by Bob Pandolfo

Bob Pandolfo offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-4 at Meadowlands Racetrack on July 31, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Meadowlands Pick-4, Races 7-10, Friday, July 31, 2015

Saturday night I played three 50 cent tickets, two standard and one whale ticket. The total cost of the three tickets was $31.50. All three tickets hit the Pick-4, which returned $61.50 for a 50 cent wager, so I won $153.00. I had three of the four winners as my top pick, including my Best Bet, which won and paid $6.20.

Championship Meet totals: standard ticket, 18 plays, – $69.00 with one winning $61.50 winner; whale ticket, nine plays, two winning tickets, one for $53.00 and one for $61.50, -$153.50; Ticketmaker totals, two plays, -$84.00.

Standard Ticket: 50 cent play: none
Whale Ticket: 50 cent play: 1479/68/69/1910 = $24
DRF Ticketmaker tickets: None tonight

Analysis:

Race 7: (7) Initowinafortune could be tough off the drop but I’ll also use (9) Caviart Shelly, who is sharp, plus (1) Witch Dali and (4) Real Drama.

Race 8: This 2-year-old trot is pretty tough but I’m using two, (8) Encore Gold, a sharp filly who gets a catch driver, and (6) Silvia, a Ron Burke filly who appears talented.

Race 9: (6) Bar Hopping shows promise for Takter and (9) Winter Harbor was an easy winner in debut.

Race 10: (9) Bottom Deals has raced well in two starts for a trainer who does well with 2-year-olds and (10) Youth has ability if he can stay flat. I’ll also use (1) Tom Hill, who prepped well for good 2-year-old barn.