By Dave Brower, Meadowlands Handicapper — Early Double Analysis –– Saturday, July 10, 2021
Race 1
1 PIRATE HANOVER – Having a little trouble negotiating these higher non-winners classes, but at least he’s picking up checks! Not bad. Gets another inner post to stalk the action. This is a pretty good bunch he’s tackling. Needs more.
2 KOMODO BEACH – Didn’t really take a very aggressive try from that outer post last week, even though he was Todd’s choice that night. This is a better post, but a tougher field. So, what do we do? I guess I’ll let him beat me, IF he can.
3 ALWAYS A MIKI – One of a few in here that opted NOT to tackle the Pace elims. Perhaps good decisions? It’s been a while since we saw this Miki on the bigger track. He likes it here. This is good spot to regain some confidence.
4 LOU’S PEARLMAN – Lou really hasn’t impressed all that much this season, even after that superb qualifier back in the spring. Oh well. The Burke Brigade have two in the Pace elims, so no need to put this one in. Let’s see if he wakes up.
5 BAYFIELD BEACH – Another one that was pointing towards the Pace, but he did miss some critical prep time there in mid-May to mid-June. Maybe he got sick? Regardless, he is a VERY nice horse and I like this spot. Could be Nancy 1-2. Trainer: Raced super his last start. His attitude is definitely getting better. Hopefully, he continues to improve.
6 BETTER TAKE IT – Turned in a much better second local try here last week. He charged home strongly! 25.4 and other strong last quarters in just about every race. But, if there’s no pace up front, will he be close enough? Good question.
7 BILLY CLYDE – Mark Mac put Billy in a pretty good spot last week. It just didn’t work out at the end. A few of them had traffic issues in there. Moves back outside to complicate matters further. Will just have to find more to get up and win.
8 HIGHLANDBEACHSBEST – He was good enough to make the Messenger final and then got no love from the post gods, and never really had a chance. This could be different, but Scotty would have to send him. Not sure about that.
DRIVER CHOICES: None
Top Contenders 5-3-6-7
Race 2
1 HAMPTONS BABE – Just the second foal from $3.5 million earner Anndrovette. Her half-sis Nashville Elgenna won a stakes last week and already has mark of 51 and change. Looked great down at the farm. All systems on go!
2 JUST DIVINE – Huntsville has made good impression as first-crop sire. This daughter is by mare that banked over $880K. Her first foal. Made a nice comeback after the skip at farm few weeks ago. They may take it easy with her.
3 GOTTHEGREENLIGHT – Can’t fault this lass and her great debut here in the home grown. She had to work a little to earn it, but love to see fillies dig in like that and want to win. She will only get better with experience in this barn.
4 JOYRIDE HANOVER – Looks like Eddie Dennis has a very nice filly here! He took her to Philly first, which was big sign of confidence. Then blew by the field in first real start at home base in Del. She’s running into good ones here. More?
5 BOUDOIR HANOVER – Another power-packed pedigree, in a race full of well-bred gals! Her dam made just over a million, and this is her first foal. That’s why she cost a few bucks to bring home from Harrisburg. Barn’s got two in, and I don’t know yet which one is better. A Mac did have the choice.
6 VALAR DOHAERIS – That really wasn’t a bad debut here, all things consider. She only had one baby race, but showed up and paced in 53. She will get better, and faster, but will it be enough in this wicked-good field? I’m not so sure.
7 BEAUTIFUL CANDY – In a race like this, it’s tough to like them all. This lass seems like the odd man out, from this tough post She’s going to need an easier spot somewhere down the road.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Andy McCarthy 1 over 4,5
Yannick Gingras 2 over 6
Top Contenders 1-3-5-4
