Miami Valley begins the week with a 14-race card. The 0.50 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 (7:30 PM EDT)

1-Higher Ground (2-1)-Took over early on in last and looked the part of an 8/5 favorite controlling the mile to the wire. David Miller should be in good shape around the opening turn and then will look to push the button at the right time. Gets a post edge that could be the winning difference.
4-Johnny Up (6-1)-This will be the 3rd race in the Ed Miller barn and didn't get a smooth trip in the first 2 starts. Lather Up 4-year-old has some gate speed to use and can land on the point or in the pocket. Either trip could work and will look for 6-1 or better.
7-Scares Me (7/2)-The Burke trainee is in sharp form. Moves up after a dominant win from the inside and will need a smooth steer from Chris Page. Likes to race near the top but may have to leave and get a decent seat. Could do its best work late in the mile. Should offer a fair price with this post draw.

Race 12 (7:51 PM EDT)

5-Boozer (5-1)-Won 2 back versus this kind. Then came back against the same, the trip was bumpy and faded to come 4th. Looks to be worth a swing for a bounce back win at a square price. Will use and fade the morning line chalk (2) General Idea.
6-The Devils Own (N) (4-1)-Starts in a good slot, was just nipped in the last 2 races and finished 2nd. This looks likes a main player, and should be out and rolling. This is another that can offer a square price and with a smooth trip could be posing.

Race 13 (8:12 PM EDT)

2-Regal Escape (3-1)-Won 2 back, then stepped up to face this kind and drew the 9-hole. Will toss last because of being too far back early on. But did finish well, now gets significant post relief, and has good speed.
6-Wicked Character (2-1)-Did make up ground leaving from the 7-hole and moving in on spot should help. Before the last start was stuck with the 9 and 8 posts. Not loving the short price but will look for an aggressive steer by Chris Page and could get on the engine.

Race 14 (9:33 PM EDT)

1-Bars And Notes (3-1)-Beaten odds-on chalk raced better than the line looked. Was 2nd over from the 3/8's on following a longshot. Then had to go 3 wide on the last turn and the trip took its toll. Should have finished 2nd behind a trip out winner but was nipped at the wire. Will look for a stronger effort in the 3rd race after shipping in from Yonkers.
10-Dearming Of Lou (6-1)-Bounces between MVR and HoP and when here has been facing tougher. Needs a trip and doesn't have big gate speed. So could get a better journey than from the 8-hole the last time in town, and might be overlooked. The class relief should make a difference and with a sharp steer could can the leader down the lane.

$1 Late Pick 4

1,4,7/5,6/2,6/1,10
Total Bet=$24

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