By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Analysis Friday, February 11, 2022
Race 1
1 DRY CREEK STALKER – One of two in here for the barn, and they both look like big longshots. Hard to like a lot.
2 FINAL CLASS – Moves into the Hoover barn here, so you never know when a fresh look can turn one around. Those types of swings are hard to predict. This gelding has flashed some speed before. When he wants to trot.
3 CAMDEN HILLS – You don’t see too many qualifiers being won by almost 20 lengths! And that was under a pretty tight hold too! So, after a little freshening, this guy appears to have come back solid. Should give #5 a good tussle.
4 SPREE – Gets some much-needed post relief tonight. That should keep her a little closer. Has hinted at some ability here, so this looks like a chance to get into the hunt again. Will also they mix it up near the lead. That would help.
5 ALL THE TRUTH – The Burke Brigade have two in as well. This one has the far better chance from ideal midpack post. Got caught on the lead last time, so I’m not sure what Yannick will plan. He may want to stalk instead? We’ll see.
6 SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN – Can’t really argue with this guy so far! Sports two straight good efforts here. Plus, he also looks versatile enough to try things either way. This might be a good spot to show the speed again. Talented!
7 YOU WILL BE QUEEN – She’s pretty good too! Been plying her trade over at Yonkers in some tough spots. But, she has big track experience too! Zeron fits her well. I guess the only knock here is the post? It’s not an easy spot. Your call? Trainer: Trained good on Wednesday! Looking forward to racing her on Friday night.
8 BROOKROAD MASTER – Maintains longshot status until we see something more. Also stuck outside. Pass.
9 LOVE THIS BAR – Barn’s other starter loses that inside post help. Not sure he’s as good as his stablemate anyway.
10 STAY CLOSE – Hate to see that break in just first start back here. Looks like a pretty tough horse to handicap right now. Either breaks or wins! I would imagine they’ll just try to get him around there tonight, onstride.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Steve Smith 8 over 1
Yannick Gingras 5 over 10
Top Contenders 3-6-5-7
Race 2
1 UNSUNG HERO – Must be a pretty good backstory here. Debuts tonight after just turning three. Was a $70K yearling buy at Harrisburg. I am not familiar with owner/trainer Curtis. But, that’s a VERY fast qualifier for Freehold. Interesting.
2 DOWNTHEROAD Z TAM – Hasn’t made much of an impact here at M1. Maybe that will change one of these nights? It’s hard to guess when, but this is as good a spot as any. Another inside post. Short field. Show us more please.
3 GEE WILLIKERS – Should benefit a little from that first go around here. It usually takes a race or two to get mile track tight. Jake will probably just sit and stalk again. I’d like to see a bigger kick tonight. We’ll see if that happens.
4 DATGUYNA GREENSUIT – Barn’s had a couple of nice upset winners here so far this year. So, they show up with this one after a dirty photo beat down at The Croft. Will he be a true mile track horse? I guess we’ll find out. Todd on!
5 FIKA TIME – Was clearly in need of his comebacker, and that’s okay. Don’t forget that this is a two-time NJSS champ here, so he will get better very soon. I will be watching for more tonight from the perfect midpack post.
6 CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN – I guess we’re looking at a big favorite here. That was a superb try last week against a VERY well-meant winner. He should have a huge edge on this field and will likely try to go right down the road again.
7 MIKI MINAJ – Took a solid shot out of post 10 in debut here. Yes, he tired after ending up with great trip. But, he should improve here. Not sure he’ll be able to pace with #6 late, but it does look like those two stand out.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 6-4-7-1
