by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on May 29, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Tuesday, May 29, 2012

On Tuesday (May 29) 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: 124/28/39/359 = $36

Analysis:

Race 8: (1) Short Message appears to be a different horse since changing barns; looks to three-peat here. (2) Cash On The Rail comes to Northfield and looks to be competitive in his Cleveland debut. (4) Legacy Chip looks to have come back into better from and could do well again.

Race 9: (2) Caribbean Girl makes her second start off of a layoff and has every reason to get better. (8) Southern Man changes barns off of two straight wins and may even improve more.

Race 10: (3) Streakin Bout Town just won at this class and tries to repeat here. (9) Raglin has proven to be rock-solid at this level of competition.

Race 11: (3) Lady Rev looks to be rounding back into form and has the ability to win again. (5) Cabo Blue has been racing in New York and should like the competition in Ohio much better. (9) Katie’s Red Rose should get a good trip from the second tier.