Finding value in Turfway’s closing Pick 4

A challenging sequence featuring large fields headlines the late Pick 4 at Turfway Park on Saturday. I will take aim at the play with an affordable ticket, which has the potential to yield a big return.

Race 5 -- Claiming

A dozen fillies and mares will travel a mile in the $15,000 affair. Jack Sisterson’s #6 Novella (5-2) takes a hefty class plunge in her local debut. Capable daughter of Red Rocks rates a huge chance with something resembling her best performance.

#12 Curlin Coed (15-1) broke her maiden at Turfway and brings good current form to the opening leg. Mark Thomas charge will receive a healthy pace to rally into with Jimenez aboard.

Race 6 -- Maiden Claiming

#1 Mountain Melodies (3-1) exits a solid runner-up finish with similar on the course and is well drawn on the rail for Mike Maker. Chestnut will be in the hunt late with even slight improvement today.

#12 Yellow Bird (12-1) has been far from great from a pair of sprints on the surface, but she has appeal at a price. Golden Ticket filly has speed, and she also gets a rider boost to Jimenez for her route debut.

Race 7 -- Allowance

Feature is a $48,500 allowance test featuring Prairie Bayou runner-up #4 Royal Mesa (7-5) for Phil Sims. Sky Mesa colt earned a career best BRIS Speed figure in his local debut and looms large with a repeat of that try.

#10 Never Even Called (6-1) faced a pair of tough fields in succession as of late and could be sitting on a big one in the third try since being claimed by Garcia. Stalker will be well placed turning for home. Wesley Ward brings #11 Thomas Shelby (4-1) out for the first time since May. Curlin 4-year-old will have blinkers removed for a barn at a superb 37% this meet.

Race 8 -- Claiming

Finale attracts an overflow field of 14 for a $7,5000 claiming contest. Recent maiden winner #2 Kickapoo (12-1) has upped his game since arriving at Turfway and could surprise in a first outing with winners.

#7 Twinkling Knight (12-1) makes a second run off the long layoff and has put in some good efforts on the surface. Gelding drops down two levels and has great value. Class dropper #3 True to Dixie (7-2), and #5 Cabot Trail (2-1), are both especially logical and will be included in the final leg.

Pick 4 Wager

• 50-cent Pick 4: 6,12 with 1,12 with 4,10,11 with 2,3,5,7 ($24)

Good Luck!