The Meadowlands starts the weekend with a 14-race card featuring the New Jersey Classic Finals for two-and-three-year-olds. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 with a $50,000 guaranteed pool starts in Race 6, and the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)

3-Elista Hanover (8/5)-Program chalk is the one to beat winning 3 of the last 4. Stormed home with a 54.4 back half and bounced back from a dull effort in the previous start. Was off 27 days following that effort and will fully expect her to be dialed on high from start to finish.
4-Bravo Angel S (6-1)-My initial choice was to single the morning line choice, but if not to also take a swing for a juicy price. The Engblom pupil has the speed but like the rest of the field will need an advantageous trip to cash the top check. Jason Bartlett should work a smooth journey with this post draw and could make some noise if minds its manners. Tries hopples for the 1st time, will look for improvement and also use in gimmicks.

Race 7 (8:50 PM EDT)

4-PA Perfect (6-1)-Going to fade the program chalk 3-Perfect Thought (9/5), and take a swing for a price shot to be in the hunt at the wire. Corey Callahan is at the controls and wasn't in between the pipes in last. But he did steer 2 back, brought home the freshman at M1 and paid off at 20-1. Finally draws inside and that puts this one in the hunt at the wire.
5-Car Keys (2-1)-This gal makes only her 4th lifetime start and came close to beating Perfect Thought last week losing by only a neck. May have been closer than that or might have won if Dexter Dunn got her to stay straight going through a tight hole down the lane. That was a sign of being green, but the Chris Ryder filly looks like it has more to give.

Race 8 (9:15 PM EDT)

2-The Rogue Prince (3-1)-The Walner colt fits well with this group and its versatility can set him apart from others. Tim Tetrick has options when the wings fold and best to respect.
4-Mountcastle (5-1)-Beaten chalk needs an efficient route but he isn't alone. Scott Zeron could work suck-around trip and roll by down the lane. This is another who comes off a couple of good tries and this time should be a square price.
6-Onajetplane (5/2)-The Noel Daly trainee got up in time last week for the 3rd win in 4 starts. This is probably the one to beat but isn't a lock. Has won 5 of 9 this year and is similar to #2, can win off different trips.

Race 9 (9:40 PM EDT)

1-Papis Pistol (7/2)-The Sam DePinto entry comes off a big try leaving from post 8 and was used early and late. Came a good 3rd and will add points that Bartlett sticks and steers for the 2nd straight time. The Papi Rob colt is best racing near the top of the stack and should get that trip without burning a lot of gas when the wings fold.
5-Manolete (2-1)-Captain Optimistic will take money, should be the chalk and is a main threat. The Bruce Sanders pupil will be bet, but will offer more value and comes off a big gate to wire score. Stood tall going a 27.2 3rd quarter and could not be tackled down the lane by Captain Optimistic. Zeron should provide a smooth trip with this post draw. Could step-up with the fastest mile of his career.

$1 Early Pick 4

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

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