by Al Cimaglia
July 9, 2023
Northfield Park has a 15-race program with the headliners being 2-year-old Ohio breds competing in Sires Stakes action. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a low 14% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
4-My Friend Mell (8-1)-Price shot starts from a much better post than others who can challenge for top honors. Sherman could land on the point off the gate and that puts this 6-year-old in play.
8-Zanetti (9/2)-The post is a concern but has enough gate speed to get a decent seat. Went off as an odds-on choice versus better in last from post 7. Needs the right trip but faces easier and Merriman is at the controls.
9-Just Bookem (2-1)-This 8-year-old has become camera shy. But will use on the drop because the #1 & #2 have some gate speed, could follow and get away in decent position.
2-She's Spicy (3-1)-Per Engblom freshman ships in from M1 after a couple of tune ups. Wrenn gets the nod and will respect the connections that she will be okay on the turns.
4-Sister Wives (9/2)-Raced better at ScD after trying hopples. Now the trainer hands the lines to Myers and will look for the upswing to continue with the addition of trotting hopples and a positive driver change.
6-Kaminari (7-1)-Trevor Smith qualified the Chris Beaver pupil 3 times and she looks ready to compete. Could land in a good spot and might offer a nice price.
1-Later Dudes (9/5)-Ships in from ScD and should fit with this crew. Has hit the board in 7 of 11 here with 5 pictures.
2-Dragon City (4-1)-Went off at 8/5 and beat the Open II company handily on 7-2 at odds of 8/5. Should offer a better price tonight. The Bendis trainee looks versatile, could win coming off cover or by getting on the engine.
5-Camouflage Money (7-1)-Caught the speed to take pictures in 2 of the last 3 starts. There should be a few who will leave hard, the 4-year-old is in fine form, and this race could set-up nicely.
3-Eye Ofa Tiger As (2-1)-This veteran wins its share versus Open Handicap company and could top this kind with an inside post draw. Davis Jr will probably have the pedal down and could be difficult to catch if lands on the point in efficient fashion.
5-Shine All The Way (6-1)-Looking for a price and not going to use the 2nd program chalk #7. Page could leave and land in the pocket behind the one above and knows how to win. Has done good work at Nfld (36-11-5-8) and could make some noise in the 1st start here since mid-May.