By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — April 1, 2022
Race 1
1 ALEX THE GREAT – Down from the Spa for a big track try, and they did list Dexter, but didn’t get him. Horse moves back inside and it’s a very salty group for the level. So, to me, it’s not much of a drop. Will have to prove himself.
2 PAPPY GO GO – This is the spot where Pappy usually steps up and delivers the goods. Drew well. Has plenty of speed if A Mac wants it early. He is the one to fear, but will have to deal with Dayson. Should be good battle.
3 BIG RICH – No, I didn’t have him last week. Used underneath in exactas, though! Not good enough. Dexter put a very nice trip on him and they measured off Birdman at ridiculous price. In race full of droppers, he’s stepping up.
4 SKYWAY KON MAN – The Kon Man could jump up and surprise us tonight. He’s good at that! I wasn’t particularly enthralled with his last effort, though. Makes me wonder how sharp he is? Will have to step up his game tonight.
5 MEMO – Been a while since we’ve seen him here. But, I caution you that he’s won here before. Moves from top barn in Canada back down to NJ. A bit of missed time because he was in the Preferred Online Sale! Brought $50K!
6 ZLATAN – Zlatan found that class hike way too much last time, so he never got involved. This isn’t going to be that much easier. Will just have to hope the faves mix it up a little and set it up for a closer. That’s only way he can win.
7 VINNY DE VIE – Another one taking a hike back up, in a race full of droppers. That’s not usually a recipe for success. Did have some nice finishing trot last time, but I don’t see how he reaches from out here. Do you?
8 HENDERSON SEELSTER – Really thought Henderson had a decent chance upon return. Instead, he was totally empty. What’s up with that? Andy gets along with him pretty well but he’s not here. Will need a total turnaround to win this.
9 DAYSON – He’s the key to the race. Has definitely raced himself back into shape. Fought willingly at this level last time and gets another crack at it. But, still has to overcome a tougher post now. That always complicates things.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 3 over 1,5
Top Contenders 2-4-9-6
Race 2
1 AIDA DE VIE – I know she hasn’t won yet, but that really wasn’t a bad first start back. Patience, and a decent finish. Should benefit from that race under her belt. Gets a nice post here. Will do exactly the same thing. Sit in, and save.
2 HEAVENLY VIEW – She had a pretty tough trip in first start back. I never like to see that. Anxious to see how she bounces back from that. Horses from the Cullipher Crew tend to race themselves into shape. Let’s see more.
3 WINDY MICKI – Seems to be a lot stronger so far at age three. Keep in mind they paid only $12,000 for this lass, so there aren’t real high expectations. She’s already got three wins this year. Let’s see if she’s ready for the big track.
4 SWEET ROCK DEO – Her qualifiers were awesome, so she’s FAR and away the one to beat in here. Barn can always have one ready off a layoff. She even passed an older, more experienced mare in last one. Hard to go against.
5 STAND FOR FREEDOM – Kind of just went around there in Big M debut. Okay. Homebred was a huge price as expected that night. Will have to step up her game soon. Maybe she can. Maybe she can’t. We’ll find out.
6 SUGAR BOWL – Not sure why she went to running last week. Was an odd-looking kind of miscue too! So, new pilot will probably be a little extra careful with her, especially from outer post now. I want to watch another one.
7 SHEZAFREAKLIKEME – She’s the key to the race! Or, at least the early pace battle. I was kind of surprised that Stacy blasted her on out of there last week. Yes, she came up just a bit short at the end, but she will be MUCH better now.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Todd McCarthy 4 over 6
Top Contenders 4-7-3-2
