By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — November 20, 2021
Race 1
1 PALOMAR – Didn’t have a particularly good start back here at Club Med, so something must have gone wrong. After week off, he’s back in the box and in over his head with most of these. I guess we’ll want to watch one. DD sticks. Trainer: Needed a week off after old breathing issue flared up a bit. Usually bounces back when we take it easy on him. So, I’ll expect a lot better effort tonight. Will try to be closer.
2 YACHT SEELSTER – Completely reversed his form with an inexplicably monstrous effort last week, despite being parked the mile. Maybe he likes the colder weather? He was very good this time last year. Bumps back up the ladder.
3 SAVE ME A DANCE – Been very sharp over at Yonkers at one of the higher levels. I’ll add that gelding has won here too! Is he a “true” $100K claimer? I guess we’re going to find out. His speed will put him in prime position early.
4 ROCKIE GOT FRAMED – Rockie’s got a couple of decent starts here so far. Sometimes it takes a race or two to get used to the place. Seeks a little revenge on #5 tonight, and Marcus will have him moving in time. Can be used.
5 KOMODO BEACH – I suppose he’s the horse to beat tonight, even if we missed the boat on him last week. It was a very sharp effort and a picture-perfect drive. Draws same post and seems to be getting better. Hard to ignore.
6 BLACK CHEVRON N – Had a few good tries for the upper claiming tag over in New York. Horse knows his way around M1 too! Seems versatile enough to do it either way. Will pilot try the speed, or wait and pick up cover? Good question.
7 REVOLVER N – Marched his way right up the class ladder down at Freehold. But, it’s usually a brand new ballgame here. First starter here, that I know of, for this trainer. I guess he’s got a good one. But, this is asking a lot. Bad post.
8 ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR – Just one lonely win this year, so that’s an issue. Moves from pole to post eight, which won’t help either. Have to consider him a longshot in this seemingly tougher spot.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 1 over 6,8
Top Contenders 3-5-4-6
Race 2
1 DE LOS CIELOS DEO – Made a couple of moves last week, but was unable to sustain the latter one. Interesting pole position for him. A bit tricky, maybe? We all know where Highalator is going, so YG will want to protect inside.
2 B LIKE CRUISER – Tough spot here, coming off the dull effort, and then the scratch. I guess I’ll just pass for now.
3 JM’S DELIGHT – Pretty much just rode the cones for GM last week and didn’t have much kick. This isn’t any class relief, so we probably have to wait for a softer spot where he can do some damage. Just not sharp enough right now.
4 BULLVILLE TERROR – Another longshot. But, even I will admit he was pretty good to hit the board last week at over 100-1. Won’t be that big tonight and does get a better post. Owns that one kick, so timing and trip are critical.
5 ENOUGH SUN – Outraced his odds last week too! Not bad. That will serve as a good acclimating mile to Club Med. The midpack post should be perfect now. Will just have to hope for a live flow, and maybe a fast pace up front.
6 TYPHOON STRIDE N – I took my shot with him last week and he raced well, but not well enough to win. Guess I have to give him another chance. But, it’s also a small step up the ladder too! That won’t help. Can he track down #8?
7 BETTER TAKE IT – He’s steadily worked his way down the ladder. I suppose if you want to try a decent longshot, this could be it. I’m not sure he will try and blast in front of #8, but that’s up to pilot. Could end up further back.
8 HIGHALATOR – I can’t remember the last time he was this low in class. We all know he loves the track here, but you can also make a case that he’s lost a step or two along the way. The price won’t be big, but the qualifier was. Tuf call.
9 TOWNLINE ALL GOOD – Recent claim moves from pole to post nine. Would need a monster mile to threaten.
10 ROCKIN THE ACES – Ordinarily, this would be good spot for Aces. But tonight, maybe not. His last try was okay, because nobody was catching that winner. But, does he run into same situation with #8? Perhaps. Won’t be easy.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 6 over 10
Top Contenders 8-5-6-1
