The Meadowlands has an 11-race Sunday matinee card set to roll. The headliner comes in Race 8, a Preferred Pace with a $34,500 purse. The 0.50 Pick 4 also starts in Race 8. The sequence has a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8

6-Belmont Royale N (9/5)-This will be the biggest challenge for this New Zealand bred who is a perfect 3-3 at M1 and may have more to offer. Did miss a start but the 2 most logical contenders are #4 who was scratched sick on 1-16 plus hasn't raced since 12-17, and the one below.
7-American Dealer N (4-1)-Has been on the bench since 9-26 but tuned up with 2 sharp, quick qualifiers at M1 on 1-7 and 1-14. Joe B, who usually drives was aboard for those 2 races and picked here over #2. Could leave for position but can also close in a hurry. Should be tough to beat if dialed on high.

Race 9

5-Bank Sea (6-1)-This veteran has hit the board in 32 of 73 Big M races with 13 pictures. Team Cano entry drew well and is a one move horse. Could surprise at a nice price if the pilot provides a sharp steer.
9-Noch Ten (9/2)-This Auciello entry has the speed to beat this kind but was only 3-30 last year and has not connected for a picture in 6 tries here. Was better last week racing near the top of the stack, they went to the half in 53.4 and was 3-wide. Finished a beaten 3rd but held position, comes back at the same class and should be in the hunt.

Race 10

5-Bullvillekarla (3-1)-Got in a race at MR on 1-16 and that could help. Had been racing versus tougher here and now drops to a more comfortable level. Looking for a big try and did beat this kind from post 9 on 11-18.
6-Alkippe (5-1)-Comes off a win at Fhld versus cheaper and Andrew McCarthy is between the pipes. This 7-year-old Sweet Lou mare isn't easy to figure but did set a lifetime mark here in 151.1 last year. Should fit with this bunch and hoping the new pilot will make a difference.
8-Gottalovemyshadow (7/2)-David Miller will steer again after finishing 2nd on 1-13 at 7/5. This post helps the price and has the gate speed to be forwardly placed throughout. If could be picture time if lands on top or in the 2-hole without being used too hard.

Race 11

3-Guys In The Band (8-1)- Will look for a price in this taffy pully and if this Philly invader is tight enough he could surprise. Hasn't raced since 12-18 but was driven aggressively from post 7 in his 1-7 qualifier. Might look to wire this crew and if tight enough that could be a winning plan.
6-JK Will Power (2-1)-This 10-year-old is worth a long look but this is only the 2nd start since 9-12. Not crazy about the morning line price and has missed over a month since his 12-17 race. But has back class and could beat this crew if improves a bit off the last start.

0.50 Pick 4

6,7/5,9/5,6,8/3,6
Total Bet=$12