by Al Cimaglia
February 24, 2024
Northfield Park has a 15-race card set to roll. 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.
Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)
2-My Red Sea (5/2)-Loses Ronnie Wrenn but has a post edge over some stronger foes and Chris Lems can do the job. Has good gate speed, which could make a winning difference, and lead to the 6th straight picture.
7-The Gypsy Queen IR (7/2)-Has been on quite a form spree winning 8 in row and now makes the 1st start for the Keith Kash barn. Has high-end gate speed and should be racing at the top of the stack when the wings fold. Might be dismissed after getting claimed from the Burke stable and will respect chances for another picture.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)
2-Gianna Grace (7-1)-Looks like a player at a solid price if avoids a sleepy start. Will look for Billy Davis Jr to light a fire, leave from this post and be in play from start to finish.
4-Male Man (6-1)-Camera shy 6-year-old gets the service of Ronnie Wrenn for the 2nd straight race. Should be a price in a field without much form and could benefit from an efficient trip.
7-Ellianna R (6-1)-Has been racing well, fits and could surprise at a solid price. If Hunter Myers can leave, land on top or in the 2-hole, chances for success go up. Needs to avoid a 1st over journey and is worth a swing.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)
2-Santastic Cruiser (5-1)-Has been trying hard and should offer a square price. Gets some needed post relief and Kurt Sugg can work a winning trip with the inside draw.
9-Quinndelynn (9/5)-Deserves to be the chalk but the 9/5 morning line seems a bit strong. Wrenn can get away with a close-up seat when the wings fold and the Burke trainee could benefit from the gate speed of the rail horse.
Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)
1-Tobins Secret (6/5)-The 10-year-old banked over $131k last year and drops to a soft spot. Hasn't taken a picture since back on 12-2 and may have finally met a beatable field.
2-Mainline Charmer (7-1)-Price shot got a rough trip in last which was the 1st start in the Kash barn after a claim. This mare knows how to win and should be in line for an efficient trip.
6-Diamondtequilashot (4-1)-Finished 2nd in a quick mile last week. Justin Irvine takes over for Aaron Merriman and could be overlooked. This pilot could find a live cover flow and be in the hunt at the wire.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
2,7/2,4,7/2,9/1,2,6
Total Bet=$36
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