The Meadowlands closes out the calendar year with a 14-race card. The Early 0.50 Pick 4 starts in Race 6. The challenging sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6

1-Cool Blues Man (7/2)-Was bet down to 3/2 in the 1st start for the Jen B barn and had a decent effort. Faded down the lane after being used hard to get the top. Fits with these, Hanners takes the lines and looking for a more efficient trip tonight.
7-Luck N Roll K (9/2)-Tries hard but keeps drawing to the outside. Should get a good early seat and might be overlooked at the windows. Has hit the board in 16 of 33 Big M races with 6 wins and should be a factor with a sharp steer.
8-Mindtrip (3-1)-Was used hard in last from post 9 and cashed a 3rd place check. Makes the 1st start in the Davis barn and does very good work at M1. Has won 15 of 46 starts here and looks like a main player.

Race 7

2-Rockin Panda (6-1)-Steps-up but fits and has more wins at the Big M than anyone in the field except for #7. Panda should be racing near the top of the stack and could trip out a solid price.
5-Nesh Cruiser (12-1)-This 9-year-old is making only its 3rd M1 start but shows good efforts on the big track at VD. Willing to use at the morning line price and Dobson has options on how the trip could play out.
9-Watchmeneighneigh (7/2)-Not in love with the morning line price but knows how to win at M1 (29-6-4-3). Marcus Miller will take a seat and has the speed to be in the mix. Best to not overlook versus this crew despite the post draw.

Race 8

2-War Dan Delight N (9/2)-Has been in the hunt versus better on 1/2-mile ovals on the East coast and now makes its M1 debut. There isn't much form in this field and this camera shy 6-year-old is in a spot for a rare win. The Harmon barn is posting 27% winners over the past 30 days.
4-Big Sweep Osborne (3-1)-Will toss last at Phl and usually gives an honest effort at the Big M. This is a soft spot and could be sitting on a big try.

Race 9

1-Lachie Maguire N (12-1)-Drops and should like the company. May surprise at a price if Zeron can be in striking range at the top of the lane.
5-Bet Ninteen (7/2)-Has the gate speed to get on the point or land in the pocket and either trip could work to snag the 13th win this year. The Guagliardo barn has won 5 of 10 starts over the past 30 days and this Betting Line 3-year-old looks like a major player.

0.50 Early Pick 4

1,7,8/2,5,9/2,4/1,5
Total bet=$18

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