by Al Cimaglia
January 15, 2022
Tonight, the Meadowlands has a 15-race card scheduled with the 0.50 Early Pick 4 beginning in Race 6. The 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-Mayhem Hanover (7/2)-Gets some needed class relief and was off almost a month before last week's start. Bartlett sticks and he should have the Cullipher trainee forwardly placed throughout.
5-As Always (5-1)-Engblom pupil is entered in the Mixed Sale at the Big M on Monday. This is a test but has been in sharp form and this 4-year-old should be dialed on high for another picture.
6-Walknafter Midnight (12-1)-Drop to a good level and should be rolling late. Looking for a lively pace and Callahan can have the 4-year-old in striking range to close fastest of all.
Race 7
2-Darlene Hanover (10-1)-Was off 3 weeks before the last start and raced better than the line looks. Did roll the back half in 55.3 and gets a positive driver change in Brennan. Could be overlooked at the windows and has hit the board in 4 of 11 at M1 with 2 pictures.
4-HL Revadon (5-1)-Comes off some even efforts but does get considerable class relief tonight. Likes the Big M hitting the board in 20 of 32 and has posted 7 wins. Could be sitting on big try at a fair price.
10-Double Account (8-1)-The post makes the price and did win here at this level on 12-18 from the 4 hole. Bartlett sticks and has the gate speed to get a good seat in a contentious affair.
Race 8
7-Belmont Major N (5-1)-Raced well in a needed start and this will be the 2nd time on Lasix. Zeron should have the pedal down and can be in the hunt at the wire. This is another entry in the Monday sale and could put on a good show tonight.
8-Mr DS Rock (2-1)-Winner of 2 straight and did beat the $90,000 claimers in last drawing off by over 3 lengths. Alexander entry falls into a spot to shine due to its TM rating. Can leave in a hurry and should be tough to beat with a smooth journey.
Race 9
4-Trump Nation (3-1)-Burke sends out a pair (4-7), both could be posing, and this is where Gingras chose to land. Has been battling hard and drops to a comfortable spot. Could get on the point and finally seal the deal.
6-The Bird Dance N (9/2)-Drops in the 2nd start since 11-24 and raced well last week rolling the 2nd half in 54.3. The Drennan barn is posting 29% winners over the past 30 days. Has had issues but comes right back in sequence here and was facing tough foes at Plainridge.
7-Put To Right (7/2)-Wasn't Gingras choice but has raced well in 2 of 3 local starts. Finished 2nd twice, then was stuck with post 9 and got parked the mile in the other M1 race. Joe B has steered here, and he could work a stalking trip to score a mild upset.
0.50 Early Pick 4
1,5,6/2,4,10/7,8/4,6,7
Total Bet=$27
Check me out on Twitter!