by Al Cimaglia
May 18, 2025
Northfield Park has a big 16-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)
1-Survivin Fire (4-1)-Ships back from ScD after being stuck with post 10 and that helped snap a 2-race win streak. Has a perfect 2 for 2 record at Nfld, could bounce back and take another picture here.
5-Anna Loves Bananas (2-1)-Leaving from post 7, got on the engine and went to the 3/4's in 1.23 at MVR and faded to lose by less than a length. Looking for an aggressive steer and to not burn much gas getting on the engine.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)
1-Irresistible Son (7-1)-Will toss last, lost all chance after being knocked out with an xi. Won the previous race versus this kind leaving from post 2 and taking charge early on. Should look to follow the same game plan.
2-Truly Unbelievable (2-1)-Went the back half in 57.3 last time to post a win in the same race as the one above. Loses Ronnie Wrenn but picks up Brett Miller. Odds on winner will be a small price, and the race will likely go through this mare.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)
4-Euphoria Rising (3-1)-Saw action on 4-14 at MVR and then qualified at ScD with a nice tune-up on 5-12. Those last efforts make this the 2nd chalk in race without much form. Using at what should be a square price and will look for Miller to being headed for the point off the gate.
6-Dancin Suzy (12-1)-Suzy steps-up to face tougher coming off a nice gate to wire score. Will take a swing at a price as Justin Irvine has gate speed to use to get a close-up seat. Needs the right trip but best to not dismiss.
Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)
4-Spaaaanzano (8/5)-Won at 1/5 in last and now faces Open Handicap company for the 1st time. Has hit the board in all 4 Nfld races and has taken 2 pictures. Aaron Merriman sticks and has good tactical speed. Gets a post edge on the 4 horses to the outside that are proven contenders at this level, and that could be the winning difference.
6-Cornstar (25-1)-Comes back from the Meadows, wasn't bet and lost all chance after breaking stride. Fits at this level and will use at a price with Brett Miller between the pipes. Has won 7 of 23 at Nfld and if the fractions are hot this mare could be the best down the lane.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
1,5/1,2/4,6/4,6
Total Bet=$16
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