by Bob Pandolfo

Bob Pandolfo offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-4 at Meadowlands Racetrack on August 2, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Meadowlands Pick-4, Races 6-9, Thursday, August 2, 2012

I’ve hit four Pick-4s so far this meet, the highest paying $238 for $1 and I’m down $591 on the meet. Last time I had three out of four as my single finished third.

For the championship meet I’m going to try more realistic, and more creative, tickets to see how that works out but be forewarned that even with much more of a spread, it’s still not easy to hit a Pick-4 at this track.

$1 play: 48/3/457/158 = $18

Analysis:

Race 6: Pretty wide open race. (8) Super Classic gets a key driver change and finished gamely in a tougher field than this last week. (4) Spider Blue Chip broke at 4-5 odds in debut but has a lot of speed if he can stay flat.

Race 7: There are some nice prospects here but (3) Odds On Equuleus paced in 1:52 over an off track and beat a top prospect with a :26.3 final quarter; single.

Race 8: (5) Il Pizzaiolo broke in last but he gets a Hall of Fame driver tonight. (7) Timo Deo will be the favorite, won debut and now gets Sears for a top trotting barn. (4) Dexter Lake Club had post 10 in a fast race.

Race 9: (1) Balanced Budget, (5) Team Zordin, and likely favorite (8) Banco Solo are the three obvious contenders here.