Northfield Park has a 15-race card scheduled. The feature goes in Race 11, an Open Handicap Pace with an $18,000 purse. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 also starts in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11

2-One Last Laugh (7/2)-Winner of >$197,000 in 2022 is usually in the hunt at this class especially when starting from the inside. Best to respect, should be on the point or in the pocket after the wings fold.
6-Rockn Motion (4-1)-Was chasing a 1/5 shot in last who was driven by Wrenn and he returns to steer this Burke trainee. Got caught behind dull cover and wasn't catching the winner anyway. Should get a different trip and there won't be a 1/5 shot in this race.

Race 12

1-Palomar (8/5)-This is a soft spot for the program chalk and it could be a drop and pop situation. But can't completely trust this 8-year-old after going 3-39 last year, and this is only the 2nd Nfld start. Should be better in the 2nd race on this surface but offers no value.
3-My Friend Mel (5-1)-Raced well against better and also drops to a spot to shine. The Roegner barn has posted 29% winners over the last 30 days and this beaten odds-on chalk could make amends tonight.
6-Nvrfearlloydishere (5/2)-Like the others above this 9-time winner in 2022 is dropping in search of the top prize and should relish the company. Merriman may need to be on the lead turning for the wire to take a picture and that scenario could set-up here.

Race 13

3-Smoking Jet (9/5)-This 6-year-old gelding from the Burke stable does well versus Open company and has banked over $338k in 95 starts. This will be the 1st race here since the fall when he rattled off a couple of wins. Back class should show and appears to be a clean trip away from his 15th win in 26 starts at Nfld.

Race 14

1-Seaside Meditation (3-1)-Recent form has been dull, last time was on an off-track and doesn't do well on wet surfaces. Tough to swallow the short price, the barn has been cold and has been camera shy. May land in the pocket behind #5, who should be the main threat, and trip out.
5-Officer Wholihan (5/2)-Couldn't catch a well-meant winner at this class on 12-28. Merriman may get the top and play catch me if you can. Looking at a short price, but this is a suspect field and has a pilot who knows how to win this kind of race.
7-Devil Or Angel (9/2)-Tharps takes the lines and the last time he steered it was an aggressive attempt. Left with a 26.2 opening quarter from post 3 and faded badly but had missed a start. Will look for a sharp steer in a real taffy pull.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

2,6/1,3,6/3/1,5,7
Total Bet=$18

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