The Big M closes out 2022 with a 14-race card. The feature goes in Race 6, a Claiming Handicap Pace with a $19,000 purse. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 also starts 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

2-Ostro Hanover (3-1)-Yonkers invader has made only 11 starts this year and this will be the 5th race since coming off the bench. Faded in last but should be in the mix and this post draw can help. Will lean here over other shippers who haven't had a race over this surface.
5-Arrhythmic Surge (5-1)-Should fit well with this group. Has only 1 win in 16 Big M starts but that came in a lifetime mark of 151. Makes the 3rd start off the bench and could be sitting on a big try.
6-Ballerat Boomerang (9/2)-Engblom pupil has hit the board in 11 of 21 at M1 with 4 pictures and should battle with this crew. Mark Mac grabs lines on this Yonkers shipper and should be forwardly placed throughout.

Race 7

3-High Baller (3-1)-The Alexander barn keeps rolling and Brennan should have this 4-year-old racing near the top of stack. Does good work here and should be in the hunt at the wire.
4-Reinging Deo (6-1)-Will assume there will be some lively fractions and if so, chances for success go up. Stratton can work a stalking trip and be the best down the lane. Hasn't won at M1 (0-7) but this race could set-up nicely for another Alexander trainee.

Race 8

2-Shvaiko (5-1)-Stayed inside in the 1st start since 7-4 which was at this class and caught a shuffle. Did pace a quick mile (151.3) and finished with a 26.4 last quarter. Jimmy Pants takes the lines, and he knows this 5-year-old who has 3 wins in 11 Big M races.
5-Speedy Dominic A (3-1)-Dom is basically a 1-move type and at this class Joe B could work a successful trip. Should be able to get the top but holding a lead can be an issue.

Race 9

1-Ocean Colony (12-1)-Not loving the Yonkers shippers in this race so will look for some value and Zeron should keep this veteran in play. Can race close to the lead and use one brush down the lane to sweep by. Has hit the board in 29 of 63 at M1 with 10 wins.
5-Bobcat Bay (3-1)-Not loving the short price but the Smith barn has posted 45% winners in the last 30 days. Stratton has options, could look to come off a helmet but has the speed to leave for a good seat. Versatile 5-year-old looks like a player.
10-Dontpassme Hanover (8-1)-This is the 3rd race off the bench and it won't be easy from post 10. But there aren't any monsters in this field and does drop. Paced a 150.3 mile in its 1st start back with a 26.2 last panel. Needs a trip but will take a swing at what should be a nice price.

0.50 Early Pick 4

2,5,6/3,4/2,5/1,5,10
Total Bet=$18

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