By James Witherite, Meadowlands Handicapper Early Double November 11, 2023
Race 1
1 BULLVILLE FRANK Minor player in lower levels failed to threaten on the rise last out. Can the pole land him in range?
2 MASK ON MASK OFF Breaks cost him all chance in his last two, but before that, he was flat in lower-level condition races.
3 THROWING COPPER New England invader stayed on evenly or just better in his last few. Kind post offsets mild step up.
4 ALWAY’S CLOSE No-match second to overwhelming top choice Bloodhound in last week’s TM<74 final. Ramping up.
5 I’M BURLINGTON N Solid 1:53 winner in an MADC last week after being engulfed in prior outings. Capable with best.
6 LIKE CLOCKWORK 28-time winner is reunited with Corey after chasing for minors in his last few. Mild step up; can share.
7 TEXAS MIKI Early exertion took any late sting out of him last week. Sharper await; will wait for improvement.
8 THREE GRAND Gains Dunn after failing to get involved in the TM<74 final. Prelim lines were promising; can revert.
9 ITS SHOWTIME Done well in amateur races of late; has demonstrated wide leaving ability. Can share with similar.
Top Contenders: 8-4-9-3
Driver Choice: Braxten Boyd: #4 over #8, Marcus Miller: #2 over #6
Race 2
1 BULLVILLE TERROR He’s been fourth or better in four of his last five, all at this level or higher. Can stalk and share again.
2 GOOD INVESTMENT Post and class relief can get him in for a share. Chased OK from an easy pocket 2 back; gains Dex.
3 JUMPING JAKE He was even but no threat two back, and made mild gains in a MADC race since. Slight relief helps.
4 BIZYS BEATLE He got caught in an extremely dull flow last week but did pass both horses that jammed him up.
5 INCREDIBLE BADGER Simply put, he got torched in a :54.3 speed duel last week. Closing bids are more indicative of ability.
6 GENIUS MAN He hit the board 2x in his last 3, both against tougher. Staying power there counts for more here.
7 C-BET HANOVER Class relief can help this guy too, but he’s struggled to get into position in recent outings. Needs flow.
8 DECISION DAY He got around stalled third-over flow to save fifth on the drop last week. Better cover spells results.
9 PANETTONE HANOVER Departs Burke after being overmatched in stakes and staying on OK for $30k. Variables abound.
10 HIGH BALLER He was hemmed in last week, but simply lacked late. Post 10 only exacerbates late-mile issues.
Top Contenders: 6-5-8-1
Driver Choice: None
