by Ayers Ratliff

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Oct. 10, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

On Monday, October 10, 2011 Northfield Park is again offering a $15,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4, which includes a carryover of $3,257.3. Northfield’s Pick-4 has a reduced take-out rate of just 14% (the lowest in harness racing) and starts in the eighth race.

Wednesday’s $16.00 posted ticket went four-for-four and hit for a $75.30. Not too bad since the previous Wednesday we only cashed for $33.20 from a $12.00 play. You have to pick what you like, even if it will not pay a lot, because cashing a modest ticket is better then cashing no ticket while trying to chase the long-shots. GOOD LUCK!

Northfield Park, Pick 4, Races 8-11, Monday, Oct. 10, 2011.

The Play:

2/1-4-9/1-5-9/1-3-7 = $27.00

Race 8: 2- Makybe Diva – Won by six lengths last week, stays in the same class and should win again.

Race 9: 1- TK’s Karma – Beaten favorite last time out, may not get beat tonight. 4- Hard To Get Iliad – Had the eight-hole last time out and was a credible fourth, should do better tonight. 9- Royal Cat – Has hit the ticket in three of his last four starts, should be right there again.

Race 10: 1- MM’s Shocking Guy – Draws the rail and picks up Noble, both good reasons to play this one. 5- Blue Creek Bad Boy – Gets major class relief but is winless for the year. 9- Ron Jeremy – Classy veteran should get a good trip starting behind the top selection.

Race 11: 1- TKR’s Metro Specs – Has been drawing poorly, draws the pole tonight, giving him the possible edge over the competition. 3- Nukes Flash – Finished second last week in this class, shows he fits well. 7- Desired Entry – Winner of this race last week, could do it again, but faces a whole new game from the outside.