by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on April 16, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, races 8-11, Tuesday, April 16, 2013

On Tuesday (April 16), Northfield Park will be offering a $10,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4. The Pick-4 has a reduced takeout rate of just 14 percent and starts in the eighth race.

$1 play: 156/57/1/3 = $6

Analysis:

Race 8: (1) Vaniscape draws the inside advantage and that advantage may be key to doing well tonight. (5) Friskie Pants drops in class and should be a solid competitor at this level of competition. (6) Nathan had a tough mile to close into last time out; will do well tonight if the mile goes more his way.

Race 9: (5) Petiti sees Coffy hand the lines to Merriman and looks for results. (7) Bookem has tons of ability; trot-master McKirgan looks to be the right man for the job of keeping him flat.

Race 10: (1) Sharp Shuttle drops in class, draws the rail and looks to be able to get the job done.

Race 11: (3) Auto Pilot appears to be facing a softer division than he has been facing and could be victorious against these.