By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Friday, January 21, 2021 —
Race 1
1 TWO FIFTYEIGHT N – Fresh claim here for a barn that does well in that category. Seems like they grabbed him at the right time, just getting good. I like the post, and versatility. Should end up with a very nice stalking kind of trip.
2 GENESSEE SEELSTER – Since the big upset a while back, he hasn’t been all that great. Gets Yannick back, and he’ll be looking to sit in the right spot throughout. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. Medium longshot.
3 S MCKEE – Unfortunately, it definitely looks like he’s tailed off. I would now need to see a good bounce-back mile before I could endorse.
4 PREPPY ART – Preppy finds his way all the way back to the bottom level here. I was surprised to see that speed show last week, so it tells me he’s probably ready to bounce back with best soon. Maybe tonight? On the drop?
5 BILLION DOLLAR DAY – Beat these pretty convincingly last week and barn opts to put him right back in for the same price. That’s the Wiskow Way! Paid a very fair 3-1 last week, but will not offer that value now. The one to beat! Trainer: Going for three-in-a-row, but I don’t think I will bring him home tonight.
6 SANATTLE SLEW – Not much in his recent form suggests a complete turnaround. That’s what he needs.
7 CENTURY FERRARI – I really don’t know what’s going on with this guy right now. But, I do see a barn and owner change. Horse has been very unreliable at the start lately, so I can’t go to the well again, until I see some pacing.
8 NORTHERN ROCK – Wasn’t exactly overwhelming down at Freehold. Scoots his way back up the NJ Turnpike for a big track try. He’s drawn way outside the main contenders. Another of the medium longshots that needs more.
9 OH JONNY B GOOD N – Bouncing back and forth between here and Freehold. It’s been a long time since he won.
10 K-LEES SHAKENBAKE – On the slow and steady comeback trail off a very long layoff. Not quite ready yet.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Dexter Dunn 5 over 4
George Napolitano, Jr. 7 over 6
Top Contenders 5-1-4-2
Race 2
1 HE’S EXPLOSIVE – Has that one race over the track under his belt, so we can expect a little improvement soon. The inside post should keep him close enough. Let’s see if T Mac can get more speed out of him.
2 HIPSTER K – Whatever was wrong with this guy got fixed by Team Orange Crush. That was SOME qualifier, where he finished up strong and had plenty left. Reminds me a bit of Get Legs qualifier. Huge post edge on #10 too!
3 SKATE TRIX – Per E told me she was still green out there, not knowing fully what to do. So, it might take a little more time before the talent kicks in. I do like that we see no mistakes out there. That’s something to build on.
4 HOSTILE – Finally got the job done down at home base, but keep in mind that was several weeks ago. That gap concerns me. First time Simon. Seems like a closer. So, he will need a few things to go his way tonight.
5 THE GREAT PG – I guess we can call his last some improvement? Was trotting nicely at the end. But, he’s in a field without a lot of pace and the faves figure to control it. Not sure it will work out the way he needs.
6 SV TYMAL’S IMAGE – Invades from the Meadows and moves into the barn that brought us Focus Pocus. I like the speed he packs, but he will have to show the stamina here. That, I’m not so sure about. Need to see it first.
7 MANHATTANUP NO ICE – Mark Mac took a shot and sent him last week and it worked out nicely. Was no match for #10, but it showed he can fire up some speed at any point. Will they blast again? Probably.
8 MR BLUMETTI – Draws another outside post after a fair effort. Will have to watch one again. I will pass.
9 STITCH HANOVER – I guess he just wasn’t ready for that comebacker? Needs a lot more than that to get closer.
10 R HERBIE BLUE CHIP – Billy D back in the bike tonight, after a little vacation. I’m sure he was happy to see the effort from last week. Good confidence builder too! Gets tested tonight by post 10, and some other speeds. Your call?
DRIVER CHOICES:
Andy Miller 2 over 5
Andy McCarthy 3 over 6
Top Contenders 2-4-10-7
