The Meadowlands has an 11-race card. The headliners are the Graduate Series Finals for Trotters and Pacers and both races have a $230,000 purse. Also, the Meadowland Pace Eliminations roll in Races 7 & 8. The 0.50 Pick 4 starts in Race 8, it has a $50,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8 (9:22 PM EST)

2-McCrunch (8-1)-Just missed in last by a nose against older and Nancy Takter should have the Captain Crunch colt primed for a big try. Does good work at M1 (6-5-1-0). Doesn't have the pedigree or resume of some others and didn't race at 2. But Yannick Gingras will have him forwardly placed and his best race might be good enough to surprise at a nice mutuel.
5-Nijinsky (5/2)-Has been facing top competition and has won 5 straight. Deserved all of those wins and the talented, versatile colt is the one to beat. The only question mark is the Mohawk invader has never raced at the Big M.
6-Funtime Bayama (3-1)-My view was this 3-year-old raced better than the line looked when it finished 3rd in the NA Cup. Likes to race on the lead and will be making its 1st start for the Andrew Harris barn after a private sale. Can down this group with the right trip. Dexter Dunn needs to race at the top of the stack and not get bottled up down the lane. If so, he could reward the new owners with a big payday at first asking.

Race 9 (9:48 PM EST)

2-Chapercraz (10-1)-Raced well to come 2nd to the 5-Winner's Bet in a quick mile (149.3). The Burke trainee is 0-9 at M1 and 0-9 on the year, usually that wouldn't attract my allegiance. But this is 2nd time Lasix, could improve from the last start and may win off a suck-around trip.
3-Hasty Bid (3-1)-The Takter entry has looked great in the Graduate series and has won easily in the last 2 starts. JMac, the usual pilot should work another efficient trip and if so would be tough to down.
5-Winner's Bet (2-1)-Has won both Graduate Series races rather easily like the one above. Has a big chance tonight, benefits from being more versatile than others. Has gone off as a big odds-on choice in the last 2 races, will be bet again and won't offer any value.

Race 10 (10:14 PM EST)

1-Huntinthelastdolar (3-1)-Worked to get on the point last week but was put into the pocket by #9-Ken Hanover and they finished that way. The beaten chalk has a clear plan in mind. Gingras will be looking to make every call a winning one. The pedal will be down until he hits the wire or runs out of gas.
6-Voukefalas(9/2)-The Mike Russo 4-year-old has hit the board in 17 of 20 at M1 with 9 pictures. That said, often seems to leave me wanting more. Does have the ability to get the jump on some who drew inside. Recent form has been fine but my gut says a large effort is coming at a square price.

Race 11 (10:40 PM EST)

6-Oakwood Ardan IR (2-1)-The program chalk has been dominant at the Big M winning 9 of 10 starts and missing by a neck in the other race. Comes into this off a rough start finishing 5th after drawing the 8-hole at Mohawk in the Gold Cup and has been idle since 6-15. Can close like a jet and Todd McCarthy should have in striking range at the top of the lane.
7-It's My Show (4-1)-Comes off a sharp try in a race that Scott Zeron may have not been overly concerned with winning. Was used hard into a 26.1 opening quarter to land on top. Then stayed inside in a quick mile and rallied nicely to finish 2nd with a 26.1 final panel. Hasn't had 2 strong starts in a row this year, but will look for that tonight and has the gate speed to be put in play early on.

1.00 Pick 4

2,5,6/2,3,5/1,6/6,7
Total Bet=$36

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