By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, April 8, 2022
Race 1
1 TJ BLAST – Another nice steer from Tony B on this guy to get a victory last week. Didn’t pay much, but he’s starting to get overbet on everything. Tony not here tonight, so Dave takes over. The rail. Speed. You know what’s coming.
2 VINTAGE GAL – Still trying to live up to that improbable win of a few weeks ago. Okay. She seemed overmatched for Joe Lee in the GSY 2 division last time, so this is appropriate drop back down. Sits in, and tries to get lucky late.
3 BYTHEWAY HANOVER – Very interesting newcomer here. I do see the 0-11 record this year, so that’s not good. Cote does have a win here this year. Technically, this should be a little easier. Still needs to step up her game just a bit.
4 GOTTALOVEMYSHADOW – She’s had plenty of prior success here, so in a race like this, you have to respect that. The Judge gave her every chance last week. EVERY horse sent out by this barn raced well last week. Will it continue?
5 CAPTAIN’S REIGN – I kind of liked his chances in a wide-open race last week. I was wrong. He was empty again. So, back to the drawing board here on the slight drop. I’m not hopping back on board, but let’s see what we get.
6 CECIL CASANOVA – After a series of tough trips, and some bad posts, Cecil bounced back with better last time. That might be a sign for this week too! The problem is the pace scenario, since there are several stone closers in here.
7 PREPPY ART – Preppy has been up and down of late. He’s a little hard to predict right now. I see an outside post. Bob K might look this page over and say let’s take a shot! I would. The faves are dead closers. Leave and get a trip!
8 WILLIAM MCWHISKERS – After a successful qualifier, and a needed first trip around the track, Whiskers shows up in the GSY now. Very interesting. If he’d drawn a better post, I’d be a lot more interested. This will not be easy PK!
9 MV OK PALACIO BR – Yes, he is VERY good right now. But, what do you do with him from this post? Can he really sweep the whole field? Maybe he can, but if he’s a short price, do you take that risk? All very good questions.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 4-6-3-1
Race 2
1 EXPLOSIVE – Hasn’t made that much of an impact here so far. I guess I’d need to see a better effort soon. Pass.
2 SHEZABARHOPPINCHIC – Yes, she did trot faster last time, but she was in a great spot, but lacked that knockout punch. I’m beginning to wonder if she’s really a big track horse? This is transition to Trackmaster race. Not sure here.
3 ALLINDOTIME – Took ALL the money last week and made it pay off! Dave just put the veteran on the lead, and that was the right move. He cruised. Same situation here. Will the price be even shorter? Probably. Good luck with that.
4 MAGNOLIA VOLO – Very interesting spot for first start of year for a 3YO filly. I’m not usually a fan of missing leg one’s of any series, but I understand the situation. Have to get her a race somewhere. Is she ready for this? Not sure.
5 TELLING THE STORY – I was very anxious to see how she would race last week. For a while, I felt like we missed the board. But, she ended up folding the tent pretty quickly after ¾. Will she find more stamina? I have no idea.
6 PREACHER MAN – Started from the rail last time and moved out to try and enter the fray. When it came time to do some trotting, he didn’t. That was in direct contrast to prior efforts. So, what should we expect for tonight? No idea.
7 ALEXANDER HANOVER – Brax took a shot and left with him last week. That didn’t work out so well. Still a longshot.
8 TRENTS A LOCK – Was just okay from his second tier start last week. To me, post eight is actually tougher situation, but that’s your call. He’s hinted at more, but I still need to see it first. Might be coming from too far back.
9 DS MRMEANER – Another that hasn’t really shown a whole lot in the few starts here. Now, it’s another outside post.
10 WORLDSSTONECOLD AS – Should benefit from that race over the track. Trotted faster. Was finishing okay. I do hate post 10 for him, but can’t control that. Mark Mac will just have to find a way to get him into it. Never easy.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 3-4-10-5
