By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Saturday, May 21, 2022
Race 1
1 PRIMARY COLORS – Homebred is off to a great start as a 4YO for John B. Passed his preliminary tests over at Pocono with flying colors, but he’s meeting some much tougher competition tonight. Let’s see what he’s made of here.
2 STONEBRIDGE REEF – Was awfully good off a very long layoff for Chris Ryder. It’s hard to put together that kind of mile off just one qualifier and many months off. Full credit for that. So, he could be any kind of 4YO too! Talent!
3 LINNYCALLEDFRANKIE – Overall, he just hasn’t had much luck here and he remains in these very tough spots.
4 UCANTTOUCHTHIS – Mixed feelings about him at this level. Tried speed and that didn’t work. Tried the stalk and rally and that didn’t work any better. He’s facing some killers in here. Will just need to find more.
5 WHOLE LOTTA LOU – Lou usually jumps up when you least expect it, and this would be the spot for that. I’m not sure he’s good enough to beat a group like this, but he’s proved me wrong before. Perfect midpack post to sit and stalk.
6 I DID IT MYWAY – One of two extremely talented 3YO’s in here. Both on the road to the Med Pace? I absolutely loved both of his qualifiers and I’ll give him a slight edge on #7 for tonight. He’s got a touch more early speed. Will help.
7 PEBBLE BEACH – At times, looked like the top freshman last season. He had moments of brilliance. He’s just so fast at the end of the mile. But, there’s a long stakes road ahead. It’s an outside post. Started last qualifier slowly and then just exploded home. Will he be close enough to catch these? Maybe.
8 TRUFFLE DOG – Took a month off after those wins, which worried me a bit. Maybe you can see why, based on last two efforts. One where overmatched. One after a shuffle. Tonight, the excuse will be post and strength of field.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Tim Tetrick 6 over 8
Top Contenders 6-2-7-1
Race 2
1 MULLINAX – Was doing so well here, I’m a bit surprised they took him to Pocono. Didn’t seem quite as sharp out there, so he’s back on the truck to M1. Drew a real nice post here to aid his speed cause. Can be part of this.
2 SOUTHWIND GENDRY – Lot of respect for this horse. He’s battled the best since day one and is still living to tell about it. Finished up very well in that Graduate try. This is logical spot for him. He will be the one to fear with DM back on.
3 BETTORS DONTTELL – I guess he was “supposed” to win that last one, in a spot where he dominated. Looked good doing it. So, this is very interesting transition to a different class level. Is it a drop? It just might be. One to catch!
4 I’LL DRINK TO THAT – Another one that was racing well here and went to Pocono to get beat up on hot pace fractions. Yes, speed is his game. Will probably leave with #3 and they can figure it out from there. Loves stalk spot.
5 ONE EIGHT HUNDRED – He’s the key to the race. He’s burned a few coins along the way, so he’s not a favorite of the bettors. I can understand that. Doesn’t mean the talent still isn’t there. He blew away a field like this back in April.
6 GRAND CAYMAN – Found a nice spot down at Philly and delivered a strong speed mile for the Captain. But, this is a brand new ballgame, folks. He will not have the lead tonight. He’s stuck in an outside post. Will need a little luck.
7 WALKNAFTER MIDNITE – Yes, I can see that he paced in 48 and change and looked good doing it. Clearly a career performance. So, he’s very good right now. BUT, is he as good as the favorites? I’m on the fence with that one.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Yannick Gingras 3 over 1
Dexter Dunn 5 over 4
Top Contenders 2-5-3-4
