Longshots stole the show during the Late Pick Four on Friday at the Meadowlands, triggering a massive $61,958 carryover into Saturday's program. Friday's Late Pick Four attracted a total pool of $97,193, the second largest pool of the year.
Rock Of Cashel set the tone when he upset an all-star cast of trotters in the $20,000 Preferred Trot including JL Cruze, Rubber Duck, Rose Run Parker, and Maestro Blue Chip, all of whom are eligible to next week's $200,000 Arthur J. Cutler Memorial.
Opulent Yankee took his customary spot on the front through fractions of :26.4, :55.3 and 1:23.4. Into the stretch, Opulent Yankee still held a two-length lead and looked home, but Corey Callahan had the 26-1 Rock of Cashel rolling and just prevailed by a nose in 1:51.3. JL Cruze was third in his seasonal debut.
"He is such a nice little horse," said Callahan. "He has a good move and it worked out perfectly for him tonight."
The longshot parade continued in the next race when Up The Alley, a stakes-nominated trotter making his second start of the year for trainer Richie Silverman, surged past 2-5 favourite B Yoyo in deep stretch to score at 28-1.
After Sudden Change scored a $17.60 upset in the ninth race, the stage was set for a possible carryover or a huge score for the few horseplayers still alive. In the end, Anthony Napolitano aggressively put Lauderdale on the front end from his outside post and took the field gate to wire to win at $24.60 and trigger the first Pick Four carryover of the season at the Meadowlands.
With the large carryover and low 15-percent takeout, the effective takeout for horseplayers will be negative with up to $413,053 in new money wagered. The Late Pick Four covers Races 7 – 10.
The Pick Four fireworks only set the stage for the final race of the evening. Co-favourites Joyful Game and Rock Me Gently both finished out of the top five. That allowed one lucky player to take down the Jackpot Super High Five for $51,321. The winning combination of 4-1-8-7-2 included 10-1 winner Amanderosa followed in order by 7-2 Blush Hanover, 28-1 Twice An Angel, 11-1 Keene Olivia, and 32-1 Macs Secure in fifth. The ticket was purchased through the Oregon Hub.
Total handle on the 11-race card was $2,539,723. First post time on Saturday's 11-race card is 7:15 p.m.
(Meadowlands)