By Meadowlands Handicapper, Edison Hatter Friday, March 17, 2023
Race 1:
1 VILLAGE CHAMP – Couldn’t get much going last time out off a few weeks off and he doesn’t show a whole lot in his recent New York form where he’s been burning some money. Does return to a track where he’s had success in the past.
2 CHIEF OF STAFF – Draws inside after having a tough time of it in the last three, including last time out in his first start for new connections. Was beaten less than two lengths four back against claimers when last seen from an inside post.
3 VALIANT IVY – Doesn’t show a whole lot in recent form, but he has to work from a lot of outside posts lately up at Monticello. Went 1:50.4 at Dover last season and had four wins. Draws well, but I’ll pass and watch this one tonight.
4 MAKE IT BIG – Raced well two back down at Freehold when just missing against a TM group and was in a realistic spot last time out before breaking late in the mile. Makes his first start tonight for the Brandon Mongiello barn in this spot.
5 SIGHTS ON YOU – Was picking up some checks up in Canada prior to last week’s first start for the Juan Cano barn. He left early and was on the lead for a while before coming up a bit short late. Will look to rebound tonight from this spot.
6 MEET THE CREEPER – There’s been significant money for him in the last two from outside posts. Blasted from Post 9 last week, but went a bit too hard early and tired late. Draws better and has a big chance to finally get a win here.
7 MV OK PALACIO BR – The last two trips haven’t quite worked out for him, but he’s been very competitive in similar spots here this meet. Price should be right tonight to give him a try on top, but he will need to work out the trip here.
8 ELRAMA N – He’s taken on GSY foes in his past two miles and he just hasn’t been able to get the trip to work out either time. Worked hard early two back and was parked a while last week. Will be looking for a cleaner trip tonight.
9 TAKEITTOTHEFACE – There has been support for him lately and while he has been picking up checks, he hasn’t quite been threatening for a win lately. Outside post tonight, but could get a piece here with the right trip.
10 CAMLACHIE CHROME – Rosecroft form was very solid for him coming into his start here last week, but he just wasn’t able to translate that form to the big track. Post 10 will make for a very tough ask in this spot tonight. I’ll pass here.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Selections: 7-2-5-9
Race 2:
1 BANGIN IN THE HALL – There’s been some breaking issues for him in his recent form, but he was able to stay flat last time out here. The 0-for-22 maiden draws well, but would need to take a big step up to be in the mix here.
2 FRIENDS AFTER SIX – She made her three-year-old debut last week here and raced pretty evenly, but did kick home nicely in :27.3. She’ll look to take a step forward second off the bench and in her second start as a three-year-old.
3 PRETTY DAME SPEEDY – Breaking issues for him when last seen back in September and those issues reappeared in that Q two back. Looked better last week and will look to be in the mix here off the bench in his three-year-old debut.
4 SENNA – Took significant action last time out on his four-year-old debut with all the Stakes back class, but had to settle for fourth after working a bit early. I’ll try on top tonight in his second start off the bench from a perfect post.
5 HOLY BEING – He qualified well enough last time out and has hoping put those breaking issues that have appeared in two of his last four lines behind him. Finds a bit of class relief relative to the races he was last seen in last Fall too.
6 WEATHER VANES – He’s made breaks in his last two starts at Dover, but did put together a solid mile from a tough post three back to finish second at a big number. However, couldn’t much going here against similar four back.
7 CRAZYLAND – Won his first and only career race to date well last December. Didn’t love the way he finished off his two qualifiers leading up to this start, but he definitely looks to be one of the main possibilities to consider on paper.
8 SANTA MONICA AS – Made a break against similar last time out down at Pocono and couldn’t get a whole lot going here two back. She would need to take a pretty large step forward to be in the mix. Third start off the bench tonight.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Selections: 4-5-7-2:
