By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Saturday, March 19, 2022
Race 1
1 TRUFFLE DOG – The Dog lost another tough stretch fight last week, but he did race well again! Hard to believe he’s been that consistent for this long. Goes second-time Lasix tonight, with post relief! Will give #7 a real good tussle.
2 HIPPESTCATINTOWN – Got caught up in a pretty hot pace last time and paid the price late. They gave him a few weeks off after that. Also moves inside, so he might plot for a different kind of trip here. Stalks and pounces?
3 MULLINAX – Kind of just went around there in seasonal debut. Hey, it happens! But, expect him to ramp things up in the very near future. This is still no easy spot here at Club Med, but I will be looking for more.
4 MANHOLMES – After that season-ending miscue, they opted to give this guy a bit of time off. Probably a good thing. Came back with very good qualifier. Gets nice, mid-pack post. Will just have to hope they mix it up a little up front.
5 CALIBER – Scratched out of his comebacker. I usually hate to see that. Keep in mind that he’s returning off a two-year layoff, so something went very wrong. I guess I’d just like to watch one at night first, to see where he’s at.
6 BAYFIELD BEACH – Was just okay in his qualifier. Was just fair in the comebacker. So, I guess it’s going to take a little more time before we see Bayfield’s best. I will be watching for the signs. This is tough post for short field too!
7 ONE EIGHT HUNDRED – Obviously the key to the race! Took on the top colts many times last year during the Glamour Boy wars over the season. And, he more than held his own. That 48 lifetime best stands out. Excellent qualifier, where he finished up very strong. Looks ready to me. Trainer: First start back off a long layoff. Struggled with stomach ulcers that were causing other issues, so he was given time off. The qualifier was very good. I’d like to see him race off a helmet tonight.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 7 over 6
Top Contenders 7-1-2-4
Race 2
1 DUSTIN HANOVER – Two of them in here for the Nifty barn, and this one appears to have the better chance. Did get a start in last summer, but they must have felt he was immature. Dex qualified him back and they start from rail. Danger.
2 EMMA TALKING – I will admit I was very impressed with his first go around Club Med. Sat patiently. Kept up. Responded when roused and charged home very well. Can only improve off that, but don’t expect much price.
3 FLYHAWK EL FUERTE – Outraced his odds to hit the board at 87-1. Not bad! Definitely proved he could handle the big track and I’m anxious to see if he can get any better. Will have to stick a little closer, but it’s not out of the question. Trainer: Stepped up huge last week! Has to improve again to handle these. Another good post. Should be ok for check.
4 CREATARMA – Another one that should benefit from a trip over the track. I’m not ready to hop on board and bet yet, but I will be watching closely for more speed.
5 JULA PRO HANOVER – They slapped the hopples on his comeback qualifier and he looked short. Yes, he was facing better foes, but he could have kept up late a little better. Let’s see what we get tonight. Not sure. Barn’s been hot.
6 DINGLE – Had a decent qualifier. And that was with his trainer doing the driving. Wasn’t Zeron’s choice here, but that was understandable. I’m not exactly in love with this post, or pace scenario. I guess I’d like to see one more.
7 HIGH HILLS – Here’s the other Nifty colt. And you can see the pedigree! Hopefully, he grows up a little and starts to lie up to that royal breeding. Was okay in the qualifier. T Mac will have to get him into the race a touch sooner tonight.
8 EVER LOVIN – Broke in the first go, which is never good. Followed up, and got a little tired near the end. So, this filly seems up against it from the bad post, needing a bit more stamina. I’m willing to watch and wait for a while.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Scott Zeron 2 over 6 Todd McCarthy 7 over 3
Top Contenders 2-1-3-7
