By James Witherite, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double November 18, 2023
Race 1
1 HASHTAG WATCH ME Flamboro invader lacked in his last two, but showed OK for $15k last month. Pole keeps him handy.
2 STRETCH THE LINE Rises after a failed pocket bid in a bottom-level race last week. 0-for-’23 record doesn’t encourage.
3 GLOBALDOMINATION N Since Billy Mann claimed him back on 9/8, he’s not shown much late spark. Wait for improvement.
4 DESIRE’S CAPTAIN Presser-stalker has been fourth or better at this level in 4 of 5. Lone miss due to poor flow. Solid.
5 GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE He failed to threaten like foes at Philly in three starts. Others better equipped to finish, it appears.
6 WHITE BELLY Mass. invader debuts for Scran after some mid-level success. Early positioning is key; lateral move.
7 KIMANI N Chased OK from cozy pockets, but struggled to overcome traffic in last. Others have done more work.
8 ROBBIE BURNS N After his 1:52.1 MADC win, he got roughed up at Philly but bounced back with a respectable close.
9 BETTOR BE OSCAR A Minor player of late was only derailed by a 10/28 break. Gains last week are enough to share here.
10 PHOTOBOMBR HANOVER He wired $20k types two back, then battled tougher to clear before fading. Post 10 is biggest hurdle.
Top Contenders: 4-9-6-10
Driver Choice: Braxten Boyd: #8 over #9 | Todd McCarthy: #2 over #7
Race 2
1 RACING MONEY Draw suits his racing style perfectly. From close stalking trips, he’s hit the board in 4 of 5 vs. similar.
2 TYRONSBITOFLEMON N Two back, he emerged from traffic for fifth. Since, he failed to fire around excess cover. Mixed bag.
3 I GET THAT He was outmatched from astern in low-level company three weeks ago. Wait for clear improvement.
4 MISTER HAT Failed to hit the board in his last five despite mounting mild gains in his last two. Live flow is a must.
5 ARNIE’S ARMY After pulling the pocket to duel on 10/21, he chased OK for third at 32-1 at this level. Can share.
6 VEL MR NICE GUY He parried pressure to win for $15k three back and chased for minors since. Debuts for Chindano.
7 CHIEF OF STAFF Credit his gains out of traffic to save fourth last week, and forgive the parked line on 11/4. Can share.
8 HEREITTIZ Debuts for Quevedo off the claim. Forgiving last week’s break, he’s closed into second in 3 of 4.
9 NOB HILL FLASH Two-move winner at the level last week boasts form and versatility. Dunn’s choice. Lots to like.
10 HOMESTRETCH WES Pressed for a $20k win at Pocono five back but trip-dependent since. Post 10 does him no favors.
Top Contenders: 9-8-1-5
Driver Choice: Joseph Chindano Jr.: #6 over #2 | Dexter Dunn: #9 over #5 | Andy McCarthy: #8 over #4
