by Al Cimaglia
November 27, 2020
The Meadowlands has a Black Friday 13-race card set to go this evening. 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
1-Spectre (5-1)-Comes off a win and now bumps up but hasn't raced since 11/13. Has won before when skipping a start and Dunn sticks. Using instead of the two program chalks that have post 10 and 8.
4-Silvermass Volo (9/2)-McCarthy steers and that won't hurt. In from PcD and hasn't won all year but for the most part has been facing better. It's not easy to read this race, but if the 7 and 10 get out the gate without going off stride there should be a lively pace. That could work well for this 8-year-old because he likes to roll late.
Race 7
4-Questichap (5-1)-Shows a break on 11/20 at Phl and has raced from the back in the last 2 starts here without any issues. Trotted the 2nd half in 55.1 and could be ready for a more aggressive drive. Has been a winner in 3 of 5 at the Big M and will look for a big try tonight.
5-Cover Girl (3-1)-Makes 2nd start in the Takter barn and 1st on Lasix. Just missed last week as a 3/2 choice and Gingras should put in play early.
6-Beyond Ordinary (7/2)-Merlander trainee is often in the hunt but is only 3 for 26 lifetime and has 1 win in 6 tries here. But has been competitive in Big M races and might be meeting a beatable field.
Race 8
3-Exotic Dancer (7/2)-Dave Miller opts to drive #8 an Alagna pupil and Dunn takes a spin. Not concerned about the driver change and Jen B trainee has grinded out 9 wins in 22 starts this year. Barn can keep them good for a while and this mare won last week at this class.
4-Arnie's Angel (6-1)-This is a game mare but is slow off the gate and trip dependent. There is some speed inside and the 8 should be leaving as well. This race may set up for a closer.
8-Odds On Naples (3-1)-This will be only the 4th start this year, not sure why but there have been issues. Has qualified 4 times at the Big M since 9/19 including 2 times this month with the last timed in 152.3 with a 28 second last quarter. Looking for an aggressive steer and is a threat if fires hot off the bench.
9-Alkippe (9/2)-Had the 1-hole on 11/13 and came 2nd after a tough trip. Usually races off cover so could find a trip from out here and is another who can benefit from fast fractions.
Race 9
1-Justlikehim (6-1)-Not sure leaving from the rail helps but usually finds a way to be in the mix at the wire. The barn has been doing well in the past 30 days. Using in a race without a standout and will play against the morning line chalk #4.
5-Henderson Seelster (7/2)-Often works in Philly but has 4 wins in 21 starts in East Rutherford. Andy Miller knows well and will likely try to get on the engine. There isn't much gate speed in this race and could be one soft quarter from picture time.
9-Fashion Creditor (9/2)-Zeron gets the drive this evening and will bank on him getting a close-up seat. Did leave last week from post 10 to get the point and faded down the lane. Not the kind of post relief you would hope but this is a better starting spot. Has been facing tougher and Big M record is good. Beware, if can be put in striking range.
My Ticket
Race 6) 1,4
Race 7) 4,5,6
Race 8) 3,4,8,9
Race 9) 1,5,9
Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50
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