by Bob Pandolfo

Bob Pandolfo offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-4 at Meadowlands Racetrack on Feb. 24, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Meadowlands Pick-4, Races 6-9, Friday, Feb. 24, 2012

I didn’t hit Thursday night, minus $12, which brings the total to minus $363 for the first 21 nights; I haven’t hit one so far this meet. It was close last night, I had the first three winners including two singles but I did not have the winner in the last leg. Tonight’s sequence looks tougher than last night’s.

$1 play: 19/14/167/25 = $24

Analysis:

Race 6: Using two here. (1) Go On BB, who has been facing the top mares on the grounds, drops. (9) JK Owhatanite is one of three 4-year-olds coming off layoffs here and they all have ability; this mare won six of eight including a 1:53.3 score at Yonkers last year and qualified sharply in a good field.

Race 7: (4) Tsmilil Orphan Andy had a tough trip and was a game second behind classy In Focus and is a potential single here but I’m also going to use (1) Chancey Hall, who is shipping in from Yonkers where her closing style is not an asset.

Race 8: (1) Run On Luck had to go very wide to avoid a breaker on the first turn and rushed up to the lead in first start since July; she should be sharper tonight. (7) Summer Hope also left and was wide on the first turn, then got shuffled when Run On Luck tired and was in tight quarters through the stretch. (6) Bling ships in from Yonkers where she was racing against tougher.

Race 9: Tough race but I’ll try two. (2) Curly Top ships in from Yonkers off a game wide rally from a tough spot. (5) Baby Blaze broke in last but has ability.