by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Oct. 26, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, Northfield Park is again offering 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.

Last Monday’s $36 posted ticket went four-for-four and hit for a mere $49.90. You have to pick what you like, even if it will not pay a lot, because cashing a modest ticket is better than cashing no ticket while trying to chase the longshots. Good luck!

$1 play: 1/25/159/24 = $12

Race 8: (1) I Scoot Knight had broken equipment last start, gets the top call tonight due to the combo of the rail, Noble and class drop.

Race 9: (2) Alliance Hall drops in class, has the speed to be right there but is one who is prone to making breaks. (5) Eye On The Prize is another real contender if he stays on stride.

Race 10: (1) Pure Fantasy has the good inside draw, which should give him a legitimate chance. (5) AJ Cress may be the best in here but gets a lot more seconds and thirds than he gets wins. (9) Lima Ritch gets Noble and has the ability to win; must rebound from poor effort at Lancaster.

Race 11: (2) Launch Angle gets major class relief, but may not be in the best form. (4) Doctor Gates is another who has faced better and is typically better than these, but is also in suspect form.