by Al Cimaglia
June 8, 2025
Northfield Park begins the week with a 15-race card. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections are based on a fast track.
Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)
4-Spaaaanazo (2-1)-Could get a good early seat and figures to be in the hunt. Will be a short price and this level might be a challenge. But should be respected and Aaron Merriman can provide a winning steer.
6-Spitfire Oversees (8-1)-Has raced well in the last 2 starts after shipping in from Mea. Thestable.ca entry gets a new pilot in Tyler Angus and could be a threat at a price if kept within striking range.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)
2-Jbmagic (15-1)-Looking for a big price and with an inside post draw the Tyler Bates entry is an interesting option. Has learned its lessons on the Fair circuit but has hit the board in all 3 starts at Nfld and has taken 2 pictures. Can get a good early seat and could surprise off an efficient trip.
4-My First Fire (7/2)-Left from post 7 versus this kind at ScD and raced well considering the trip. Raced wide and hard to finally land on the point only to fade down the lane. Should be a threat at a square price with a less taxing journey.
9-House Of Brix (3-1)-If the Jeff Smith pupil started from the inside, he would be a solid chalk rather than the tepid morning line favorite. Does good work on the point and probably won't get there when the wings fold. But is still the one to beat if lands in a close-up seat off the gate.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)
4-Wicked Character (9/5)-The Burke trainee can string a couple of wins together and comes off a sharp effort for a picture. Steps-up and this level could be a challenge. The morning line seems too flattering but this post draw should help.
6-Makin Some Noise (9/2)-Didn't leave last time and raced huge from the backfield to come a close 2nd. This race could set up differently. My guess is an aggressive steer is coming when the wings fold and that should make the veteran a major player.
Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)
2-Crosswinds Sweetpe (7/5)-This filly doesn't have big gate speed, and the entire field doesn't have much early speed. Austin Hanners should get the top easily from the 2-hole, then take control and not look back.
5-Gotstopaymeinpapa (3-1)-Merriman is between the pipes and gets some class relief. Has only 1 win in 18 starts but can get a smooth trip with this post draw and may have met a beatable field.
$1 Late Pick 4
4,6/2,4,9/4,6/2,5
Total Bet=$24
Check me out on Twitter!