by Al Cimaglia
March 2, 2025
Northfield Park has a 15-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with 14% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)
3-Pocket The Cash N (2-1)-Steps up after wiring the field in last and put in a new mark of 152.4 at the age of 9. Might be a lot to look for the same, but from this post should be in play to double up. Loses Merriman so that may help the price.
5-Commander Bob (6-1)-Will lean toward another who won with a sharp effort and now steps up. Will look for an aggressive drive from Tyler Angus. Does good work at Nfld and might fly under the radar tonight.
7-One Last Laugh (9/2)-This is the other Schillaci entry and Aaron Merriman will be at the controls. Will be blasting out and could take a picture if Merriman can steal a quarter.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)
2-Heavensdor Hanover (3-1)-Batavia shipper has performed well at Nfld against this kind. Merriman will have this veteran on top or in the 2 hole. Should be 1st or 2nd turning for the wire and looks like a logical top of the ticket candidate.
4-Swartz Bros Donna (6-1)-The last 2 races with Braden Rhoades in the bike have been very good. Will need a sharp steer again and a top try to win, but at this price needs to be on the ticket.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)
2-Old Town Road (5-1)-Could offer a square price as recent form has been dull. But the last 3 starts have been with outside post draws. Did beat this kind with Ronnie Wrenn between the pipes from the 2 hole on 1-26. This is another opportunity to do the same and has a big post edge on some tough foes.
8-Sure Thing Captain (5/2)-Odds-on winner steps up after drawing off by over 9-lengths. This won't be nearly as easy with the outside draw but does have very good gate speed. Merriman will be out and rolling for the top when the wings fold.
Race 14 (10:46 PM Est)
4-Barbados (2-1)-Stepped up to this level in last and put in a no-move mile from post 8. Trainer Cory Kreiser was steering and now hands the lines to Merriman, plus gets post relief. Could take a picture with a gate to wire effort or coming off cover and has won 5 of 15 at Nfld. Looks ready to add that total with a smooth trip.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
3,5,7/2,4/2,8/4
Total Bet=$12
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