By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper, Early Double Analysis, Friday September 3, 2021
First Race
1 PAY LATER – Was in-to-go on Wednesday up at Monti, which is after press time for this program. Either way, the 11YO looks like a longshot against these, even from the rail. Would need to go a lot faster here. I need to see it first.
2 MASTER CONRAD – Finally gets a little break from the post gods! And he’s been pacing fast enough to put him in play with these. Also note that he’s won a race here this year. That’s a big plus! Price might be right. Sticks close.
3 TAKEITTOTHEFACE – Been just fair of late over at Pocono, so I’m a bit wary here. I guess I’d just like to see more speed. The Judge can wake one up at times. I’d want fair value to include on the ticket, but it is possible.
4 MAKASI – Also retains large longshot status. I would be very surprised if he went fast enough to threaten.
5 BALI – Tony C’s charge has had a variety of interesting trips lately on the half. So, maybe the switch to big track might help? I like the midpack post, but realize he will have to go a lot faster here too! Mixed feelings, but big price.
6 THESPYWHOLOVEDME – The Spy lands into a pretty nice spot here, on what looks like a class drop to me. He’s also won here a few times, which gives him an edge. It’s just a matter of Cano/Hall having him primed and ready. Tuf call. Trainer: I sent him to the farm after that disastrous last out. Andy McCarthy was conservative with him in first start back and then we got a very good training mile in yesterday. I think he’s set up to put in a good effort.
7 CASHNCAM – Jimmy Foley picks up the steer on another with a good chance to win. The Cash has been bouncing around, up and down the class ladder. This is a good fit. He probably needed last. Could be a lot better in here.
8 JERRYTONE – John C is very familiar with Jerry here, but I sure wish they’d drawn a better post! Seems like a long time ago when he won that one race, but it was with speed. Don’t be shocked if they send him on out of there. Usable.
9 MAY I CRUISE WEST – Another one that will be hurt by the tough post. Overall, he’s been racing okay of late, but I just don’t see how he gets into it from this starting slot. Will need a few things to go his way.
DRIVER CHOICES: No Changes
Top Contenders 2-6-7-8
Race 2
1 FRANKIE ROCKS A – On the comeback trail here and it doesn’t look like he’s quite there yet. I will pass for now.
2 MAJOR SUGAR RUSH – Rounded into form quite nicely over at Pocono. That’s always a good thing! Since he stays in for the $7,500 tag, he gets a good inside post. And he probably needs it. IF the faves falter, he may come pounce.
3 MAYFIELD DUKE – The Quevedo barn has a pair in here, and they probably have a hammer lock on this race. G Nap listed on both, so you see which way he went. This guy owns only one win this season. Worth a short price? No.
4 STORMONT CZAR A – After that one nice win, first time in the barn, it seems like the wheels have come off a little. Katie told us that he’s a tough horse to deal with at times. You just have to let him have his way. Will they send? Trainer: He couldn’t get around Philly. Between the turns there, and way he runs in, it wasn’t meant to be. We’ve done some work to him and changed a couple of things. We’re confident he’ll behave on Friday.
5 MCNULTY Z TAM – He goes in and out of form so frequently, that he’s not a handicapper’s best friend! Basically, we just have to guess and I hate that! The “good” Tam can beat these. But, will we get the good Tam tonight?
6 FOX VALLEY NEMITZ – The barn’s other starter has been facing better foes lately. That’s a big factor in races like this. Even though he’s in for the $10K tag, this post isn’t too bad. And we know he prefers the big track. One to beat?
7 BIG SWEEP OSBORNE – Took a class drop last time, but it still didn’t work out from that bad post. This isn’t much better. Recent form is pretty poor, so unless you think a big turnaround is coming, he’s a tough play. Good luck!
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 6-2-3-4
