by Al Cimaglia
October 25, 2021
Northfield Park has a 14-race card slated for tonight with the first post at 6:00 PM EST. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 11. That sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 11
2-Uncle Reimus (7-1)-This is the 2nd start since a sick scratch, gets post relief, and drops. Has enough gate speed to be on the point or in the pocket and should offer a solid price.
3-Andale Andale (6-1)-Beat better than this on 9-12 and should relish the company. Like #2, has the gate speed to be forwardly placed. Does its best work racing near the top of the stack.
7-Diesel Accelerator (7/2)-Comes off an even effort at DTN from post 8 but did pace the back half in 54.3. This 5-year-old likes to win (8-33) in 2021. Merriman needs to provide a sharp steer from this post and could have the pedal down. This is a pilot who knows when to push the button at the right time. Could win getting on the point early on or coming off cover.
Race 12
1-Stonebridge Gamble (9/2)-Drops into a more comfortable spot and drawing the rail shouldn't hurt. Can be forwardly placed and might be overlooked at the windows.
2-Next Woman Up (9/2)-Wrenn returns, and he has had success in the past. This mare fits and takes a meaningful drop. Could get on the engine and not look back.
8-Fashion Chocolate (8-1)-Will take a swing for a price with a veteran that knows how to win. Was on the bench since 7-23 and wired the field from post 4 last week. Steps-up but if dialed on high has the gate speed to get a good early seat. Best to respect, barn is batting 33% winners over the last 30 days and this 9-year-old has won 35 of 121 at NFLD.
Race 13
3-Executive Dash N (9/2)-Makes 2nd start off a claim for the Farmer barn and drops into a spot to shine. Speedy 7-year-old has won 13 of 36 this year and 14 of 41 at Northfield. Looks like a main player tonight.
9-Missile J (5/2)-Drew off by over 6 lengths in the 1st start for the Robinson barn as an odds-on choice. Wrenn will be back between the pipes and will need to be sharp from the 2nd tier. Has been off 2 weeks and not crazy about the short price but this 8-year-old paced in 150.2 in last after being off 3 weeks.
Race 14
4-Cheyenne Jeffrey (4-1)-Tossing last from post 8, before that cashed checks versus better than this crew. Needs an efficient trip and the morning line could be low. Should offer a decent price in a race without a standout.
7-Matt's Choice (9-1)-Has had lameness issues but has raced well in the last 3 starts. Raced from the back on 10-4 and paced the 2nd half in 56.1 to come a close 2nd. Should be in the hunt if Grismore can provide a sharp steer.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
2,3,7/1,2,8/3,9/4,7
Total Bet=$36
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