Tonight, the Meadowlands has a 14-race program featuring Eliminations for the Valley Victory Trot, the Governor's Cup Pace, and the Three Diamonds Pace. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6

1-Combustion (7/2)-Pelling pupil has not won on a big oval except for the Red Mile but tonight could be the time. Todd McCarthy should have this 2-year-old in striking range turning for the wire.
6-Voukefalas (6-1)-Won a couple of big money stakes here and has hit the board in all 5 Big M starts. Stratton may leave hard, has the gate speed to land on the point at a square price and may not look back.
7-El Rey (5-1)-Speedy Alagna trainee liked the red clay in Lexington and now will face a tough group. Comes off a sharp qualifier and my guess is the price will be higher than the morning line. If the fractions are hot Zeron could be stalking and rolling late.

Race 7

3-Handlelikeaporsche (6/5)-Lazarus 2-year-old comes off a nice win in the slop and does good work at M1 (5-2-3-0). Dunn should be racing near the top of the stack and is a main player.
6-Save America (3-1)-Gingras may try to leave and control the mile. Faded down the lane in last but was used off the gate and was off 3 weeks before that start. Should be tuned up and ready for a big try in a chalky race.

Race 8

1-Bella Bellini (2-1)-The morning line chalk #7 may get challenged if Svanstedt wants the point early in the mile. Dunn should be close and stalking. After the dust clears this gal can be cranked up and rolling down the lane.
3-It's Academic (6-1)-Has only 2 wins this year but comes off 150.1 score versus Preferred company. Dave Miller could get an early lead and be on top or in the pocket. Should be a price worth playing and could trip out.

Race 9

2-Cultured (7/2)-Raced a close 3rd in the Kindergarten Final after coming 1st over around the last turn to finish just behind a 1/5 shot. Has raced at M1 three other times and took pictures in each race. Gets a post edge on some of the tougher foes, best to respect.
10-Strong Poison (3-1)-Has had 9 races since August 2 and has finished either 1st or 2nd in every start except coming 3rd in the Breeders Crown Final. Gingras may not land on top off the gate, but he should get a nice seat. The post makes the price and could beat this bunch despite the 10-hole if the trip is smooth.

0.50 Early Pick 4

1,6,7/3,6/1,3/2,10
Total Bet=$12

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