by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on June 18, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Monday, June 18, 2012

On Monday (June 18), Northfield Park will be offering a $15,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4. The Pick-4 has a reduced takeout rate of just 14 percent (the lowest in harness racing) and starts in the eighth race.

$1 play: 26/13/12/1 = $8

Analysis:

Race 8: (2) CC Stormy has two consecutive victories and looks to find his third straight. (6) Elegant Mystique is a solid contender at this level of competition; looks to be solid again here.

Race 9: (1) Lucca’s Revenge could be dangerous from the pole. (3) Chip’s Dreamer dropped to this level last time but made a break; could win here with a flat effort.

Race 10: (1) Auto Pilot has the rail, has tactical gate speed and should be able to make his presence felt in here. (2) Jordan Jeffrey drops in class and receives the slight call over his competition.

Race 11: (1) Haley Louise has been racing credibly in stakes races; should be tough to beat in conditions from the pole.