by Al Cimaglia
January 16, 2021
The Meadowlands has a competitive 15-race card scheduled for tonight. 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-Yacht Seelster (8-1)-Had a nice try from post 9 at this class last week and raced from the back. Dunn is back in the bike, should be forwardly placed and is well worth a swing at the morning line price.
2-Decision Day (6-1)-Fired hot off the bench, now steps-up and AMac steers instead of Zeron. Has enough gate speed to be put in play early and could be better than last week at a square price.
4-Semi Tough (3-1)-Got on the engine and was just a bit short after being off since 12-26. Took 7 pictures last year in 21 starts. Gingras returns and this could be the spot to get 1st Big M win, currently (0-8).
Race 7
1-Warrawee Unique (9/2)-Idle since 11-20 and comes off an okay tune-up but this isn't a strong group and a soft spot if ready.
3-Incredible Shark (7/2)-Gets some post relief, drops to a better level, and makes 2nd straight Big M start. The barn has been so-so but like #1, this is a beatable field.
5-American Boy N (3-1)-Makes 3rd start off the bench and was on the point in last. Should be on the ticket but was camera shy last year going 2-23.
Race 8
1-Ollie's Ztam (6-1)-Comes off a dull try at the Meadows, but Gingras should have him near the top of the stack and could pop at a square price.
5-Lachie Maguire N (9/2)-Got on the engine in last 2 starts and faded down the lane both times. Loses Dunn and Zeron may look to work a ground saving trip and roll by late. This is the 3rd start in sequence, needs a good steer and an honest pace.
8-Italian Delight N (3-1)-Steps-up again after winning 2 straight. Normally not a time for me to use, but both wins were done easily and probably is the one to beat again.
Race 9
4-B Stoney (7/2)-Comes off 2 big efforts from the 8-hole and just missed versus better in last. Allard steers instead of Dave Miller but he knows how to blast out and get on the engine. Should be a major player and can take a picture if steals a quarter.
7-Paduka N (9/2)-Has a similar M.O. to #4 but Todd McCarthy could land in the 2-hole and trip out at a fair price.
8-De Los Cielos Deo (8-1)-The 2 above should be leaving as well as #9. So, if a speed battle ensues here is the closer that could pick up the pieces.
My Ticket
Race 6) 1,2,4
Race 7) 1,3,5
Race 8) 1,5,8
Race 9) 4,7,8
Total Ticket Cost) $40.50 for $0.50
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