by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on May 22, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Tuesday, May 22, 2012

On Tuesday, May 22, Northfield Park is offering a $15,000 guaranteed total Pick-4 pool. Northfield Park’s Pick-4 starts in race eight and offers a 14 percent takeout rate (the lowest in harness racing).

$1 play: 48/159/189/156 = $54

Analysis:

Race 8: (4) Streakin Bout Town lands in a soft group and has been pacing fast enough to be tough. (8) Comin Getit looks to be improving; has her work cut out for her from post eight, but could be there.

Race 9: (1) Rapid Pursuit finally drew well last start and was the winner; draws well again tonight. (5) Pan Au Chocolat faces easier but may be in suspect from. (9) Polo Joe has been racing well and looks for that trend to continue.

Race 10: (1) Jaworski draws the inside advantage and that advantage can be key to doing well in here. (8) Blue Scootin Matt returned to Northfield last time and proved he was good in this class; can win despite his post. (9) Mineral Man was a seven-time winner last year and could start off this year doing well, too.

Race 11: (1) Legacy Chip can be tough if she stays trotting. (5) Katie’s Red Rose has come up short two starts in a row; may not come up short tonight. (6) Muscle Sprouts drops in class and looks to be one of the main competitors.