Northfield Park has a loaded 16-race card with their signature event, the $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie as the headliner. The main event rolls in Race 11 which also starts the $1.00 Late Pick 4. The field for the Battle is deep in talent and the sequence will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)

2-Bythemissal (2-1)-Made its season debut on 5-26, had the 8-hole in the Joe Auger Memorial at Phl and raced well but finished 5th. Ruthless Hanover finished first in 147.2, which is a great mile but not as good as last year's world record setting performance of 146.3. The point is, it wasn't a bad loss at all, and now Missal should be tuned up to post its 1st win of 2024. This race probably goes through the Ron Burke trainee who is a perfect 3 for 3 at Nfld.
3-Coaches Corner (12-1)-Per Engblom pupil is having a fine year and Jason Bartlett knows how to get the most out of him. Raced big in the Auger from post 7. Doesn't have great gate speed but seems to have a giant heart. Could surprise if the speed falters and Bartlett is in striking range. Is worth a swing at the morning line price, or close to it, and would use in gimmicks as well.
9-Desperate Man (4-1)-Will need to have some luck from the 2nd tier but the trip couldn't get much worse than in last. Raced huge in the Auger to get nosed out for 3rd after being parked 1st over just after the 1/4 pole. Didn't leave to protect position after starting from the rail and then pulled early but couldn't find a seat. In context Ruthless Hanover could be an odds-on choice in this filed with a reasonable post. So, it's best to not sleep on this 6-year-old who could land a decent seat and this time get a smooth trip.

Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)

2-Beautiful Seaside (9/2)-Recent form has been dull but this is a spot to wake up at a price. This will be the 3rd start since a sick scratch. Has hit the board in 2 of 3 at Nfld with 2 pictures. Chris Page can provide a winning trip with this post draw.
6-Delightful Act N (6-1)-Has been in fine form even after drawing the 8 and 9 holes in 2 of the last 3 races. Hunter Myers
has the gate speed to blast out and land on the point or be no worse than in the pocket. Expecting a square price and an aggressive drive.
8-Strong Poison (5/2)-This will be its Nfld debut and will probably be bet down even from the 8-hole. Will be seeking its 3rd straight after wiring Open company at Scioto. This is the best horse, and will probably be difficult to tackle if takes to the oval.

Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)

2-Racing For Three (5/2)-Draws well and is a perfect 3 for 3 at Nfld. Likes to win in general, has taken 5 pictures in 12 tries in 2024. Should be out and rolling from the word go and is a main threat if pilot Trevor Smith does his job.
7-Hey Hey Mama (10-1)-Has big gate speed and should be tight enough after being used hard in last. That was the 1st start after a sick scratch and does good work at Northfield (7-5-1-1).

Race 14 (!0:46 Pm EST)

4-Noble Dale (9-1)-Shipped in from Scioto and raced from the back. Raced wide, still finished well, and should be fully engaged tonight. Elliott Deaton can work an efficient trip and be in the hunt at the wire.
5-Magic By The Sea (5/2)-Went off at 1/5 at ScD, went to the half in 54.3 and faded badly. Can make amends here but hasn't won at Nfld in 4 races. Could beat this bunch with a top effort and hopefully won't be over bet.
9-Heerz Popeye (7-1)-Downed the program chalk #5 by almost 7 lengths from the 10-hole last time. Needs some luck from the 2nd tier but the rail horse could leave. Can double up at good price if gets off the gate in good shape.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

2,3,9/2,6,8/2,7/4,5,9
Total Bet=$54

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