By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Saturday, May 22, 2021
Race 1
1 MULLINAX – Picked up some nice green up in Massachusetts last season in those sire stakes. Comes back now at three and took one shot in stakes where overmatched. Shipped here and raced well! Gets good post. Will use that speed.
2 BETTOR SUN – The other 3YO stacks up okay against competition like this. Team McNair colt dug in nicely to hold on in that qualifier, so he looks ready. Might even offer a price if you think he can beat some older foes. A maybe.
3 HURRIKANEKINGJAMES – Did not have a very good start on Tuesday at Yonkers when he backed up late. I’m not a big fan of the short rest. Guess he hasn’t come back sharp enough yet. Maybe the switch to big track will wake him up?
4 DRAGON ROARS AGAIN – Corey took the gloves off and really sent this guy last week against a very strong field. He got run over! So, I consider this a slightly lesser bunch and we may revert back to the stalk and charge mode. I hope.
5 SEA OF LIFE – Seems to like that strip down at Philly most. Even though he had post eight at Yonkers, he got into the race, but lacked that finishing punch. Back to Big M now and gets Tetrick back. That should help Still needs more.
6 THE GREEK FREAK – Very powerful Burke pair in here tonight. Wasn’t sure which one Yannick was going to drive. He ended up sticking with Elver. That doesn’t mean this guy can’t win. Big-time class drop for both. They may dominate.
7 ELVER HANOVER – It was good to see Elver finish that mile a lot better last week. I was beginning to worry. This is exactly the kind of class relief and confidence builder that he needs. But, as always, he must bring the A-1 effort.
8 ROCKIN THE ACES – Gets stuck with another rough post. And, it hurts more than usual with the Burke pair just inside. He kind of just “went around there” last week and might have to do the same thing again. Needs a little luck.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Yannick Gingras 7 over 1,6
Top Contenders 7-4-6-1
Race 2
1 CAPTAIN EMOTION – Was given some time off and came back with a disaster. Hard to like off that one. Pass.
2 PIRATE HANOVER – Drew a nice post against his winning stablemate over at Pocono, but made a break. That’s never good! His race here was huge. So, I really don’t know what we’re going to get tonight Could win. Could break. Your call.
3 SPINNAKER HANOVER – Finally found that “field of his friends” over at Yonkers and blew by them late. This will be totally different. Is this fella ready to pace in 50, or 51? That is the question. I am skeptical.
4 CENTURY HANNIBAL – Son of a Med Pace winner, so maybe he will like the track? Sent south to the Daley barn and that’s probably good move. Already gained valuable experience down at Philly. He may be ready for this kind of test.
5 SOUTHWIND PETYR – Was cross-entered today at Philly, but we’ll assume he shows up here. Stakes-quality colt last season, so the talent is there. I do wish he’d qualified here instead, but oh well! Let’s see if Mark H has him ready.
6 TORONTO – Got bet off the board two weeks ago and really had no excuse. Well-rated up front and he simply could not hold on. So, he’s earned a pair of thirds here so far. Not bad, but not great. I wonder what the price will be now?
7 JIMMY CONNOR B – Seems like the whole world saw him come flying home from impossible spot last week. When the whole world sees it, you never get any true value the next time. Plus, he was acting up a little. I may go against.
8 NATAMERI – Very interesting invader for the Okusko’s! We rarely see them here, but when they show up, we better pay attention. They got a nice, easy confidence builder into him up at home base. Let’s see how good he is! Trainer: Raced great last week! Looking to let him stretch out his legs as he prepares for 3YO season.
9 FOREFATHER – It’s always very dangerous to ignore a young, potentially talented Pelling trainee. But, doesn’t this look like a very tough spot? He won the comebacker at 2-5, but this field is 10 times better. Will have to prove it again.
10 HURRIKANE GEORGIE – Hasn’t been displaying his better form over at Yonkers lately. Just like his stablemate in race one. They’re both in tougher here. And, the post gods were not kind. Pass.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Doug McNair 7 over 4
Tim Tetrick 8 over 1
Top Contenders 2-8-5-6
