By James Witherite, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double Friday, November 10
RACE 1
1 FOX VALLEY MONDO Virginia invader lacked kick off the home turn in his last couple tries. Variables abound on arrival.
2 PAPRIKE BLUE CHIP Credit his no-match second behind Robbie Burns’ 1:52.1 mile three back. Should be perched close.
3 SKYWAY BILLY Save for mild late pace three back, he’s lacked late in most of his recent outings. Others are sharper.
4 TAKEITTOTHEFACE Worked hard from post 9 for the lead last week; fought gamely in defeat. Relief helps; form is rising.
5 AINTNOBETTOR A Late gains two back are a plus, but he was just flat out of midfield on arrival. May need the start.
6 TKO BLUE CHIP After a two-move upset of bottom-level company at Vernon, he invades. Rising, but tougher await.
7 HARRY HANOVER He’s been fourth or better in all 3 starts since arriving from Freehold. Decent enough stayer, for sure.
8 CAUSWAY Even finishes in lower-level Monti races may not count for much here, I’m afraid. Watch and assess.
9 ATTA BOY DAN 91-time winner carries clear form edge into the race by way of exacta finishes from all sorts of trips.
10 BILBO HANOVER He improved into a cavalry charge for home since. Good line to build on, but post 10 hurts here.
Top Contenders: 4-2-9-7
Driver Choices: None
RACE 2
1 CLASSIC CRUNCH While she’s only missed one check to date, her finishes tend to be even at best. Others are sharper.
2 FOXY HILL While she’s yet to hit the board, she earned minors twice and stayed on OK two back. Easier await.
3 SHEBEBAKIN HANOVER Chased to hit the ticket in her last two at Philly, but others pack stouter raw speed. Live flow can aid.
4 PULL THROUGH Late gains from astern at big odds are a plus. Kinder starting spot puts her more directly in play.
5 STRANGE FRUIT Stakes winner in July returns to action off a solid 11/4 Q. Class edge; late kick make her a standout.
6 BLUEBIRD CRUSH She won well on debut for Smith, but lacked late kick on the move to this class. Watch and assess.
7 WARRAWEE BROOKE After breaking maiden stoutly on 9/27, she was overmatched in PA stakes. Staying power a plus.
Top Contenders: 5-4-7-2
Driver Choices: None
