| By Dave Brower, Meadowlands handicapper, SATURDAY, JAN 2 |
Race 1
1 MACHIATTO A – Turned in a decent effort on the foggy night and that’s what I’m looking for in this spot. Drew a key inside post to aid his speed. Should end up with a nice trip near #7 and might be a little sharper, and better price?
2 CONSTNTLYSIDEWYS A – Maintains longshot status until he gets another drop. Sits in, saves, tries to get lucky.
3 INDEPENDENT ONE – You never know when this guy is going to wake back up. But, it will probably come sooner, rather than later. He didn’t show much in that post 10, tour of the track upon return. Let’s watch for more.
4 DIRT ON MY BOOTS – Tough to get a real read on his Rosecroft form. A bit inconsistent? Want to watch one here.
5 KIWI TINTIN N – Don’t really know what happened in the fog, but it probably wasn’t good. The prior effort showed promise. Gets the midpack post now and he looks like a closer. Can he get a nice trip? Demand fair odds if you like.
6 MACINTOSH N – 12YO veteran is back for another mile track go. Barn has a few in, and some of them are in tough spots. They get Dexter on this one, so that’s a plus. But, is this one level too high? I think so.
7 ALBERGO HANOVER – We’ve all seen him perform well here before. Got a month off, after they added Lasix, so he should benefit from that. He’s either going to blow this field away, or have something go wrong. Take your pick.
8 LEAR SEELSTER – Caught us all by surprise last week. That was some nice drive by A Nap. With that said, if you didn’t go to the wedding, don’t go you know where. This will be a LOT tougher, from the same difficult post.
9 CAPTAIN CASH – He’s missed a month, so that’s a problem. I know it’s been difficult to get in the box last few weeks, but still. Can he possibly be cranked and ready to overcome this post? In field full of speed? I have my doubts.
10 YANKEE OSBORNE – Had this fella drawn a better post, I could probably make a much stronger case. He’s bounced up and down the class ladder, so this does look a little high. On plus side, he does like to win. Very mixed feelings.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Todd McCarthy 10 over 4,5
Top Contenders 7-1-10-5
| Race 2 |
1 BRONZE YANKEE – Seems like Blake Mac has sent a few south, with Toronto racing on hiatus for at least a month. Can’t blame him for that. Technically, this guy fits a lesser condition, but gets in here. I guess I want to watch one. Trainer: Was a little short last race. Trained well this week. Should be ready to hit the board.
2 KING ALPHONSO – If you believe in that qualifier, and I do, then go ahead and take a shot as your Pk5 single! He was meant to be a good horse, and they aimed high, but it was not a good 3YO season. Should dispatch these with ease.
3 SPLIT RAIL – Also missed a lot of time and could be a tad overmatched here. Needs an easier spot. Pass.
4 BEYOND ORDINARY – IF you want to take a swing against the fave, you could opt here. Jenny drove herself in the Philly finale and they hit the board! Dave hops back on now and the better post will help. Still needs a trip.
5 ROGER RABBIT – Rode the pylons as expected last time and did okay! I still knock him for that lack of “winning habit,” but he fits in here again. Can’t leave off the ticket. Maybe use underneath #2? That’s what I’m going to do.
6 MOVEOUTOFMYWAY K – I really don’t know what to tell you here folks. Been a pretty big disappointment overall, and keeps regressing into those bad habits too! He won’t be on my ticket, and even Dexter bailed, as expected.
7 LOOK IN MY EYES – Here’s another option if you’re against the favorite. Barn is going pretty well right now. Yannick fit the gelding well last time and drove perfect for a solid second behind impressive foe. Runs into another bearcat here.
8 PRESIDENT – You see he likes to finish second and third, but he hasn’t done it here yet. I always like to see the first trip over the track. That, plus the outer post, will not help his cause. Will have to go a lot faster here too!
9 NO TIME TO PLAY – Got away with a pretty soft pace last time, but was no match for Get Legs when that foe came calling. Overall, the speed has been better. But, this post could be a big problem tonight. Not as good as #2.
10 SWEET TEA – Picked up a check last time from an outer post, but will be tested even more tonight. Not for me.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Mark MacDonald 1 over 9
Dexter Dunn 2 over 6
Top Contenders 2-5-4-7
