By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — March 26, 2022
Race 1
1 JUST N ACE – He’s had a couple chances here lately and just has not been delivering the goods. Gets a prime post here to sit and stalk up close, but he’d better find more kick at the end. To start paying dividends on that claim.
2 CASINO BAGS ANSO – Shows a couple really good starts in that series over at Pocono, so I am kind of surprised to see him here again. Maybe he’s already qualified for the final? Has definitely rounded into form. Big chance again.
3 GAME OF CHANGE – After a clunker here, they took him down to Freehold where he did race good again. So, he’s pretty tough to handicap right now. Not sure what to expect. Dexter did have choice and opted for #7. Telling?
4 LUCK N ROLL K – Finds his way back to Club Med after a decent roll out of town. He’s had a few good moments in the past. This is a pretty wide-open race. Didn’t get Yannick, but will try to grind into this one. A maybe. Trainer: Lucky got his confidence back at Month and is ready to get back on his favorite track size. Will trip out and hope to rally.
5 HOOSIER SHARK – One of two in for the Burke Brigade and Yannick took the other one. Off the layoff. Not ready?
6 MANHATTAN BEACH – His last two weren’t as good as some of those earlier efforts this year. So, guessing at a big bounce back is risky. I really don’t know what to tell you. There are a lot of question marks in here. He’s one of them.
7 WINDSONG JACK – Is he tailing off? We might be able to make that case, but we’ll find out a lot more tonight. Fresh claim. Outside post. But Dexter sticks with him. So, that’s a lot of different signals. Price won’t be huge. Your call?
8 ROCKIN THE BLAZE – Team Beckwith puts this fella on the road for a big track try. They put in for the $24K tag, so they get stuck outside. That never helps. But, horse does pack good speed. Can’t argue with that. Mac’s choice!
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 3 over 7 Yannick Gingras 6 over 5
Mark MacDonald 8 over 2
Top Contenders 2-7-8-3
Race 2
1 EVER LOVIN – Jim Campbell has three in here, from the inside posts. Two fillies, one colt. All green 3YO’s that did not start last year at two. Tim T drove this filly in her debut and kind of just went around there. He opted for the colt now.
2 LOVE HER MADLY – Homebred here. Got a little tired in her second qualifier, but they did go a lot faster. So, basically, she’s just not ready to go that fast yet. Let’s watch another one and see if she drops more time.
3 PRECISE FASHION – Son of Walner here, so have to respect that. Missed a month after a decent first qualifier, so that worries me a little. Did go a very good mile last time, charging home. That’s what you want to see. Big chance here.
4 JULA PRO HANOVER – They did a lot of re-rigging last week and it worked! Kasper put the 4YO in a very good spot behind the favorite and they kept up well. That was huge step in the right direction. I guess I want to see more now.
5 SHALL I FEAR ALL – They tried her at Pocono with one good start, and one tiring one. Looking at that, I’d think they want to race her from just off the pace and let her finish. You need more stamina here to get the job done.
6 PARODY – Won the qualifier against #2, and they were both pretty good. This gelding has a lot of experience, but I guess we just need to see more speed. I’m not convinced just yet. Interesting spot to see if Stevie tries to leave.
7 FIGHT SONG – I have been burned many times by ignoring this barn off a layoff. After the disastrous first qualifier, they brought him back and he was better. Is it enough to make me want to bet? Probably not just yet. Your call?
8 FLYHAWK EL FUERTE – Yannick took a good swing putting this fella into the race last week. That was quite a battle with the huge favorite until he got rebuffed. I still liked what I saw. Tonight’s problem is the post. Must get into it.
9 PINEWOOD HANOVER – Had some very promising starts last year at two. Just had a bad finish in the Kindergarten. Timing is everything! So, he comes back at three. Shows one weak qualifier. I don’t know if he’s ready yet.
10 VENDOR BILL – Also off the layoff, but the bad post blues strike. I want to watch one anyway.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Tim Tetrick 3 over 1,2,9
Top Contenders 3-8-4-6
