Northfield Park has a 15-race card scheduled with the first post at 6:00 EST. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11

1-Cougar Bait (7/5)-Was scratched sick on 5-11, then was claimed for $7,000 and now drops in for a $6,000 tag. This is a soft spot and it could be a wake-up call. But there might be some persistent issues attributing to the dull efforts since being scratched. Will use because of the drop and the post draw. The results should be better if gets the top without using much gas.
6-Bourbans Best (4-1)-Drops, fits well with this group plus makes 2nd start for the new barn and Merriman steers tonight. Could win by leaving and getting a pocket ride behind #1 or could come off cover and roll by down the lane.

Race 12

2-Feelin Western (3-1)-The Brown barn is batting over 26% the past 30 days and this 3-year-old was staked last year. The last 2 tries here have been on an-off track and is 0-3 on a wet surface. Should be in the mix if ready, but has been off since 5-9.
4-Imabeachboy (5-1)-Will toss last at this class from the 8-hole. Before that won 2 straight and now gets a positive driver change plus post relief and should offer a solid price.
5-Dubai Seelster (9/2)-Sportswriter 3-year-old races better near the top of the stack and has been stuck with post 7 in the last 2 starts. Draws well and Merriman takes the lines, so will look for an aggressive steer and to be there at the wire.

Race 13

2-Backseat Joker (2-1)-Beaten chalk left from the rail in last but couldn't get the top into a 26.3 opening quarter. Ended up in the 3-hole which made things very difficult. Wrenn got the 3-year-olds attention near the 3/4 pole but needed to go 3-wide around stalled cover. Did finish willingly to cash a 2nd place check. Will single here as the horse with probably the best gate speed starts from the 2nd tier. Should be bet hard again and can make amends with a more efficient trip.

Race 14

1-Downwyn Shark (3-1)-Raced big from post 6 in last and can close well. But this isn't the best post draw for this slow starter. That said, there could be a few leaving and the pace should be honest so will include. Did win 6 of 19 in 2021.
7-Maradona (12-1)-Beat this kind last week by over 6 lengths from the 3-hole going off at 13.80-1. Didn't get any respect at the windows as the program odds were 5-1. Has the gate speed to be well positioned throughout. Grinded it out 1st over and was strong to the wire. Loses Sugg as Myers steers, but is still worth a swing at the morning line price.
9-In Commando (9/5)-Makes the 2nd start for new connections and just missed at this class last week. This will be more difficult because of the post draw but best to not overlook. May need to take the long way around but has won before without having the lead coming into the stretch.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

1,6/2,4,5/2/1,7,9
Total Bet=$18

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