by Al Cimaglia
October 20, 2019
Tonight, Northfield Park has a 13-race card set to roll. The $1 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 9, it has a $10,000 guaranteed pool and will be my focus. On Saturday, the top pilot was Aaron Merriman with five wins. Trainer Jessica Roegner led conditioners with three trips to the winner's circle.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 9
3-New Number Who Dis-Hasn't won in 8 tries at Nfld but is a 7-time winner in 2019 which stands out in this field. Second morning line chalk looks like the one to beat.
4-We Are Dreaming-9/5 ML favorite has finished 2nd in last two outings. Should be a player but has had trouble finishing off miles.
Race 10
1-Dianamight-This is a suspect group and there isn't much form to be recognized. But two-year-old catches a break with a beneficial post draw and should be forwardly placed.
4-Blooming Sunflower-3/2 chalk is 2 for 32 lifetime, seems to have speed and will use but can't trust.
5-Jessi Joanna-4-year-old has only one win but faces younger and drew well. Merriman steers for the first time and that shouldn't hurt.
Race 11
1-Dancin Fever-Drops to a spot to shine but will need best to knock-off #5. Does like to race close to the lead and this post helps the cause.
5-Mckinley-8/5 chalk has speed, drops and makes 4th start off the bench. Merriman should put in play and could be a clean trip away from a picture.
Race 12
1-Maradona-Makes 3rd start for new barn and last 2 were better, may finally snag 2nd win of the year if upswing continues.
2-Zone Blitz-Drops in 3rd start off the bench. Wrenn steers and gets post relief but has been camera shy in 2019.
6-Fancy Creek Elusiv-9-year-old has been driven aggressively in last two starts. This is the 3rd go for new barn and should be in the mix versus this bunch.
$1 Pick 4
3,4/1,4,5/1,5/1,2,6
Total Bet=$36
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia