by Al Cimaglia
January 16, 2022
The betting feature at Northfield Park is the $1.00 Pick 5 which starts in Race 6. Due to a $17,166 carryover, there will be a $60,000 guaranteed pool, and the sequence will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
2-King Felix (3-1)-Broke in last as a 7/5 chalk versus better and Merriman sticks. Figures to be a major player but can't completely trust. Does go dancing every now and then.
4-Shine All The Way (5/2)-Recent form has been dull but races versus Open company and this is a good spot. Knows how to win and likes Nfld taking 9 pictures in 27 starts.
Race 7
1-Coxcomb (5-1)-Does best work racing near the top of the stack and from this post that can happen. Page takes the lines and has won 3 of 7 at Nfld.
5-Cocosfella A (2-1)-Broke in last in an Open Handicap and fits better here. Not in love with the short price but difficult to leave out.
7-Music Is Art (3-1)-Steps-up after winning as an odds-on favorite off a well rated trip. Merriman steers again and has had success at this level.
Race 8
6-Pure Chance (7/2)-Recent form hasn't been special but banked over a $132,000 facing Open company in 2021. Should be a threat with a decent steer from Thompson. Has hit the board in 13 of 17 here, with 6 wins.
7-Boo Thang (7-1)-Trip dependent 6-year-old can compete but needs some lively fractions. Davis could leave with this price shot to get a decent early seat and look to follow cover.
Race 9
3-Routhland (5-1)-Captaintreacherous 4-year-old has won 2 straight and has hit the board in 15 of 16 Nfld starts with 3 wins. Faces older and this will be a test. But could battle with this group and should offer a fair price. Will look to beat the program chalks (5-6).
4-Johnny Rockette (5-1)-Even effort versus this kind in last and now Merriman steers, which is ++ driver change. Draws well, has won at this level here and there aren't any crushers in this field.
Race 10
3-Angelo J Fra (7/2)-Draws inside and drops to a spot to shine. Kash could have this veteran dialed on high and should be in the hunt at the wire.
7-Catch Me Conrad (6-1)-Page grabs the lines and should enjoy the company. Six-year-old has won 27% of its lifetime starts and took 17 pictures last year. This smells like a drop and pop opportunity and the price should be right.
$1.00 Pick 5
2,4/1,5,7/6,7/3,4/3,7
Total Bet=$48
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