By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysi — Thursday, June 30, 2022
Race 1
1 LADY ELECTRA – Got a month off after that break and added Lasix. The first start back didn’t show us much. Transitions to mile track and I think it’s asking a lot. We’ll see if she can handle it. I’m not so sure.
2 FINAL JUSTICE – Had a much better outing in the second try at this Trackmaster level. The trip was a lot better too! Has shown some speed in the past, so this might be a good spot for it. I say might. Otherwise, sit in and save ground.
3 RUFO – It’s tough to get really excited about his chances here, even on a perceived drop. There are a few others exiting the GSY series. Would need a dramatic wakeup call, and those are hard to predict.
4 MANNYS TOO SPECIAL – Yes, I know his last was an improved effort, but I guess I’d need to see one more before I could possibly think about endorsing. At least Troy B got along with him, and got him to go. That’s a good thing.
5 KINGOFTHEJUNGLE – The King performed okay throughout the GSY campaign. Some tough trips. Some good efforts. Moves over to the Trackmaster level now and he should have some sort of edge. But, no price! Your call, folks?
6 DEERFIELD BEACH – I suspected that he might be the favorite in that last one, but 6-5 was way too low. And you see how it worked out. No good! I don’t really think he wants to “set” the pace. He wants to follow and finish. In for tag.
7 OFFICIAL DELIGHT – It’s still hard for me to believe that a Monticello NW150 per start horse could win here. But, he did. AND, he was a ridiculous 9/5! What’s up with that? I guess he’s good now. Let’s see if he can beat #8.
8 BIONIC – Gets let into the race via one of the alternate conditions. Non winners of two races in 2022. By all rights, he is supposed to beat these, despite the post. That may test him a little, but it shouldn’t matter. Looks far best to me.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Yannick Gingras 1 over 3 Andy McCarthy 8 over 7
Top Contenders 8-5-6-7
Race 2
1 OPTRIX – Has the big benefit here of a pari-mutual start, and a winning one! Not a bad start to career. Tom J invades from home back to take a sires stakes shot, and why not? This colt looks okay. Drew rail and will be stalking early.
2 DIRE STRAIGHTS – Looked awfully good in both baby races here, so watch out! I do find it interesting that Mattias is down as trainer too! I like that he won one on lead, and one from off the pace. That versatility helps a lot.
3 BRAYDEN VICTORIES – It was pretty windy that morning in second baby race, so I can give anybody a pass for tiring. These inexperienced horses aren’t used to setting pace in situation like that. Let’s look for a little bit more tonight.
4 RAISEALITTLEHILL – Barn has two in for same owner. They both had a start up north. So, they ship here, with a bit of a question mark. This guy will just have to go a little faster, but young horses can speed up very quickly. Your call?
5 WALLANDAR – Just second foal of a mare I remember. She had some talent. This guy raced well in debut, and then regressed a bit. I guess I’ll take a good long look at him out on the track, and then make a decision.
6 SCOTTY DEO – Just ran out of real estate in that betting debut. The poor punters took it on the chin at odds of 1-2. Charlie Norris an excellent developer of young trotting talent. Not bad for an $18K purchase. Nice horse here.
7 OH WELL – Whereas #6 cost just $18K, this fella hammered for over half a million. It’s a first foal from mare that earned over $643K. So, he must have looked pretty good. Both off the pace rallies were solid. Skies the limit here!
8 DAHLQUIST HANOVER – Pretty solid in the debut for Paul Mac, and then regressed in the real betting race. I hate this post and this field has some talent. Nothing less than A-1 effort will do. Very tough spot.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Tim Tetrick 7 over 8
Top Contenders 2-7-6-1
