| Race 1 Meadowlands– Friday, February 14, 2020 |
1 JUST WAVE GOODBYE – Up from The Hold for a barn that’s pulled off a couple upsets here. This one’s form looks just fair on paper. Would need a dramatic improvement to get home on top, even from the rail.
2 SWEET COLT OF MINE – Found the $10K claimers a bit too much, so it’s back in where he belongs. Paid $30 a while back, given a nice drive that night. Will need another “lucky” trip to get second win of the year tonight.
3 R M BLACKHAWK – I really don’t know what to make of this guy right now. Especially here. There was a time when he was very effective in a spot like this, ON the mile track. But, last few tries here left me underwhelmed. Your call? Trainer: Has been pretty sharp at Freehold. Hopefully, Vinny can sit him up close and we can pick up a piece.
4 FOUR DIAMONDS – Had the race over the track, won in blowout fashion by #5. Sometimes, horses improve with a start under their belt here. But, could he possibly come up with that much more to close the gap? I don’t know.
5 MATEO – No, I don’t know where that effort came from last week, but it sure was an eyecatcher! Corey can make speed like that once in a while and he sure fit this gelding well. Shows up for new barn now! Private sale? Trainer: Just got him. I like him. He should be good. Not making any changes. He is happy and that is all that matters to me.
6 REDNECK FORTUNE – Comes out of a much tougher race, won by the amazing Preppy Art. He would probably be 1-5 in here. I like his speed, and Andy might try to get the jump on #5. That would give the Redneck a great chance.
7 CADILLAC PHIL – Yes, Phil has been a little disappointing lately. It happens. These lower level claimers don’t stay good forever. Drew outside the main foes tonight, so that hurts too! Will A Mac go back to the rally? Not sure.
8 MR HEAVEN – Parlayed a perfect pocket trip into a solid win down at Freehold. But, doing it there, and doing it here are two different things! The move back to outside post looks like a killer. Not sure I an expect a “repeat.”
9 THAT’S MY OPINION – That really wasn’t a bad try off the layoff. Barn is overdue to snap the skid, but they will have to earn it from this post. Horse has faced better, so maybe he can “outclass” them? Will need a trip, however. Trainer: Raced good. Came out of it okay. Should be a little stronger his second start for us.
DRIVER CHOICES: Vinny Ginsburg 3 over 4; Mitch Cushing 9 over 1
| Top Contenders 9-6-5-7 |
| Race 2 – Friday, February 14, 2020 |
1 MAJORETTE ANGIE – Outraced her odds last week, given a nice trip in the flow from Drew. Moves to pole here, so possible different journey coming. This could be the sit in, save ground, try to get lucky trip. A real maybe.
2 CAROUSEL – I was not a believe in this mare last week and she only needed one more step to get the job done. Tonight’s problem is the forced hike in class. If I wasn’t a believer then, why should I be one now? Not for me.
3 MANHATTAN PLAY – Hasn’t had much luck here lately, but she does get much needed post relief tonight. A Mac is still in the seat, so that raises her profile. The price should be okay, if you want to take a shot in here. A maybe.
4 EXOTIC DANCE – Simply put, she’s been awesome here! Two picture-perfect and patient drives from Drew to burst home twice. Tonight, she faces a little stronger group, so it will test the pilot again. Must get her a trip somehow.
5 UPTOWN LADY M – If you were watching that race closely last week, you saw a flying finish from this import in her first try here. That impressed me! She’s obviously got some talent. Should have big “age” edge on #6 Might work.
6 CAVIART JANE – Yes, the qualifier was very impressive, and in quick time. But, don’t forget that she’s just a 3YO tackling older here, on the way to more important races. The first qualifier was good too, vs. Midnight Romance.
7 GLENFERRIE BRONTE N – Gotta give it to The Mann every now and then! He got this veteran to wake back up last week and they dropped and popped at a nice price. Unfortunately, this field looks too tough for her. Stepping up.
8 ROCKIN PRALINE – Slowly racing herself back into shape and one night soon, she’s going to pop. However, on short rest, vs. a very high-quality bunch here, I don’t think this is the spot. I’m willing to wait for softer situation.
9 SUDDEN PASSING – Burned a lot of money in her last two here and she also finds herself in wicked tough spot tonight. I’m not going to back her from post nine vs. the likes of #4,5,6. Good luck if you do!
10 TAKE ABIT OF LIFE – Ordinarily, this would nice spot on the class drop. But, this is not it. I’ll pass on her too!
DRIVER CHOICES: Drew Monti 4 over 1; Yannick Gingras 6 over 9
| Top Contenders 5-6-4-3 |
Handicapping Analyst Dave Brower is an HRI HARNESS Contributor His early double profiles will appear whenever Meadowlands races
