by Al Cimaglia
May 17, 2026
Northfield Park has a 15-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a low 14% takeout with a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)
3-Lake Charles (7/2)-Lands inside at a level of past success. Won against this kind on 4-19 and Justine Irvine could work a winning trip here. Looks like an opportunity to control the mile around the opening turn and with a sharp steer could be tough to tackle.
6-Silver Bentley (7/2)-Has been working at ScD and MVR and should fit nicely with this group. Has done well at Nfld (65-11-11-9) and Dan Noble is between the pipes. Needs to wake up and has a pilot that can squeeze out every drop of energy.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)
2-Oberto (9/5)-Raced evenly in last after coming off a sick scratch and not racing in 22 days. Takes a meaningful drop and if all systems are "go" it could lead to the 5th picture in 15 starts this year.
5-Lous Private Eye (7/2)-The last time at Nfld beat the NW10 on 3-8 and now returns to face a softer field. Didn't have much success against tough customers at MVR and was a sick scratch on 4-22. Will use on the assumption it will fire hot off the bench after being off 5 weeks. If so, Lou could have its way with this field.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)
2-Bobs Redemption (10-1)-Drew off by 7-lengths, then stepped up to face this kind and finished a beaten 3rd at 63-1. Comes right back against a beatable field and the camera shy 7-year-old should offer a big return.
4-Cocodream A (9/5)-Dropped in last to face this kind, got the pocket and could not catch the winner. Beat those who drew outside in last. Has enough gate speed to get on the point and control the mile.
Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)
2-Hope N Pray (6-1)-Irvin picks the one below and Braiden Rhoades is at the controls. Has been trying hard and the trips in the last 2 starts were bumpy. Could come off cover and be the best down the lane if gets an up-close seat when the wings fold but needs some breaks.
4-Belechick (9/5)-Beat this kind off a wide trip and was bet down to even money. Draws well and logically should be a smaller price tonight. Gets the bonus of facing the same because was eligible at the time of entry. Small price coming and should have a big chance of doubling up.
$1 Late Pick 4
3,6/2,5/2,4/2,4
Total Bet=$16
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