by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $35,000 Pick-5 and $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on April 17, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-5, Races 3-7, Tuesday, April 17, 2012

On Tuesday, April 17, Northfield Park will offer a $35,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5. Beginning in Race 3, the $35,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $8,344.14. Northfield Park’s Pick-5, Pick-4 and Pick-3s offer a reduced takeout rate of just 14 percent (the lowest in harness racing).

$1 play: 256/69/257/24/45 = $72

Analysis:

Race 3: (2) Slip Rock showed massive signs of improvement in his last effort; could take this with continued improvement. (5) Thunder Reigns exits claimers and enters straight maidens; should be able to make the ticket. (6) Hagitha makes her third start back and should be tight and ready.

Race 4: (6) Lucca’s Revenge is a classy veteran trotter who is fresh and looks ready to pop from his impressive qualifier. (9) Chiptoria Secret should get a good trip from the second tier.

Race 5: (2) Cruiser Brit should be tight and ready to go; draws into a made-to-order bunch. (5) Jen’s Western Star makes her second start back and should be tighter. (7) Cameo Attack comes to Cleveland from Indiana and could overcome the outside to secure a spot on the ticket.

Race 6: (2) Mr Bailey sees Umholtz hand the lines to Kash and looks for results. (4) Kevin’s Lil Vixen has not missed the board this year and looks to keep that streak alive.

Race 7: (4) Swift Samantha drops in class and looks to be one of the major players. (5) Darting Larkin just won this class convincingly; looks to repeat tonight.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Tuesday, April 17, 2012

On Tuesday, April 17, Northfield Park will be offering a $15,000 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: 37/234/25/35 = $24

Analysis:

Race 8: (3) Forever Speedy has proven to be competitive at this level of competition; could land victorious tonight. (7) Ann Income sees Melloy hand the lines to Stahl and looks for some type of results.

Race 9: (2) Go Merrily Along has been victorious in two of his last three races; looks to compete well again. (3) Wyatt has ample early speed and should be on the engine or in the pocket. (4) Most Fabulous moves to the Armstrong barn and that barn has a history of picking up horses.

Race 10: (2) Ribbons Of Color looks to be able to make an easy lead and looks to have the ability to hold it. (5) Kiddin Again looks to be one of the major contenders in here.

Race 11: (3) Shark Lover came up short in his last effort; may not come up short tonight. (5) He’s All Art receives further class relief and looks to be one of the main contenders.