By James Witherite, Meadowlands Handicapper FRIDAY’S Meadowlands Early Double
Race 1
1 BARNEY HANOVER 29-start maiden cracked 1:55 three back, but takes on far more proven foes. Pole keeps him close.
2 MOMMY SAID NONONO On arrival from Monti, she was last throughout and weakened late. How much can post relief aid?
3 FIRE LIGHT His first-over bid into a :29.4 third quarter stalled off the turn, but others seem on par. Cover can aid.
4 MASK ON MASK OFF An early break cost him all chance last week, but he worked to catch the field up the far side.
5 HARRY HANOVER He kept even late last week after stalking a slow pace. Similar foes await in a largely paceless race.
6 STOLEN ART Non-factor last week has hit a cold snap after an empty bid on 9/9. Others on the cusp of better.
7 ROYAL COURTIER Monti invader nearly lasted two back and was a victim of a severe shuffle since. Tends to chase OK.
8 YAYAS HOT SPOT N A wicked pace did this veteran in on arrival from Monti. These fractions should be far less taxing.
9 TAKEITTOTHEFACE He was even but no threat in the fastest MADC event last week. Raw speed can carry; post hinders.
10 ROCK TO GLORY While even in the running line last week, the 15-year-old made no real gains into a soft pace.
Top Contenders: 5-8-7-9
Driver Choices: None
Race 2
1 MAXIM HANOVER He’s really put it together in his last 3. First-over grinds to Grand Circuit scores instill confidence.
2 TWIN B LOUDACRIS Early exertion left him gasping late in last week’s Kindergarten after past GC assignments troubled.
3 WAY TO GO CAPTAIN He passed tired foes at big odds last week in his second start back. Still a ways away, but improving.
4 HURRICANE J After breaking maiden on 10/16, he failed to fire from astern on arrival. Post can land him closer.
5 MANALOU He nearly lasted with the addition of Lasix last week, but pressure did him in. Others better proven.
6 CAVIART JUSTICE He’s only missed the board twice. Raw speed in chasing efforts behind Newsroom is ample.
7 SUDDEN IMPACT Road trouble deep in the running line hurt him last week, but he still gained. Can figure in exotics.
8 SOLAR SOLUTION Last week, he cleared, yielded, and reemerged to just miss. Staying power improved; draw hurts.
Top Contenders: 1-8-6-7
Driver Choices: None
