Northfield Park has a 15-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a low 14% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 11 (9:40PM EST)
1- Joelsyy Hanover (7-1)-This level is a test for many in the field and this 6-year-old is no exception. Looking for Kurt Sugg to get the Millner trainee rolling off the gate and to be quick enough to land in the pocket. Could surprise at a price if that happens.
2- Thornbush Hanover (4-1)-Went off at 2/5 and raced like it on 6-9 drawing off by >3 lengths. Takes a good jump up to race at this level, so it is not automatic. But Aaron Merriman will likely land on the point and control the mile. Looks like a double-up possibility, and hopefully won't be bet hard.
8- Lake Charles (6-1)-Drops to a spot to shine but has to cope with the 8-hole and the one above getting the jump when the wings fold. Did take a picture on 4-7, the last time in this cheap, and might have the best gate speed in the field. It won't be easy, but at this price will use and not risk being a ticket buster.
Race 12 (10:02PM EST)
4- Soutwind Amazon (1-1)-Drops, Ronnie Wrenn gets the call, and there is no inside gate speed. The old-timer has a lot of things in his favor and will rely on the 14-year-old to bring a top effort tonight.
Race 13 (10:24PM EST)
2- Herecomescharlie B (4-1)-My guess is this veteran will be better than 4-1 at post time. Willing to take a swing there is a cozy trip coming. If that happens, could surprise and has done good work at Nfld (54-10-6-8).
7- Joggingtothebank (5/2)-Gets a post edge that could be a winning difference over #8. Merriman will have his foot through the floorboard when the wings fold. If he lands on the point without much strain, it could lead to the 3rd win in the last 4 starts.
8-Don't Take My Keys (6-1)-Cashes a lot of checks but hasn't been stringing wins together. Needs some racing luck from out here but if the pace is quick good things could happen. Need to use at the morning line price, and doesn't have to lead every step of the way to win.
Race 14 (10:46PM EST)
1- Catch Me Conrad (9/2)-Finished a good 2nd on 6-2 at this level. Then put in a start at an Ohio Fair and suffered broken equipment. Draws the rail and now Merriman arrives on the scene. Looks like a solid play but not seeing the morning line price holding up.
3- Incredible Man (5/2)-Tried to get on the engine and not look back. That plan worked for a while but slowed to a crawl in the late going. Drops to a nice spot to post a win and should be a main player.
9- Dealt A Winner (4-1)-Classy veteran gets stuck with the 2nd tier after winning its last 3 starts, but it could work out. Should get away with a close-up seat following #1 off the gate. Best to respect chances to continue taking pictures, there is little doubt Merriman will be out and rolling from the word go.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
1,2,8/4/2,7,8/1,3,9
Total Bet=$27
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