trond! This is a very well-bred colt that didn’t break the bank at the sale. Could be okay! Let’s find out more tonight.
2 PURPLE LORD – After a decent first real race, they stuck him right in the sires stakes and that came up way tough. So, don’t be too hard on the horse. He’s already trotted in 54, so he’s headed in right direction. Has an upset chance here.
3 SMOOTH LANDING – Also overmatched in the sires stakes, so this is next logical step. It’s still not easy. I’ll watch.
4 LITTLE EXPENSIVE – Pretty impressive for Team Orange Crush in both appearances. Never really got tested in his sires stakes division, and this should be a nice, maintenance kind of mile tonight. I’d like to see somebody challenge him.
5 TE AMO LINDY – It’s really tough to expect a sizzler here, since a few of these have already trotted in 54. This barn doesn’t rush anything, so there’s a little gap between starts. I have a feeling he’ll be conservatively handled tonight.
6 PARAMOUNT LEGEND N – Might be the biggest threat to the fave, since he has three effort so far and they were all good. That tells me he’s ready to break out with a real big mile soon. Will it be enough? The post won’t help.
7 GREAT GUNS – Have to consider him a longshot, especially showing those miscues. Tough post too! Pass.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 4-2-6-1
Race 2
1 THE FAST LANE – Little bit of a late starter here, but that’s okay. Horses come along at their own pace and rushing them never works. The dam here was a fast one too! Will have to go a lot faster here, but not out of the question.
2 MILLIONDOLLARRIDE – Didn’t make much of an impact upon arrival. Still a longshot to me. I will watch another.
3 GROWIN ACCOUNT – Not much luck in the sires stakes. That will happen when you draw post 10. So, don’t hold that against him. This is the kind of spot where horses can wake up suddenly. In top hands. Good post. A Mac’s choice!
4 KIMMERIDGIAN – They slapped the trotting hopples on him last time and it worked! He did stay on gait. And he went a lot faster with a decent finish. Must take another step forward to threaten these, but that can always happen.
5 SOME KINDA CRAZY – I’m on the fence here. Trust the connections. Not sure what to make of the Saratoga race, but it was post eight. You get an automatic pass for that, plus he did pass a few for a check. Getting better steadily.
6 CHEF ROCCO – I know Ray S likes this guy a little. He did race well in the sires stakes, whereas so many other colts were overmatched. I’m not in love with the post, but see he can leave. Expect him to be put in play early again.
7 DAHLQUIST HANOVER – Barn hasn’t gotten lucky to win one here yet, but that will change eventually. After the scratches last week, we pointed out how he had a big chance. Was a solid second to very impressive winner. Will have to leave again, right into #6. Not easy.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Andy McCarthy 3 over 2,7
Top Contenders 1-6-7-3
