by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-5 and $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on April 3, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

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

On Tuesday, April 3, Northfield Park will offer a $15,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5. Beginning in Race 3, the $15,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $3,281.62. 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: 25/29/245/23/13 = $48

Analysis:

Race 3: (2) Precious River Del has put in a few consecutive solid efforts; this effort could be the winning one. (5) Lefty Grove was an easy winner last time out; faces tougher tonight but could still be right there.

Race 4: (2) Southern Man makes his third lifetime start; but his first start from a good post position. (9) Kevin’s Lil Vixen has consecutive runner-up finishes; could get the job done tonight.

Race 5: (2) Jordan Jeffrey has as good of a shot as any. (4) Gina Marie P drops in class and has a big chance. (5) Right On Time has been on the ticket for two consecutive races; makes it three in a row here.

Race 6: (2) Senator Sam has been rounding into solid form and is a major contender here. (3) RUA Looker has two wins in a row at this level of competition; could make it three straight tonight.

Race 7: (1) Some Little Star has been drawing poorly and not getting any racing luck; should be in a better spot from the pole. (3) Panna Nicole raced a big one in her last effort; wins here with a repeat of that performance.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

On Tuesday, April 3, 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: 59/178/36/16 = $24

Analysis:

Race 8: (5) I Don’t Know looks to have really matured and come on; goes for her third straight success. (9) Northmedo Esther drops in class and should get a good trip from the second tier.

Race 9: (1) Art Of Desire has the inside advantage and that could be key to a victory tonight. (7) Kiddin Again drops in class but has a bad post position to overcome. (8) Panny is another with a shot but has a poor post position to contend with.

Race 10: (3) Expresso Forte looks to be rounding back into shape; could use his early speed to his advantage. (6) Moreland Flash drops in class and looks to flourish with this class relief.

Race 11: (1) Classic Obsession makes her second start off of a layoff and has every reason to improve. (6) Legacy Chip looks to be rock solid at this level of competition and looks to put in another solid effort tonight.