by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Nov. 9, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011

On Wednesday (Nov. 9), Northfield Park will again offer a $10,000 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: 245/136/2/59 = $18

Analysis:

Race 8: (2) Hot Soup dropped to this condition last week, gets a better post position this week. (4) Lima Ritch may land on the front; could hold on if he does not get pushed too hard. (5) Picasso’s Dream is another who should get good early position.

Race 9: (1) B Delightful draws the pole for her new connections. (3) Bankers Dream is the leading money earner, is winless this year but faces easier foes than he has been facing in New York. (6) Fried By Five has definitely shown ability; picks up Noble.

Race 10: (2) Hare Force Two looks to make his Cleveland debut a winning one.

Race 11: (5) Grandpa’s Jojobeni is a major contender if he stays flat. (9) Reverend Sly has three straight runner-up finishes, could step it up a notch tonight.