by Bob Pandolfo

Bob Pandolfo offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-4 at Meadowlands Racetrack on March 9, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Meadowlands Pick-4, Races 6-9, Friday, March 9, 2012

I didn’t hit Thursday night, minus $16, which brings the total to minus $467 for the first 27 nights; I haven’t hit one so far this meet. Last night was a night I could have hit a nice one with a bigger ticket. My top pick won the first two legs, my third choice won the third leg at 9-2, and my fourth ranked pick, Woody Marvel at 12-1 on my line, won the fourth leg and paid $114.20. The $1 Pick-4 payout was $2,355. I think I’m going to play some $32 tickets and I’m also going to start changing strategy and using different types of combinations, such as single-two horses-four horses-four horses. Tonight I’m using two, two, single, and four.

$1 play: 59/79/2/2467 = $16

Analysis:

Race 6: (5) Cuz She Can and (9) JK Owhatanite seemed like the classiest mares here and I’m using these two. Cuz She Can drops out of the Yonkers Open and JK Owhatanite came off a layoff with a sharp win and has the potential to be a quality 4-year-old mare if she can stay sound.

Race 7: (7) Four Starz Credit and (9) In Focus are both coming off wins. In Focus was scratched sick last time but won the last time he raced.

Race 8: (2) Western Avenue is a single for me, dropping and picking up a catch driver. He was my best bet in a similar situation two back and won at 5-2 odds.

Race 9: This is the toughest race of the sequence on paper and I’m using all four of my top contenders, (2) Soapy Sap, (4) Notorius Bluestone, (6) Bank President and (7) King’s Cavalier.