by Bob Pandolfo

Bob Pandolfo offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-4 at Meadowlands Racetrack on Feb. 16, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Meadowlands Pick-4, Races 6-9, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012

I didn’t hit Saturday night, minus $16, which brings the total to minus $307 for the first 17 nights. I haven’t hit one yet but have come close to a couple of four-figure hits. Last week, all three nights had tough Pick-4 sequences. Tonight’s does not look that difficult.

$1 play: 59/258/24/16 = $24

Analysis:

Race 6: (9) Oscar Oscar gets post nine here but was overloaded with pace in a handy win first time for Andy and Julie Miller. (5) Kehmbustion has been near unbeatable since joining the Burke barn and ships in sharp from the Meadows. The six and eight are no slouches in this competitive race but I’ve got a good shot with these two.

Race 7: This is probably the toughest race of the sequence. (2) Exterminator raced okay in first start of the year and could improve. (8) Twinscape was claimed by Burke for this series, adds lasix and took his mark here, albeit five years ago. First time or back on lasix has been a lethal longshot angle so far this meet. (5) Scotian Laddie looks well prepped for Allard, who wins off qualifiers, and the pacer also adds lasix and picks up Sears. I’m leaving out the ML favorite (3) Berry Berry Fast, who blew up the tote board winning from post 10 in fast time last week, but you can’t use them all.

Race 8: (4) Taylor C ships in off two strong wins in Canada. (2) Alastair Hanover drops and two starts back at Yonkers he went a monstrous 1:53.1 mile off the claim by Yogi Sheridan, who used to work for Lou Pena. I’ll use two but I’m sure a lot of bettors will single Alastair Hanover here, he should be odds on.

Race 9: (1) Laguna Beach will be a short price after beating tougher last time. He came back on after getting passed and nosed me out of a Pick-4 that would have paid several thousand dollars. He was bearing out, which could be taken as a negative, but he’s had 12 days rest in between races and he certainly showed his class with that gutsy effort last start. A lot of people will single Laguna Beach but I’m also going to use (6) Roburascal N. Allard has obviously pointed him towards this series with four qualifiers, and his final times got faster in each qualifier.