By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — March 25, 2022
RACE 1
1 NO DRAMA PLEASE – Ended up scratching last week, but it wasn’t the horse’s fault! So, tonight will be second start back off the layoff. He’s good enough to go with these when ready. I just wonder if he’s going to need one more?
2 JUSTLIKEHIM – Hasn’t found a way to win yet this year, so that’s an issue. Also seems to be at his best one level below this. No shot last time in that runaway from Rob. Fits for another decent stalking trip. Must find more late. MM’s pick.
3 STORMONT VENTNOR – Bouncing up and down the class ladder. This is the level where it gets tougher. We might have to wait for another drop to hop on board. Should be decent price, if you think he can beat these.
4 MEADOWBRANCH RICKY – Ricky is awfully good right now! No question about that. I know he hasn’t won one of these yet, but it does seem inevitable. This would be the spot. I loved to see that speed last time too! Hard leave out.
5 MARION GONDOLIER – We haven’t seen him here in a while. Sure looks like he’s been in good form over at Pocono. Not sure why barn opts to bring him here, but it is a class drop. Likes to make one big move. Will need the right trip.
6 ZLATAN – Did you watch his finish two weeks ago? Best he’s looked in a long time. But, this isn’t just a one level class hike, it’s a double! And that’s rarely a recipe for success. Stuck outside in limited field. Will need a little luck.
7 SKYWAY KON MAN – The Kon Man is most dangerous on drops like this. I know he’s not known as a speed demon, but pilot will have to invent some. One the Kon Man gets into the race, watch out. He likes to grind you down.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Mark MacDonald 2 over 7
Top Contenders 7-4-5-1
Race 2
1 NEED AROCKET – Relatively new to the barn. Fact that he shows up here tells me he needs a big track. That’s okay. Barn’s had some success this past few months. I will take a good, long look at him out on track and make decision. Trainer: He qualified very well. Was my fault start before when he ran.
2 STORMY BEACH – Clearly outraced his odds upon arrival. Mark Mac put him in a good spot and they kept up well. That was good step in the right direction. I would like to see a little more tonight. But, at much lesser price.
3 HURRIKANE GEORGIE – Keep in mind that he exits a qualifier that went in 50 and change. So, that line is better than it looks on paper. He will probably need this, but this barn has shocked us before off the layoff. I will watch closely.
4 MR MCDREAMY – I’ll keep him on the longshot list for now. Still trying to find the right level. Is this it?
5 CRUNCH – A little overbet last time and he packed it in on the lead. Ok. So, don’t expect to see him near the front this week. I see who gets the drive tonight, so that will attract betting attention. Not sure I want at a very short price.
6 OUR REGAL IDEAL N – Not the most reliable performer on the big track. But the barn did get off the schneid last week with a winner. Sometimes that sparks a better streak. This guy’s a closer, so he will need a few things to go his way.
7 MAAJAAKKOBE – We haven’t seen him here in a long time. I just hate having to type his name in! Couple good recent efforts down at The Hold. But, doing it there, and doing it here, are two different things. I need to see one first.
8 DOCTOR BUTCH – Cover up that one win, and the classy Doctor is just not delivering the goods lately. He’s basically been empty in the stretch, except for that one time. That’s hard to figure. So, I will have to take a pass again.
9 RUFO – Didn’t make much of an impact upon arrival again. Stuck outside. Not my type of play in spot like this.
10 GRATEFUL KISS – Has the benefit of a first start back off the layoff, and it was a pretty good one! Should improve off that, but will it be enough to overcome post 10? That’s a very good question. And, we have to guess.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Mark MacDonald 3 over 2
Top Contenders 1-2-5-10
