by Al Cimaglia
June 2, 2024
Northfield Park has a big 16-race card set to begin the week. 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)
4-One Last Laugh (6-1)-Cashes checks frequently but winning doesn't happen regularly. Gets a big post edge on the program choice and could be no worse than in the pocket after the wings fold. Should be there at the wire and may finally take its 1st picture since 3-24.
8-Birthday (2-1)-Gets handicapped with outside posts and has shown the ability to win when dealt that hand. There isn't a lot of gate speed in this filed, could get the top and not look back.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)
3-The Longest Yard (8/5)-Mohawk shipper has 1.50 and change speed on the 7/8's oval up North. Last raced on 5-25 so is put right in and may need a race to acclimate. Would like to fade, hasn't hit the board in 2 tries here. But has good gate speed and if handles the turns could land on the point and be difficult to tackle.
4-Beach Forecast (10-1)-Will look for a price in a race with a big chalk who may need a race on the oval. The Ciocca barn has been clicking and this 4-year-old drops to a more competitive level. Could land near the top of the stack and benefit from an efficient trip at a juicy price.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)
1-Not Today (4-1)-This is another Ciocca entry who could be in-line for a ground saving trip. Finished a nice 2nd from the 2nd tier in last versus this kind. Looks like a pocket ride is a good possibility.
3-Tremendous Play (9-1)-Gets needed class relief and draws inside which shouldn't hurt chances. Could get a cozy trip and at the morning line price is worth a swing.
6-Coop A Loop (9/5)-Has won at this level but will be a short price and needs the right trip to cash the top check. Ronnie Wrenn has the gate speed to get the top, and if that happens without much strain it could be picture time for the 6th time in 16 races.
Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)
4-Son of Sona (25-1)-This isn't an easy race to read and wanted to have someone with a decent draw on the ticket. Keith Kash Jr needs to provide a sharp steer but has won recently at this level while most have not. Will use at this price and fade #7 the 2-1 chalk who steps up off 2 straight wins.
8-Don't Take My Keys (9/2)-This veteran got on the engine and made every call a winning one. This won't be as easy, but the 6-year-old finds ways to win. Has won 12 of 52 at Nfld and recent form has been too good to leave off the ticket.
9-Shamrock (6-1)-Will look for Billy Davis Jr to follow #2 off the gate and then land in a good seat. Needs some luck but has proven to be competitive versus this kind and has a pilot who can provide a winning trip from the 2nd tier.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
4,8/3,4/1,3,6/4,8,9
Total Bet=$36
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