By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — June 18, 2021
Race 1
1 WHATSTROUBLNUROCKY – Turned in another pretty good try last week, but that overall record is tough to swallow when the price is always short. Might be a little higher in here, but I still can’t play on top. Must get over the hump.
2 THESPYWHOLOVEDME – Didn’t enjoy quite the same good trip when he hiked up to that Trackmaster level. This is what they’ve been waiting for, and last time Juan drove perfectly. Will need that sort of smooth journey again.
3 FRANCO TRISTAN N – Shipped down here last month and made it look easy, even from post 10! So, that was enough to keep him home until the final tonight. Joe Lee gets the call again and he has options from an ideal inner post.
4 KINGOFTHEJUNGLE – Another one with just one win this year, so think about that. Not sure what the price will be, because they can’t all get bet. Couldn’t stave off #3 when they last met. Will try to do it again. Not impossible.
5 JERRYTONE – Been picking up nice checks since returning to the big track. The midpack post also gives JC some options and this horse is versatile to do it either way. Likely to be a game-time decision behind gate, to send or not?
6 ROCKIN RAMBARAN – That was an amazing trip and effort last time in this series. I still can’t believe he almost won that night! So, I wouldn’t talk you off him, provided the price is fair. Several in here could get bet hard. Not sure which.
7 NORTHERN ROCK – Ran into a pretty salty bunch for that lower level race last time. I won’t hold that against him. Has raced well in this series before, but this looks like a pretty tough spot too! Lots of other speed. Outer post. Good luck!
8 MONTEFALCO N – Showed up here last week and brushed and crushed! That was impressive! First driving win for Mr. Slendorn in 33 years! I do have a feeling this one will be a little tougher. That’s just my opinion. Yours?
9 A BETTOR BEACH – Took ALL the money last Saturday for some reason. I know a bunch of us picked him, but even money in that spot was ridiculous. He won’t be even money here. And Roy will have to overcome rough post.
10 ROCKINWITHTHEBEST – This seems like an impossible spot for him, stuck in post 10. Not my type tonight.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 3-4-6-8
Race 2
1 CC BIG BOY SAM – One of four elder statesman in this low-level claimer. 11YO has been here before, but it seems like a while ago. Recent Monti efforts are just okay. I would need to see a good one here again.
2 TRICK CARD – That wasn’t a bad try last week. Passed a few late. I’m a bit surprised someone hasn’t reached in and claimed this guy yet. He’s only four, with plenty of career ahead. Gets better post and new driver. A maybe.
3 ALWAYS A FORCE – One of five coming out of the same race last week. This guy was good! Seems like he could be rounding back into better form. Another decent effort wouldn’t surprise me. Demand fair price, though.
4 ALL ABOUT RUSTY – 12YO hasn’t made much of an impact lately, so he will still be a pass for me. Needs wakeup.
5 LEGION OF BOOM – Also retains longshot status. Hasn’t gotten to start in a while, so he may need this. Pass.
6 BUGGER BRUISER – Pretty much dominated this group last week for Tetrick, so there’s no reason not to expect similar. Just don’t expect to get rich! Luke H would like to make it easier, with softer journey. Hoping for his first driving win M1
7 PREPPY ART – Preppy is back for another Big M try. He likes it here, when he’s on his best game. That last scratch has me very worried, however. Take a good, long look at him out on the track first. Drew tough post tonight.
8 GYPSY LEATHER – Probably the “key” to the early pace battle, at very least. From this slot, Jack P has to fire out. Will try again to get the jump on Bugger, but it may not matter. Bugger just seems a little better right now.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Jack Pelling 8 over 4
Top Contenders 6-3-2-8
