By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis — Saturday, July 31, 2021 —
Race 1
1 I’M VERY SPECIAL – Finds her way back across the river from Yonkers and she’s been racing well. Caught a very tough spot in that one try here vs. Rocknificent. This doesn’t appear to be that tough. Should have decent shot from rail.
2 SHE’S NUN BETTOR N – One of the possibilities in this wide-open opener. Can’t fault her recent form in any way. She handles all-size tracks. Good post and versatile speed. What more could you ask for? A must-use tonight.
3 WESTERN SHOWGIRL – In a race with a couple of key class droppers, it’s hard to like the one on the hike. I’ve always liked this lass, but this isn’t the spot for her. Let’s wait for better situation.
4 BETTORS HEART N – Hard to believe she hasn’t won yet this season. That’s 0-15. But, she comes off her best try in quite some time, and lures Dexter, who’s been hot. Demand fair price if you fancy chances, though. Tough call.
5 LOVELY DONNA – Lots of Yonkers invaders in here, so that makes the handicapping even tougher. Donna’s form has been just okay of late. She probably needed that last one after missing a few weeks. Mixed feelings for tonight.
6 STONEBRIDGE SOUL – Sports a couple of recent wins, including one here! Found that last bunch at YR a tad too tough, but this isn’t such a bad spot here. Packs plenty of speed, IF Scotty Z wants it. Likely to put her in play.
7 MAJOR BATTLE – Has transitioned into this class nicely so far. Every recent race a good one. The outer post could be an issue, but I think we’ll have plenty of movement in here. That would work to her advantage. Packs one big move.
8 ALICORN – I guess she’s the key to the race again! For Mr. Hole-In-One, Darran C. Dug in gamely to fend these off last week, but now moves back outside. Not sure how much betting value there will be? That’s a big question.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 2-1-6-7
Race 2
1 SEL’S CHOICE – One of several fillies trying to beat up on the boys here, and they all have an excellent shot! That last qualifier, for the new barn, was her best effort in a long time. Per E has had superb season with “project horses.”
2 BALENCIAGA – Still hasn’t found a way to win yet, although he is stakes-placed. Chased them around there up at the Spa for a nice payday. I’m sure barn would like to put a mark on him. This is ideal situation to shoot for that.
3 FLY LIGHT – Been just okay so far in some stakes races. I guess I’d need to see more before I could step up and back him at the windows. This should be softer, but gelding still needs a little more trot to get home on top.
4 THE QUEEN B – Just 1-22 so far, so we’ll keep her on the longshot list. Barn has three in. I prefer the other two.
5 PREACHER MAN – Hasn’t really showed us much mile-track stamina yet, so I’ll just take another pass for now.
6 QUICKEST HANOVER – Also not finishing her miles well enough lately. 29 and change last quarters just don’t cut it here. I respect the dangerous speed, but she needs to learn to finish too! Hasn’t done that in while.
7 AVENIR – I really don’t know what to do with her either. She’s been very hard to gauge all season. They slapped the hopples on for that qualifier and she was good again! Gave them hope to put in stake. That didn’t work as well.
8 HELLO I LOVE YOU – It’s about time they took the gloves off and took a shot with this lass. She showed a lot of potential last year at two, but hasn’t quite been the same so far at three. This is good spot to show more.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Scott Zeron 2 over 8
Top Contenders 8-7-1-2
