The Meadowlands has a loaded 14-race card, and the headliner goes in Race 10, the Dave Brower Memorial Open Pace. The race was renamed after Dave's sudden passing last October. Dave's gone but not forgotten and he was a big part of harness racing coverage in general and at the Meadowlands. Unfortunately, I didn't know Dave well. But there was never a time I asked a harness racing question or for a recommendation on a New Jersey restaurant that he didn't quickly respond. Dave was a genuine guy that you never heard a bad word about.

The 0.50 Early Pick 4 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 (8:25 PM EST)

2-Jiggy Jog S (7/5)-This top 4-year-old meets a champion 5-year-old in Bella Bellini and my lean will be to the younger lady. The Ake Svanstedt trainee has won both starts this year and made it look easy. If recent form holds true, she should be taking her 3rd picture this season.

Race 7 (8:50 PM EST)

6-Kobe's Gigi (15-1)-Grace Hill has been a winning machine but my play will be to spread and shoot against her at a track where she has won "only" 25% of her starts (16-4-4-1). This Nifty Norman trainee has a decent post and needs a trip but can compete it dialed on high. This will be the 3rd race off a sick scratch and will overlook the last start from post 9. Has won 2 of 4 here and gets a new set of hands in Brian Sears.
7-Treacherous Dragon (6-1)-Raced wide into a wicked pace and that didn't work in the last start at Wbsb versus Grace Hill. Dexter Dunn should be looking to get on the point and has hit the board in 14 of 16 at M1 with 4 wins.
9-Test Of Faith (3-1)-Makes her season debut and it will be the 2nd start on Lasix. The post is a challenge but can win from out here with a slick steer and if can be put in play off the gate.
11-Silver Label (9/2)-The Nick Gallucci trainee has been racing well and finished 2nd to Treacherous Dragon and Grace Hill in the last 2 starts. The 11-hole is no bargain but could get away with a close-up seat as Yannick Gingras on the rail horse is likely to leave hard to protect position. This will be its M1 debut and does good work at Wbsb racing near the top of the stack.

Race 8 (9:15 PM EST)

2-Bella Macchiato (9/2)-Has posted a win and a 2nd place finish in 2 starts in East Rutherford. Dunn should have this filly on the point or close to it throughout. Could make the most of starting inside of the morning line choice with the right trip.
8-Bond (6/5)-The race will probably need to go through this filly even from the 8-hole. Team Svanstedt entry has won 8 straight, dating back to last year. Could march to the top and not look back.

Race 9 (9:40 PM EST)

3-It's Academic (2-1)-Likes the Big M winning 9 of 23 starts and should get a cozy trip with this post draw. Could get some revenge on 4-Venerate who hasn't raced since 5-13.
4-Venerate (5/2)-Changed to the Marcus Melander barn in November after a $410,000 sale and is a perfect 1-1 this year. Beat the one above and below in the Cutler on 5-20 at M1 on a sloppy track. Qualified on 6-17 and looked good so will assume all systems are go.
5-Rattle My Cage (6-1)-Will look for a price and comes off a good try in the Cutler to finish 3rd. Tim Tetrick takes the lines and has won 7 of 22 here. Draws a choice post and should be a player if brings a top try.

0.50 Early Pick 4

2/6,7,9,11/2,8/3,4,5
Total Bet=$12

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