By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Analysis Saturday, Marc 5, 2022
Race 1
1 ALLGONOWHOA – Another new barn takes over after a less-than-successful effort. I guess trainers just like this horse? Stays in for same tag, but wasn’t Dexter’s pick. I expected that. I will just have to see more before I can endorse.
2 WINDSONG JACK – Invades for a very hot barn right now. They had everything going well last Saturday, so no reason not to expect same tonight. I like the post. I like that he’s consistent. I like that Dexter chose him. Lots to like!
3 JUST N ACE – Was just okay in his first start off the claim. Had a bit of a slower start and that kind of kept him out of the race. This is a better post and a switch to Tim, so let’s expect more. Overall, horse has been pretty good.
4 VERGEOFGREATNESS N – Had that one good rally, just to confuse us handicappers. I guess he will need a few things to go his way and there could be plenty of pace in here with Mindtrip outside. Still a longshot, but with a shot.
5 COOL BLUES MAN – He’s got the best late kick in the race. So, it’s all about the setup! If things get western out there, he should be in a live flow and ready to pounce for Mark Mac. IF the price is right, I’d toss onto the ticket.
6 BANK SEA – Looks like the other longshot, and I can’t make too strong a case for success. Needs to get luckier.
7 THNDRFRMTHETHRON N – Another fresh claim here. Barn does okay in that category. They stick him right back in for the same pricetag, and had extra week to work on him. What I don’t like is the post. Or the pace scenario. Tough call.
8 ATTA BOY DAN – Made no impact in that conditioned race from post 10. Why should it be any different here? Dan just does not seem to be in top form right now. Putting him in this claimer is not a good sign. I will take a pass.
9 MINDTRIP – After a couple of weeks off, the Trip finds himself back in the proper class. I’m not really worried about the layoff. I’m more worried about the post. He’s in for $25K, so you know he’s getting the outside post. Good luck!
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 2 over 1,7
Top Contenders 2-5-3-9
Race 2
1 TUXEDO BAY – Did a fairly good job of chasing a VERY well-meant winner last week. I didn’t know what was coming from Bay, so let’s give him proper credit. Gets the rail again. Gets JB again. Tough bunch, but let’s see if he does good.
2 WINNING LINC – I couldn’t wait to bet on Linc last week, but we canceled. Oh well! Now, he shows up in leg TWO of this series, so I don’t know how to read into that. Protected out of claimers. I guess that’s positive? But, a tough spot.
3 HES GONE BADDER – Couldn’t possibly be any sharper, so full credit to the connections here. He’s a very game horse. But he did have a long stretch war last week where he dug in and held on. Will that take starch out of him? Loses Joe B.
4 JUMPING JAKE – Jake is quietly doing good work, so congrats on that. It took a while, but they have him in good form. No reason that won’t continue. I like the post. There should be some pace in here. He will be stalking. Watch out.
5 SO TAKE THAT – He’s very good right now too! Just don’t hold that race last week against him. In no way did it set up for him. This could be completely different. I see lots of speed to the outside. He packs that one good late burst.
6 DARTH FADER – We ALL loved him last week and he scratched. So, now what do we do? It worries me when a horse scratches out of a good spot. Now, he must face the likes of some real toughies. I’m not sure I want short price in here.
7 FRANCO TRISTAN N – Actually raced well from an impossible spot in leg one of the series. The horse is good right now, but how does this race work out for him? If he guns, too much pressure. If he waits, too far back? Your call?
8 MONTY MONO – Turned in the biggest form reversal of 2022 last week, and it seems like everybody knew it. Yes, I know a barn change bonanza can work wonders, but wow! Let’s just say he better be that good again. Dexter Mania!
9 ARRHYTHMIC SURGE – Ordinarily, you’d think this would be a great spot for him, right? Dropping out of much tougher claimers, against the likes of the impressive Wrapper. But, it’s not. Even Dexter had to opt off. Bad post hurts.
10 FORCE N FURY – Where’s he going from post 10 in here? You already know my answer, against a very strong bunch.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Joe Bongiorno 2 over 3
Dexter Dunn 8 over 9
Top Contenders 2-8-6-1
