The main event for the 4th of July card at the Meadowlands happens in Race 8, when 11-trotters compete in the Arthur J. Cutler Final. The Final has a $170,900 purse and features a rematch of two great mares, Manchego, and Atlanta. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 begins in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6

2-Century Farroh (7/2)-Wbsb regular just missed in the Graduate at TgDn. This is the Big M debut and should enjoy the mile oval, best to respect.
3-Covered Bridge (9/2)-Big try from the 9-hole at TgDn to come 2nd to #6. Now gets a post edge. Burke trainee likes the track and should be in the hunt.
6-Dancin Lou (9/5)-Winner of both starts in 2020, has taken control at the top of the stretch and has finished off each mile. Deserves respect but this appears to be a good test.

Race 7

3-Ocean Colony (3-1)-Gets some needed post relief and Miller should put the 6-year-old in play early on. Likes the track and could be sitting on a big try.
5-Rockapelo (7/2)-Gets some needed class relief and Gingras could blast out to take control. Burke pupil has been camera shy, but this is a spot to shine. Maybe Gingras can squeeze a bit more out of him to finish off the mile.
7-Saying Grace N (8-1)-Drops to a more comfortable level and there might be a few that could be leaving for the top. That means the pace could be hot and Zeron should have the Cullipher trainee rolling down the lane at a nice price.

Race 8

5-Atlanta (7/2)-Lost to #6 by a nostril on 6/19 but showed a lot of heart to dig in late. Not surprised by the tenacity and that was the 1st start since 11/23. Could be better tonight in what looks like another battle royal.
6-Manchego (3-1)-A perfect 2-2 this year and was bet down to .30 on the dollar last time versus Atlanta. This rivalry should last all year and fortunately we get to witness two champions battling each other.

Race 9

5-Soho Burning Love A (5-1)-Aussie invader seems to be getting better in each start. Last win in 148.4 looked effortless but now faces a tougher crowd. Not sure what the top end for this mare is and will use at a square price here.
8-Kissin In The Sand (9/5)-Qualified and then won on 6/5 at this class in a sharp 147.4. Came back on 6/27 to tune-up again in 149.1. In against similar and does look like the probable winner barring a bad trip.

My Ticket

Race 6) 2,3,6

Race 7) 3,5,7

Race 8) 5,6

Race 9) 5,8

Total Ticket Cost) =$18 for $0.50

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