by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Saturday’s (March 17) Pick-4 (races four-seven) at The Meadows carries a $15,000 total-pool guarantee, and it figures to be a challenging proposition.

The wager kicks off with the card’s hotly competitive featured race; negotiate that successfully and you still must deal with a pair of 10-horse fields in the final legs. The good news: If the Pick-4 is as tough as it seems, the return will be handsome. Here’s a look at some of the top candidates in each leg.

Race 4- Preferred Handicap Pace
#2 – Lincolnjames (Wilder/Burke) Caught late his last pair but shifts to inside post.
#4 – A Real Miracle (Rawlings/Bendis) Close-up second two straight. If speed falters . . .
#7 – Mykindachip (Palone/Burke) Versatile. Second start off layoff, should be tighter. Won 10/20 Hoosier Invitational, so he’s plenty classy.

Race 5 – Conditioned Pace
#4 – Nitro Seelster (Merriman/Andrews) Winner last time in this class picks up Merriman. Drops and pops?
#5 – Rycroft N (Charlino/Bendis) Huge effort last out for this closer seeking first U.S. win.
#6 – Imideal Hanover (Wilder/Corey) Stepping up from NW Life races, but Wilder chose him over Rycroft N.

Race 6 – Conditioned/Claiming Trot
#2 – Icy Crystals (Merriman/Gillock) Just missed last out. Stalking trip could be the ticket.
#3 – Keystone Violet (Indof/Simpson) Obvious speed, but she gave it up last time at 1-2.
#4 – Kai Hanover (Naser/Stackowicz) If your budget can bear it, add this closer. One of these times, his late move will be enough.

Race 7 – Conditioned Pace
#4 – Sir Jack (Indof/Lieberman) Up in class but could pluck off tiring leaders in a field without standouts.
#5 – VIP Bayama (Brocklehurst/Marashian) Best post position in forever. Must include.
#10 – Drawing Dragons (Yoder/Gillock) Trailer will have to change his style — and he may like it.

The action-packed Saturday features a rich variety of fan-centered activities. Mychoice members can compete in the Road to the Triple Crown Thoroughbred Handicapping Contest while all fans wearing green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day will receive a free Meadows programs and “Lucky Lenses” sunglasses. Programs and lenses will be distributed at the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association table.

Harness racing bingo also is on tap. In addition, the MSOA will give away a $100 betting voucher each time a driver with colors that include green wins on the 10-race Meadows card. Drivers wearing the green Saturday: Wilbur O’Yoder, Tyler O’Stillings, Ray O’Paver and Mike O’Wilder. More information on any of the scheduled activities is available at the retail counter in the track’s Racebook.