How to play the Pick 4

Race 7

WILLY BE SMART looked good winning a race similar to this at NP Aug. 11. He must deal with a change of venue but he’s run well here before (two seconds in two tries). STAY GLAD has blossomed of late and gets a most encouraging multiplelevel price hike. MOMTHINKSIMCUTE turned the corner this summer at NP but after a big maiden win was overmatched in his first try vs. winners there Aug. 25, while also going a distance he’d never seen. He dropped back to this level and a shorter trip here Sept. 8 and responded well, running on to be a clear second. (3)

Race 8

ONLY ONE KISS found open stakes foes too tough at NP July 18 but she’s been freshened and moves back in vs. statebreds only. She worked well here Sept. 7. FOOLISH BLUE MOON showed talent at NP a few months ago, was freshened and came back here Sept. 2 to easily beat maidens so she’s apparently figured things out. CAN’T TOUCH THIS set the pace before finishing second to ‘MOON in that Sept. 2 race but remember this gal was the heavy 9-10 favorite. (3)

Race 9

I MISS BACK WHEN continues her solid form and she’ll appreciate not seeing top distaffer Raider lined up against her here, having chased that beast in her last four starts. EMMA JEAN TOO looked like a new horse blasting rivals in a sprint at 12-1 at NP Aug. 18. The question is, can she be as effective routing? (2)

Race 10

THOU SHALT SLEW comes off a powerful win at MD going a mile. He shortens to 6 furlongs but that shouldn’t matter as he won at this trip at MD July 6. He figures in it from the bell. QUICK SIX looked good wiring maidens at NP Aug. 6, doing so after stumbling at the start. He figures the one to catch. A GUY CALLED SUE was a decent third in a race like this here Sept. 3 so he’s a good fit. There’s ample speed in here, too, which may bolster his late run. (3)