Ratliff’s Picks: Sept. 19 Nfld
September 19, 2011,by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department
Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Sept. 19, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program. Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 On Monday (September 19), Northfield Park will again offer a guaranteed pool in the Pick-4. The Pick-4 has a reduced take-out rate of just 14 percent (the lowest in harness racing) and starts in race eight. Wednesday’s posted ticket only went two-for-four, but the sequence resulted in a couple of winners that would have been very though for me to pick on a ticket that was still affordable. The payoff of $2,866.60 reflects that I was not the only handicapper that struggled to arrive at the correct numbers.
Analysis:
Race 8: (2) Moon River Dell starts off of consecutive third-place finishes, has a chance and is in good form. (5) One Eyed Willie. Evenly matched group, Noble was the deciding factor in this selection. (7) ECK. The Cisco Kid makes a rare Cleveland appearance, Santantonio provides him with credible chances tonight.
Race 9: (2) Move It Forward drops in class, does not appear to be in the best of form, but still fits at this level of competition. (5) The Libberteriann wins if he paces the same mile as last week. (7) Pandora’s Gambit N was a winner the last start at Northfield, treads deeper waters tonight, but figures well.
Race 10: (3) Ron Jeremy could be number 9’s spoiler. (9) Rebas Big Boy goes for three in a row tonight.
Race 11: (3) Tieler Bea Hotspur has the early speed to out-leave numbers 1 and 2 and land on the front or in the pocket. (5) Banker Bob makes first start for a new barn and the addition of Noble are reasons this one could wake-up.