by Al Cimaglia
December 28, 2019
The Meadowlands has a big 14-race card on tap and the 0.50 Pick 4 begins in Race 8. That sequence will be my focus and it has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
3-JK Wildfire (9/2)-Tyler Buter stuck with #1 so Marcus Miller drives and he may be more aggressive. Will need a top effort but can stay in the hunt.
5-Pretty Boy Swag (15-1)-Longshot has 15 wins out of 29 starts and can compete here with a strong effort. May land on the engine or in the 2-hole.
6-Drawing Dragons (3-1)-Winner of 2-straight for new barn that has been doing well. Loses Dunn but gets McCarthy to steer and looks like the one to beat with a good trip.
8-Decoy (7/2)-Beaten favorite makes 3rd start for the Cullipher barn. Does move outside but can grind his way around when fires best shot.
Race 9
7-One Lucky Dragon (7/2)-Makes 3rd start for Harris barn and bumps up a notch but still fits well. Loses McCarthy but last start was sharp, and Berry should keep in the mix.
10-Odds On Lauderdale (3-1)-Didn't leave from post-10 in last but was off 13-days and now drops. McCarthy sticks and if gets off the gate in decent shape may use a big brush down the lane to pass by all.
Race 10
2-Griffon Hanover (9/2)-Fractions were slower in last start and couldn't make up enough ground but was pacing hard. This post draw should help and if pace is quick chances go up at a square price.
3-Crusades (3-1)-This is a spot to shine. Will be tough to beat if minds manners and comes with best fastball.
5-Art History (6-1)-In from YR and tried the engine in last which was a different strategy. Needs a smart steer but best to not overlook, has won 12 of 29 career starts at the Big M.
Race 11
1-Mike's Z Tam (8-1)-Should like the company and from this post could be forwardly placed which helps chances to surprise.
3-Sports Column (8-1)-Honest horse who is usually in the mix. That's enough of a reason to use in this Pick 4 at a nice price.
5-Keep On Rocking A (9/2)-Has been on the bench since 8/10 but tuned up nicely with 2 very good qualifiers. This is probably the best horse in the race if fully 100%.
6-Closing Statement (7/2)-Last race was on 9/22 but comes off 2 sharp qualifiers like #5, best to respect as Buter should be able to work a trip from this post.
My Ticket
Race 8) 3,5,6,8
Race 9) 7,10
Race 10) 2,3,5
Race 11) 1,3,5,6
Total Ticket Cost) $48 for $0.50
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia