by Bob Pandolfo

Bob Pandolfo offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-4 at Meadowlands Racetrack on Jan. 20, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Meadowlands Pick-4, Races 6-9, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012

I didn’t hit last night, minus $36, which brings the total to minus $112 for the first six nights. Last night’s sequence looked tough on paper and proved just as tough on the track with a $120 winner in the final leg. However, it only paid $2,926, probably because a lot of smart bettors singled the $2.60 winner in the eighth and spread in the wide open ninth race. Congrats to all that hit it. Tonight’s sequence looks extremely tough and I’ll be surprised if more than one favorite comes in during the four races.

$1 play: 23/58/9/571012 = $16

Analysis:

Race 6: (3) Up Front Cruiser was used in a hot pace in a race he may have needed. (2) Mano Cornuto has some class, likes this track, drops and can improve.

Race 7: (5) Joe De Fino raced gamely from post 10 in first start off a long layoff. (8) Mickey Hanover set the pace in a quick mile and held well for hot barn.

Race 8: This trot race looks impossible. There are two ways to play it, either single the likely favorite, (9) Bank President, or spread. Bank President is the obvious choice for a hot barn and comes off two nice qualifiers. I want to keep the ticket small so I’ll single but anyone with deep pockets will be spreading here because if the favorite doesn’t win, it’s a crap shoot.

Race 9: This 14 horse mile and a half race is even tougher than the eighth race trot. I’m going to use four horses, three of which are 10-1 or higher on the morning line. This race has longshot written all over it. (7) Rathbone N hasn’t raced since last summer but was facing much tougher. (5) O Narutac Pat is 11 years old now but should improve in second start off the layoff and has backclass. (12) Escape Attack is 30-1 on the morning line but he had pace finishing from post eight in his return at Monticello and should be tighter tonight. (10) Eternal Overdrive may be the favorite here, he adds lasix for a hot barn and takes a pretty steep drop. I guess you could make a case for using him as a single on a small ticket.