by Al Cimaglia
January 15, 2023
Northfield Park has a 14-race card ready to go and the $1.00 Late Pick 4 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-Alan (7/2)-Wasn't any match for a well-meant winner in last and missed a start before that outing. Should be bet here and is 0-19 on an off-track. Can be a major player on a dry surface and return to winning ways.
6-Don't Take My Keys (9-1)-Was caught behind stalled cover and went 3 wide to get on even terms with the leader but couldn't get his nose in front at the wire. Was off 3 weeks before the last race, might be driven more aggressively and could leave.
Race 12
1-Tookadiveoffdipper (9/2)-Was used a couple of times and was no match for the 2/5 chalk, who was a strong winner. Did finish off the mile nicely. Should be no worse than in the pocket after the wings fold and could trip out.
2-Just Bookem (5/2)-Was used hard to brush up before the 1/2 to get the lead and comes out of the same race as the one above. The fractions were quick and it took its toll down the lane. Looks like a main player and should get a less taxing journey.
Race 13
3-Bronx Seelster (2-1)-Comes off a sharp Nfld debut and could be better after a race over the oval. Wrenn can land the Burke trainee on the point or in the 2 hole and either can work for another picture.
4-One Last Laugh (3-1)-There is gate speed inside and this 6-year-old drops out of the Opens and might be bet down. Myers may leave or duck and then make an early move to get on the point. Should relish the company but may need to be leading turning for the wire to win.
Race 14
4-Barn Hall (8/5)-Went off at 1/9, couldn't last on the lead and finished 2nd. Moves up in class, Merriman takes the lines and is the 8/5 morning line chalk. Was recently facing Open Handicap company so should fit well with this crew. The same could have been said on 1-10 but either way it's hard to not include. For those who want to shoot against, this 5-year-old is 0-7 at Nfld.
5-Long Live The King (5-1)-Here is a veteran who has won 25 of 97 starts at Nfld. Recent form has been dull but has been facing tougher. Probably will be racing near the top of the stack and could offer some value.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
2,6/1,2/3,4/4,5
Total Bet=$16
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