The Meadowlands has a 14-race card with the 0.50 Early Pick 4 starting 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-Barrier (10-1)-Has only 1 win at M1 and that was 4 back with David Miller in the bike. Set a lifetime mark of 1.51 that night and the same pilot gets the nod here. Was used hard off the gate versus this kind and that didn't work for the beaten chalk. Moves in from post 6 and Miller can work a smoother trip.
6-Third Pillar (8-1)-This race could work well for a horse that comes from off the pace. Barton Dalious needs to stalk and be in reach of the leaders turning for the wire. Needs a good steer but has done good work at M1 (11-2-4-3).
9-Venturesome Arden N (5-1)-Left, then rallied from 3rd down the lane to take a picture. Could cash the top check again if Steve Smith can provide a similar trip from the same post.

Race 7 (8:50 PM EST)

4-Beach Vibes (10-1)-Interesting race with quite a few horses who are more smaller oval types. Loses George Brennan to #10 but Marcus Miller is the usual driver. Does step up but won its last by charging home in .55 and should not feel out of place in this field. Could get the top or land in the 2 hole off the gate and either can work for a picture.
8-Mind Hunter (5-1)-Per Engblom entry who was 11 lengths back at the 1st call and rallied to finish 4th. Did come the back half in 54.2 and now Jason Bartlett will be at the controls. Could leave and get a close-up seat and has won 3 of 9 in East Rutherford.

Race 8 (9:15 PM EST)

9-Mr Ds Rock (7/2)-Stayed in the pocket behind the other Alexander trainee and finished 2nd in a quick 150.2 mile. No one was beating Boiling Oar that night. But won't concede anything this time as this veteran is no slouch and looks like the biggest threat. Was off 2 weeks between starts and might be up to the challenge this time.
10-Boaling Oar (2-1)-Odds-on winner in last seeks its 3rd straight and this will be a challenge because of the post. But Oar is the only true $50k claimer in the race, and much of this field might have trouble winning a $30k claiming event. Need to use despite the bad post as his best will win again.

Race 9 (9:40 PM EST)

1-Ideal Feeling (10-1)-Drops, gets a positive driver change in Bartlett and makes the 2nd start for the Megan Scran barn. The veteran should make some noise versus this crew and has hit the board in 12 of 27 at M1 with 5 pictures.
4-Vintage Cheddar N (3-1)-Gets class plus post relief and the driver change to Jordan Stratton shouldn't hurt. This 9-year-old likes to roll late in the mile and has a driver who knows how to win with a well-timed move down the lane.
7-My Pal Joe (9/2)-Gets needed class relief and drops to the level of the last win on 12-9 against this kind. Left from post 10 that night and if Brett Beckwith can provide a sharp steer, it could be picture time again.

0.50 Early Pick 4

2,6,9/4,8/9,10/1,4,7
Total Bet=$18

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