by Al Cimaglia
October 13, 2024
Northfield Park finishes off Championship Weekend with another 15-race card. The All-Stakes Pick 4 starts in Race 8. It has a $20,000 guaranteed pool with a 12% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8 (8:34 PM EST)
1-Sir Maverick (4-1)-Camera shy 3-year-old is worth a swing as the chalk draws outside, and this gal has been facing strong competition. Probably lacks the speed to protect the rail but Kayne Kaufman is the usual pilot, and he can provide a smooth journey.
6-Beaueastel (7/5)-Winner of 3 races in 4 starts at Nfld and should have her way with this crew if the trip isn't bumpy. If dialed on high the post draw probably shouldn't matter.
Race 9 (8:56 PM EST)
4-Genetic Edge (5-1)-The Tyler Rush pupil is in fine form and with this post draw should be heard from. Brett Miller could leave and drop into the pocket behind the morning line choice.
6-Calypso Peal (7/5)-In the last 10 races the Christie Noble trainee has finished 1st five times and 2nd five times. Dan Noble won't do anything fancy, there's no need. He will leave in a hurry, get on the point, and could make every call a winning one.
Race 10 (9:18 PM EST)
2-She's Spicy (6-1)-This will be the 2nd time for Lasix, gets a new set of hands in Aaron Merriman, and raced better in the last race at Lex. Should be a solid price and maybe trainer Per Engblom has this gal pointed in the right direction.
3-Hot Tea (6-1)-Will fade the 8/5 morning line favorite #6, Justasiam AS and take a swing with this Vigil Morgan filly. Hasn't had a great year, but its trainer is hot and had a nice Saturday night. Does have a lot of half-mile experience, and is another price shot to consider.
4-Westfiftyfive (5/2)-Could try to get on the engine in this spot, with the post edge on the favorite. Should offer a fair price and is a player but needs Chris Page to provide a sharp steer.
Race 11
5-Downbythedanceclub (7/2)-Missed almost 2 months after 2 lame scratches. Qualified nicely on 9-3 and then had a sharp win at Dela on 9-16. There are question marks but is a main player if fully ready to bring a top try.
6-What An Ocean View (6-1)-The Burke pupil has won 2 of 4 at Nfld but recent form has been dull. Will shoot against the morning line chalk #3 and take a swing here. Has the gate speed to get the jump on others and has won 6 of 18 races this year.
8-Nine One Oh Six (7-1)-Here is another price shot to consider and has an abundance of gate speed. Winning the last start at Nfld from the rail going gate to wire on 10-6 doesn't guarantee success tonight. This will be much more difficult, no doubt, but not impossible. The game plan is obvious and hopefully won't be over bet.
$1.00 All-Stakes Pick 4
1,6/4,6/2,3,4/5,6,8
Total Bet=$36
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