Northfield Park has a loaded 16-race card featuring Ohio Sires Stakes action. The headliner goes in Race 11, the 39th Battle of Lake Erie which has a $200,000 purse. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)

4-Desperate Man (3-1)-Raced great last year to rally in a huge way to finish 3rd in The Battle after breaking stride going into the first turn. Some of last year's miscue could have been caused by going too fast when making the turn after leaving from the 2nd tier. But, probably there was more to it. Not saying Coaches Corner caused the break but could have been part of the problem. Jason Bartlett was trying to dive over to the rail and his horse was rank into the turn. My point in bringing up last year is, with starting on the gate tonight there shouldn't be any issues going into the first turn. Matt Kakaley can get the top into the opening turn or soon after and then he will play catch me if you can.
5-Mossdale Ben N (4-1)-If things get too crazy and there is a contentious battle for the lead Ben could benefit the most. The hotter the fractions early on the better for this veteran. Also, keep in mind last year Little Rocket Man won coming from the back and the fractions were not spicy. The Peter Tritton trainee has no issues taking air, can keep grinding off a wide trip and will gobble up ground down the lane. Jordan Stratton is one of the best half-mile drivers in the game. He knows how to read a race and excels at being in position to roll by down the stretch.

Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)

2-Scrappys Love (2-1)-Races well at the top of the stack and with this post draw should land on the point. Not loving the short price but gets a post edge on a tough foe in #8 Battle Hill. Seems to be in a good spot to pick up its 2nd win in 5 starts at Nfld.
6-Long Highway (6-1)-This colt doesn't have the resume of others but likes to win and is in good form. Has come out on top in 2 of the last 3 starts. Should be a solid price and can juice up the gimmicks. Hugh Beatty could work a trip and be stalking close to the leader.

Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)

1-My Red Sea (4-1)-Doesn't have huge gate speed but has enough to be on the point or in the pocket early on. Isn't having the same kind of year as in 2023 when the mare posted 11 wins. Did face tough customers at Yonkers in the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series and beat Open company at ScD in its last start. Has won 6 of 12 at Nfld, and this looks like an efficient trip opportunity to take a picture.
3-Fearless Ginger (9/2)-The Burke entry also won its last at ScD against Open company and should be forwardly placed off the gate. Ginger has won 3 of the last 5 and can be a player in a competitive race.
5-Naked On A Hill (3-1)-Aaron Merriman is at the controls and this is the other Burke entry who in the last 5 races drew post 9, post 8, and post 7 twice. Does know how to win taking 15 pictures in the past 2 years. Figures to be a threat but Merriman may need to grind it out.

Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)

2-Billion (12-1)-Went off at 40-1 in its last start at ScD and tried to wire the field leaving from post 6. Faded to lose by a length and should offer a large price again. Kayne Kauffman has the gate speed to get a pocket ride behind the 7/5 chalk and look to use one nice move down the lane. Could be an interesting option in gimmicks as well and should be in the hunt at the wire.
3-Fear The Hate (7/5)-The Burke trainee is a perfect 4 for 4 this year and has won at 3 different tracks. Has looked the best and could be again with a smooth steer. Versatile colt can win on the engine or by coming off cover.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

4,5/2,6/1,3,5/2,3
Total Bet=$24

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