by Al Cimaglia
January 12, 2025
Northfield Park has a 15-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)
2-Johnny Sack (7/5)-Johnny gets a positive driver change in Ronnie Wrenn and drops to spot where a picture looks like a distinct possibility. That said, the short price isn't very appetizing but does need to be used and could be in control as the wings fold.
4-Sawyers Desire (7/2)-If the morning line choice is in the mood to burn big money the Presto trainee could benefit with a pocket trip. Should be right on the back of the chalk and then take its chances down the lane.
Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)
2-Meadowbranch Noble (4-1)-Was used off the gate to get on the point and faded down the lane on 1-5. Gets a new pilot in Simon Allard and he has steered before. Should be forwardly placed throughout and can be in the hunt with a smooth trip.
3-Get In And Go (9/2)-Doesn't leave in a hurry but gets post relief and should be able to stay close to the top. The race has some early speed for an honest pace. The faster the fractions the better for the Miller trainee.
4-Nothingbutadreamer (2-1)-The Bill Rhoades entry likes to win and has enough gate speed to be no worse than in the pocket off the gate. Comes back in sequence, Aaron Merriman is at the controls and has 5 wins in 12 Nfld starts.
Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)
2-Native's Filou (3-1)-Camera shy 7-year-old should be a player but doesn't like to win. Posted only 2 wins in 34 starts in 2024 and has 1 picture in 15 races at Nfld. Will use from the inside and Wrenn could work a very cozy trip.
4-Jim Blue (8-1)-Started slowly in last, but rolled the back half in .56 flat and could offer a nice return. Will look for Kody Massey to not be 10 lengths behind at the 1st call.
9-Zanetti (8/5)-Winner of 3 in row has been an odds-on choice each time and looked the part. Started from the 9-hole in last and Merriman can do it again.
Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)
4-Live And Let Di (7/2)-Usual pilot Hunter Myers will be back in the bike after Tyler Angus was hung the mile back on 12-14. Has missed time but draws well and can land on the point off the gate. Won the races 2 and 3 back taking charge early on and lands in a spot tonight to return to winning ways.
6-Wheres My Phone (8-1)-Ships in from the Mea and makes its Nfld debut. Merriman steers for the Presto barn, and when that duo combines they post 23% winners. Has the gate speed to be forwardly placed and has a pilot that likes to be aggressive.
$1 Late Pick 4
2,4/2,3,4/2,4,9/4,6
Total Bet=$36
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