By Edison Hatter, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Friday, June 30
Race 1
1 UNCLE COZ – Hasn’t been able to get a lot going in his recent tries against similar, but he has had a tough time getting involved in the last two from outside posts. Draws better tonight and will look to be closer early.
2 DEERFIELD BEACH – He hasn’t shown a lot in his recent form against similar and is 0-for-8 so far in 2023. However, he’s been on the outside half of the gate in his last five, so the big post relief could be helpful to him in this one.
3 ONEOFTHEGOODGUYS – Hasn’t been seen now since April down at Freehold when he wasn’t able to show a lot in his miles and had major breaking issues. Qualifier was just okay down at Gaitway earlier this week. I’ll pass and watch one.
4 DRY RIDGE ACE – Got parked against similar last week off of the month layoff from the end of the Freehold meet. From was solid in recent Freehold starts, so could be worth a look with a better trip and with the extra week of fitness.
5 SANTANNA TONY – Couldn’t get a lot going two back against similar and was a big longshot last time out in a TM Series race where he was sixth. Draws well here, but has some improving to do if he wants to snap the 0-for-19 in 2023.
6 STONE COLD SAVAGE – Solid tries two and three back in legs of the TM Series, including two back from a tough Post 11 draw. Couldn’t get a lot going last time out in the Final. Draws well tonight on the move over to MADC company.
7 MASTER CONRAD – He’s been picking up checks in recent times against similar, but he hasn’t been threatening for a win just yet. Has taken a lot of money in recent starts and has the potential to be overbet again here. 0-for-21 in 2023.
8 SIR MACHALOT – Massive longshot in his last two here at the Meadowlands against TM Series foes. Hasn’t been able to show a lot in his recent form and would need a major improvement to be able to contend in this one tonight.
9 FRANKIE BOY – Scratched sick a few weeks ago here at the Meadowlands and made a break down in Maryland last time out at the start. Would seem to need to take a big step forward to contend here. Outside post doesn’t help.
10 THAT’SMYTYPE – She was a big price in her last three tries against similar here at the Meadowlands, but she was able to grab a pair of checks in those tries. Will look to be in the mix here, but will need a trip and setup from this post draw.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Selections: 2-4-1-7
Race 2:
1 SKYWAY BILLY – Tough trip last time out as he had to come first over through a :53.4 half mile against MADC foes as the favorite. Was second two back in a solid try in that TM Series Final, though. Big chance to rebound in this one.
2 WOODMERE ANDROLLI – He’s picked up a pair of seconds so far in his recent TM field tries here at the Meadowlands since coming in from Pocono. Finds a realistic spot, but is winless in 2023. Runs into ROJAN’S WAY again this week.
3 NEVER EASY Z TAM – Recent form out at Scioto doesn’t show a lot, including last time out when he plunged all the way to the bottom of the class ladder. Moves into the Alexandra Goldin barn as he ships East for the big track try here.
4 BRAZEN BRAZILIAN – Took on a tough group last time out over at Yonkers and just wasn’t able to get involved in that mile. Was picking up some checks against similar TM foes here at the Meadowlands in prior starts, though.
5 BRUCE’S MAGIC – Won a leg of the TM Series three starts ago here at the Meadowlands, but wasn’t able to replicate that success in his last two in the Series as he settled for fourth in both. Draws well with a chance to rebound tonight.
6 VEL LARRY – Another one coming out of the recent TM Series here. Won well three back, struggled two back from Post 10 with the trip, but was a solid third last week with a better draw. Has a bit to find on ROJAN’S WAY here.
7 JUST A WRANGLER – He’s been getting some checks in recent starts, but he does remain 0-for-22 on the season with just one second place finish. Will look to rebound in this one tonight off a tough try against MADC foes last week.
8 ROJAN’S WAY – He had a pair of strong third place tries against TM foes in the TM Series here two and three back and was a front-end winner last week in a TM field in a lifetime mark despite finishing with equipment issues.
9 SNOOPY SNOOP – Scratched sick from a start last week down at Philly, but was a strong winner in the TM Series Final when last seen here at the Meadowlands. Lots of recent scratches, but has been solid when he has raced recently.
10 BUCKEYE EMERY – Kicked in :27.1 and passed a few late last time out against similar here at the Meadowlands from an outside post. Draws another outside post and will need a trip and setup. I’ll pass and wait for a better spot for him.
DRIVER CHOICES: David Miller 1 Over 2 Andy Miller 8 Over 9
Selections: 8-1-2-5
