by Al CImaglia
December 27, 2025
Northfield Park has a 15-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)
3-Jumpingjoy N (2-1)-Worked to get the top and then Aaron Merriman made every call a winning one. Comes back in sequence after missing a start last time and will string along.
4-Track'N Field (7/2)-First-time Dan Noble should help especially considering the mare should be no worse than in the pocket around the opening turn. Figures to be battling the program chalk down the lane and may offer a little more value.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)
2-She Comes And Goes (2-1)-Comes off a gate to wire effort with Noble at the controls. Has been very consistent at this level with him steering and should be a main player. Logical play will offer no value.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)
1-Pams For Real (6-1)-One-move type needs a ground saving journey and with this post draw that opportunity exists. Should get away near the top and will probably be a juicy price. Kurt Sugg will look to get sucked around and to use his one move down the lane.
5-Plays Pro (9/2)-Willing to fade #2 in this leg the 5/2 tepid program chalk and continue to look for some value. This is a race where few show big gate speed so everyone will probably leave. That could work for this filly as Jason Thompson could stalk and be in striking range to finish best of all.
7-Ella Joy (5-1)-Dayton shipper hit the board in 2 of 6 at Nfld but hasn't posted a win. Has gate speed, fits and this looks like a Merriman special. Will leave, land on the point, steal a quarter or two and then take a picture.
Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)
2-Justabitofcharm (3-1)-Didn't get a cushy trip and faded down the lane last week. The veteran doesn't win very often but this looks like a trip out opportunity to take a photo. Justin Irvine could get a 2-hole trip or land 3rd and catch the leader coming off cover.
3-Shehitthehighnote (9/2)-Could offer a square price and this is a chance to take a picture in a race where no one likes to win. Merriman has some gate speed to use, this is a soft bunch, and he might get the veteran to stay strong to the wire.
5-Sure R Lookin Good (5/2)-Comes off an even effort on 12-21 following a sick scratch. This is the 5/2 program chalk and there is no one to fear in this crew. Will look for an improved effort and hope the price is better than the morning line.
$1 Late Pick 4
3,4/2/1,5,7/2,3,5
Total Bet=$18
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