by Bob Pandolfo

Bob Pandolfo offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-4 at Meadowlands Racetrack on Feb. 10, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Meadowlands Pick-4, Races 6-9, Friday, Feb. 10, 2012

I didn’t hit last night, minus $12, which brings the total to minus $255 for the first 15 nights. I played a small ticket last night because it was a tough card and the Pick-4 looked very tough, as I mentioned several times. Tonight’s sequence isn’t easy.

$1 play: 48/36/467/467 = $36

Analysis:

Race 6: (8) Take My Picture ships in off a peak effort at Woodbine where he finished a sharp second behind a repeat winner. (4) Hava Kadabra qualified well behind classy In Focus, who won off that qualifying win. The Burke-trained trotter won 10 races last year.

Race 7: Very competitive filly and mare race. (3) Reilly’s Daughter has won three of five starts this year and is the only one in for a tag in this optional claimer. The field she beat last week was similar to this. (6) Love This Place ships in from Balmoral and comes off a strong placing in the Open; she picks up Pierce and is a threat.

Race 8: I’m going to use three horses here but it’s a wide open race. (6) Pansai Yamamoto gets in with softer this time. (4) Bettor’s Reward finished in :26.2 and just missed in a fast mile. (7) Melvyn didn’t race badly in his first start since November and he showed some class last year while taking a mark of 1:50.2 over this track.

Race 9: This is a tough race. I’m going to use three. (4) Emilio’s Stride’s last looks dull but she had post 10 and needed the start. In her prior start she finished sharply from post seven at Yonkers. (6) Heres Matty paced evenly in last but beat this type two back; with a good flow she has a shot at a price. (7) Gordyyy’s Pet has the best early speed here and may trip out.