by Ayers Ratliff

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $7,500 Pick-5 and $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on April 16, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-5, Races 3-7, Monday, April 16, 2012

On Monday, April 16, Northfield Park will offer a $7,500 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5. Beginning in Race 3, the $7,500 guarantee includes a carryover of $1,325.02. Northfield Park’s Pick-5, Pick-4 and Pick 3s offer a reduced takeout rate of just 14 percent (the lowest in harness racing).

$1 play: 148/69/23/139/38 = $72

Analysis:

Race 3: (1) Ally Camzam makes her second start back, draws the rail and attracts Dan Noble. (4) Where U At makes his third start back and could improve. (8) No Fault Friskie has the ability to overcome the outside post and secure a spot on the ticket.

Race 4: (6) MG Frederique gets some class relief and looks to be one of the top contenders. (9) Red White And Crue should get a good trip from the second tier; has starts under his belt and should be tight.

Race 5: (2) Red Radar Gun lands in a soft group and looks to be able to edge-out his competition. (3) Seaworthy looks to be fresh off of a break and lands in a soft group; fitness is the question.

Race 6: (1) Legacy Chip may not be in tip-top form, but does have the inside advantage. (3) Ruth Lane did not get out in time last start; could win with clear sailing tonight. (9) Girls’ Getaway should get a good trip from the second tier.

Race 7: (3) Western Empire sees Ducett hand the lines to Noble and looks for results. (8) Race Track Cruiser drops in class and looks to have the ability to overcome the outside post and grab the win.

On Monday, April 16, 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: 125/129/2469/13 = $72

Analysis:

Race 8: (1) Ata Ata has the inside advantage that could be key in him doing well tonight. (2) Bodandy Andy draws well tonight and looks to be one of the main competitors. (5) Allcanadian Rebel lands in a wide-open affair and gets a slight call over his competition.

Race 9: (1) Tally Ho Ben has talent but has a breaking problem too, should do well if he stays flat. (2) High Gear Speed just missed in his last effort; may not miss tonight. (9) Filou Dream has the ability to be victorious in here if he minds his manners.

Race 10: (2) Capricious Art has been knocking at the door; could bang the door wide open tonight. (4) Mchales Gravy has put together consecutive solid efforts; attempts to continue this into the future. (6) Lil Dudes Mach Up makes his second start back and should like Ohio company better than Indiana’s. (9) Slade Gram looks to be in good form and should get a good trip from the second tier.

Race 11: (1) Expensive Siren was an impressive winner last start and will be an easy winner with a repeat performance. (3) Virtual Sarah akes her second local start and could improve.