The Meadowlands has a giant 14-race card loaded with big money stakes. The signature event at the Big M, the Meadowlands Pace rolls in Race 11, and it has a $650,000 purse. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 8 it has a $100,000 guaranteed pool, and will be my focus.
There is still time to register for the Hit and Split Promo at the Meadowlands. The two Pick 4's are races (8-11) and (11-14) and in each sequence, 500,000 1st Reward Points will be split among those who have a winning Pick 4 ticket.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8 (9:19 PM EST)
5-Highland Kismet (8/5)-The Father Patrick 3-year-old has won 4 straight and 5 of 6 lifetime despite not racing as a 2-year-old. The only blemish was in its 2nd start which came after a sick scratch. Finished 2nd by a half-length that night after leaving from the rail and being 8th by 11 lengths at the 1st call. The Mark Etsell trainee has big speed, owning a 151.3 mark at Mohawk. Also, finishes off miles with strong last quarters. T C I is a big time threat, but my chips will go on the 2nd morning line chalk. Bob McClure, his usual pilot is doing the steering. This will be its M1 debut and will single on the belief there won't be an issue with a different surface. If so, should be able to tackle the morning line favorite down the lane.
Race 9 (9:46 PM EST)
4-Bestfriend Volo (5-1)-Has been idle since 6-17 and then qualified nicely in 1.51 at M1 on 7-6. Scott Zeron takes the lines for Nancy Takter. Could be overlooked and has the gate speed to land on the point or in the pocket. Could add some pop to the sequence if fires hot off the bench.
7-Special Way (3-1)-Has come 2nd in the last 3 races and flew down the lane to finish 2nd by a nose in the Graduate. Started from the 9-hole in last and moving in 2 slots could be the winning difference. Tim Tetrick should be closer to the lead early on, and his hit the board in 7 of 8 at M1 with 3 pictures.
11-Winner's Bet (5/2)-This is another Takter pupil and is a perfect 3 for 3 this year. There is a little gate speed inside but not much from the rail horse. Still best to not overlook because Dexter Dunn could provide a super sharp steer.
Race 10 (10:13 PM EST)
1-Allywag Hanover (3-1)-Faded in the Brower but that was on a sloppy track and was off 4-weeks between starts. Trainer Brett Pelling should have the classy veteran primed for a big try. Likes to get on the engine and driver Todd McCarthy could make that happen.
4-Voukefalas (7/2)-When the Lazarus 4-year-old is dialed on high he can be very good as was the case when winning the Graduate last week. Jordan Stratton should be racing at the top of the stack and will look for the Mike Russo pupil to finish best of all again.
Race 11 (10:44 PM EST)
2-Funtime Bayama (7/2)-The Canadian standout raced gamely in last week's Elimination and was parked the mile. Nijinsky was better and didn't have an easy trip. This colt has high end talent but may not be as versatile as the program chalk. So, Dunn needs to work a smooth trip and push the button at the right time to take top honors. Should get a better trip this time and could be in close contact with Nijinsky throughout.
3-Nijinsky (2-1)-At first it seemed to made some sense to try to shoot against this very talented colt. Considering only 10 times in the past has a 3-year-old won both the NA Cup, and the Meadowlands Pace but that notion left my head quickly. The Anthony Beaton pupil can take a picture by making every call a winning or by coming off cover. Or, like last week could be wide much of the way and still cross the line first. Louie Roy should have this colt in play turning for home one way or the other. It's my guess Nijinsky and Bayama could be battling down the lane just like last week.
$2.00 Early Pick 4
5/4,7,11/1,4/2,3
Total Bet=$24
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