by Al Cimaglia
November 26, 2022
Tonight, marks the end of the Grand Circuit season and the Meadowlands has a 14-race, star studded card scheduled. There will be eight big money stakes which include the final race for the great Bulldog Hanover. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 10. The sequence has a $75,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 10
4-Bulldog Hanover (1/5)-Understandably this will be the last race for the amazing Bulldog Hanover, although I wish it weren't so. At the top of my list of all-time greats is Niatross and Somebeachsomewhere. Bulldog is in the conversation for all-time greats and with a clean trip he should post his 28th win in 36 starts. As has often been the case we will be watching the timer to see how fast Bulldog can go.
Race 11
4-Ammo (3-1)-Last week my take was this Joe Holloway trainee would race well but not win. The winner Combustion had a qualifier the week before, took advantage of a nice trip and was a little better down the lane. Dave Miller accomplished what was needed, and he usually seems to save something for a Final. Should be a bigger threat to win tonight with a recent start under his belt.
5-El Rey (6-1)-This is another who comes off a solid prep for the Final and was flying late with a 54.1 last half. Zeron will have this Alagna pupil cranked up a bit sooner and could catch the leaders if there is an honest pace. Looks worthy of a swing, should be a solid price and will use over Combustion (6) who tries Lasix for the 1st time.
Race 12
4-Mark Witha K (9/2)-Has raced near the top of the stack in both recent tries here but faded in the late going versus better. Should fit nicely with this crew and Miller can work a smooth trip from this starting sopt.
6-King Triton A (7/2)-Aussie invader was just edged out at the wire at PcD in his 1st US start. The Jen B trainee now tries Lasix for the 2nd time and shouldn't have any issues on the big track. Did post a 151.3 qualifier at M1 with a 26.4 last panel on 11-12.
7-Literl Lad Hanover (8-1)-Was behind a wall of horses down the lane last week and had nowhere to go. Drops to a more comfortable spot and Siegelman should be more aggressive. Came a close 2nd in 149.3 in the previous start and best to respect chances versus this group.
8-Rockin The Aces (3-1)-Has been in the hunt but couldn't close the deal versus better. This is another who drops to a spot to shine, and Dunn can have the 5-year-old in the mix at the wire.
Race 13
1-Control Heaven (7/2)-Lands in the softest spot in quite a while and was Tetrick's choice over the 2-6-8. Has sub 1.50 speed and my guess is the pedal will be down and will try to make every call a winning one.
3-Letsgotobrazil A (3-1)-This looks like the main player, has won 2 of 5 starts at M1 and can get the job done coming off cover. Won, then finished a close 2nd last week here and was the betting favorite in both starts. Todd McCarthy will steer again, won't offer any value but could be sitting on a big try.
0.50 Late Pick 4
4/4,5/4,6,7,8/1,3
Total Bet=$8
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