It's a special night of racing at the Meadowlands with a 14-race card with over $2.4 million in purses. The headliner rolls in Race 11 when nine 3-year-old colts and geldings battle for a share of a $656,000 purse in the Meadowlands Pace Final. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11, it has a $100,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11 (10:30 PM EDT)

1-Papis Pistol (9/2)-This is a very nice 3-year-old who has David Miller at the controls. Could make the most of drawing the 1-hole again, as it did winning its last start against five from this field. Does well racing on the lead or close to it and should get an efficient trip. For an upset to happen a favorable trip would most likely be required and the son of Papi Rob Hanover has been successful at M1 (11-5-1-1). Should offer a square price and be in the hunt at the wire. Will use the Sam DePinto trainee as a key in gimmicks and it is my choice to upset this talented group.
5-Captain Optimistic (3-1)-Odds-on chalk was beaten in last by the one above who got a great ground saving trip and was the best down the lane. Dexter Dunn worked hard to get the on the point, but maybe more than 26.3 opening quarter, the 27.3 3rd quarter might have been its undoing. All of these need a decent trip to win and past history at the Big M shouldn't be overlooked (10-6-2-1). Dunn can get the job done without leading every step of the way. The Nancy Takter entry has tactical speed as well as the ability to grind it out, and the versatility could make a difference.
9-Madden Oaks (5/2)-This is the program favorite who needs to still prove it's a deal closer. Has wicked gate speed to be put in play and is facing a field full of potential winners. If the Cameron Capone pupil comes with a top effort and the trip is smooth, he could live up to the top billing. Hasn't raced at M1 before, and its four wins have happened on smaller ovals but has been close at Mohawk.

Race 12 (10:55 PM EDT)

2-Rodeo Drive Deo (7/2)-Ships in from PcD off a nice win in a PASS event and has been idle since taking a picture on 6-21. David Miller steers, likes M1 (7-2-3-1), will look for another strong effort and has a post edge on some tough foes.
7-Looksgoodinloulou (6-1)-Speed is not an issue with the Ron Burke trainee, has a 148.3 mark at Lex as a 2-year-old. But missing over a month might be an issue as well as having only 2 races this season. Did put in a solid qualifier on 7-4 finishing 2nd behind today's chalk. Will take a swing there is more to give and that this filly will be dialed on high.
11-Miki And Minnie (3-1)-Tries Lasix for the first time and won the qualifier on 7-4 using it. It's difficult to leave the Chris Ryder trainee off the ticket but from the 2nd tier it will be a bigger challenge. There isn't much gate speed on the inside, but Dunn could grind it out and be there at the wire. This gal knows how to win the hard way.

Race 13 (11:20 PM EDT)

1-Call Me Goo (7/5)-Team Svanstedt pupil comes off a nice win defeating every mare in this field. This is the logical play that will be a small price. Made it look easy from post 7 last time and has won 3 of 8 at M1.
2-M-M's Dream (3-1)-Th Burke entry could bring some value and does very good at the Big M (14-5-3-4). Yannick Gingras should be on top or in the pocket into turn one. If the chalk doesn't have its fast ball this looks like the picture taker.

Race 14 (11:45 PM EDT)

3-McWicked Time (5-1)-Should offer a fair price and this will be the first time for Dexter Dunn to get the nod. Does like to burn money but should fit with this crew and the new pilot could make a winning difference.
4-Storm The Court (5-1)-The Mark Silva trainee should be in the mix at the wire with a smooth trip. Gets the services of David Miller tonight and can offer a square price.
5-Louis Litt N (7/2)-Raced big versus this kind in last, left from the same post and missed by a half-length at 14-1. Won't be close to that number this time but deserves respect especially with this post draw.

$1 Late Pick 4

1,5,9/2,7,11/1,2/3,4,5
Total Bet=$54

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