by Al Cimaglia
March 16, 2025
Northfield Park has a 15-race card, and the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts 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 DST)
1-JW'S Chrome (3-1)-Has bounced between this condition and the one below and hasn't sealed the deal in either this year. May have met a beatable field, and the same winner that has won 3 times-Sure Thing Captain isn't in this group.
4-Barbados (2-1)-The 10-year-old has been a bridesmaid in the last 2 starts. Comes back in sequence and this time trainer Cory Krieser hands the lines to Ronnie Wrenn. That's a meaningful change and when those 2 combine they post 39% winners.
5-Win Not Lou (4-1)-This is another who bounces back and forth and is usually in the mix with a decent post draw. Has the gate speed to get a close-up seat and should offer a square price.
Race 12 (10:02 PM DST)
2-Odds On Blockchain (3-1)-The 6-year-old is making its Nfld debut and AMac will do the steering. Should fit with this crew and likes racing at the top. Has the gate speed to get on the point and could be tough to tackle if has no issues with the oval.
3-Uncle Jord A (4-1)-Jord is camera shy and needs a smooth trip to win. But has faced tougher and could benefit from an efficient trip. My thinking is the price will be better than the morning line and can connect if within striking range at the top of the lane.
5-Thornbush Hanover (5/2)-Is winless on the year (0-6), comes off a wide trip and bumps up, normally not a preferred angle but this is a scattered bunch. Merriman gets the nod and that is reason enough against this crew to not overlook.
Race 13 (10:24 PM DST)
5-Patrikthepiranha A (9/2)-Come off a nice win and received a good steer from AMac. Five horses step up here and Patrick is part of that group. Could come right back with a big try and should offer a solid price.
6-One Last Laugh (25-1)-Stayed inside the last time versus this kind and then dropped and wasn't as good. Willing to take a swing at this price because a top effort puts the veteran in the mix. There are many in this bunch who are trying to prove themselves at this level.
9-Sure Things Captain (3-1)-This is Merriman's choice, who is in fine form and hasn't raced at this level recently but is still assigned post 9. Should be a main player but could be over bet.
Race 14 (10:46 PM DST)
7-Dojea Rock (5-1)-Going to try to beat the rail horse, Last Bet who is the 6/5 program chalk. The Mark Headworth trainee was on the bench for almost 5 weeks and put in a needed start in last. That night the conditioner was in the bike, this time Ronnie Wrenn gets the assignment. Has the gate speed to get a close-up seat and could top this group with a big effort. When Wrenn steers for this barn they post 35% winners and should offer a square price.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
1,4,5/2,3,5/5,6,9/7
Total Bet=$27
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