By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Friday, July 16, 2021
Race 1
1 BOUNTY HUNTER – First crop Huntsville colt that brought $100K at the sale. He’s off to very good start, and in crafty hands here. First foal of the mare. They could be onto something here. Take a good, long look out on the track.
2 FOXHUNT – First of three for the Alagna Armada. He’s gone pretty fast so far, but maybe lacking that winning habit just yet? That could come. Todd has done good job of educating him. The speed is there, so consider that.
3 NAVIGATOR – Hate to see that miscue in very first real start. So, let’s expect a few changes to try and right the ship.
4 GREG THE LEG – Interesting name for a horse! Like #2, he’s come along nicely, but has yet to show that killer instinct. That’s hard to teach. But, I like to see some speed and no mistakes. They tried couple stakes. This is a drop. Needs it.
5 RIVER NESS – You hate to see those sick scratches with the youngsters, especially out of stakes races. Usually means something’s not right. So, what should we expect tonight? I’m not really sure. This is pretty good bunch for overnight.
6 PEBBLE BEACH – We haven’t seen too many Downbytheseaside’s yet here in NJ, but they’re killing it out in Ohio. He was a supremely-talented pacer! Had a really tough trip in first stakes event. May need a little more seasoning.
7 CAVIART CAMDEN – Has come a long way, pretty quickly too! After that initial miscue, he’s just getting better and better. Yannick put a real nice trip on him here a few weeks ago. Nice mark right off the bat! 51.4. No 12-1 tonight.
8 QUICK SNAP – Here’s a Betting Line second foal of the mare. So, Alagna has all kinds of sires in his barn. This guy flashed improved speed AND finish in just that second go around. Obviously has talent. Let’s see how much.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 3 over 8
Todd McCarthy 6 over 2
Top Contenders 7-2-1-8
Race 2
1 STAMPED BY LINDY – Didn’t look overly ready for his first real assignment. They were probably aiming at the consolation anyway. The first start showed major promise. I guess I’d be surprised if we didn’t see LOT more tonight.
2 JACK RABBIT SLIMS – Picked up checks in both preliminary rounds. That’s a good thing! He didn’t have a ton of punch late, but he’s coming to his natural speed. I like what I’ve seen so far. This is perfect spot to step up with more.
3 SOUTHWIND ARTURO – I’ll have to keep this guy on the longshot list for now. A “work in progress” for Burke.
4 WALL OF MONI – Raced okay in the Geers. That’s a good solid start. Then miscued in the only sires stakes try, so that’s a step backward. All these Walner’s have been great so far. I expect this colt to bounce back big tonight. Watch for it.
5 BRIGHT SIDE UP – They’re taking their time with this well-bred son of Muscle Hill and that’s okay! Some horses just take a little longer than others. He’s been finishing okay. One night soon, we’ll see more speed.
6 HIGH HILLS – Sports a real mixed bag of efforts so far, but they won’t rush this guy either. He’s got way too much pedigree and many from this family have taken time to mature. I’m willing to wait, and watch for the signs.
7 LAWS OF MOTION – Andy took a very aggressive stance with this fella last time and the colt just couldn’t stay with that monster late stages. Still, he made no mistakes. The speed was there. I think he’ll get better as we go along.
8 FEAST DAY – Two good starts. Two bad starts. A rough post tonight will hurt. I imagine the Captain will try to baby him around there and let him finish again. No mistakes, please.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 4-2-7-1
