by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department
Ayres Ratliff offers his picks for the $30,000 Pick-5 and $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Dec. 5, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program. Northfield Park Pick-5, Races 3-7, Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 On Monday (Dec. 5), Northfield Park will offer a $30,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5. Beginning in Race 3, the $30,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $7,755.59. 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: 34/239/23/24/12 = $48 Analysis: Race 3: (3) Tally Ho Ben does very well when he doesn’t break. (4) Sturgeon looks to have taken well to the trotting hopples; could win again with a flat effort. Race 4: (2) Polo Joe. The 9-year-old is not what he used to be but looks enough to secure a spot on the ticket. (3) Goodnite Wilbur gets a slight call over many others to get a shot at the top prize. (9) Mr Do Well should get a decent trip from the second tier and draws into a softer division than he has been facing. Race 5: (2) Yourgonnamissme faced straight NW2 last race; comes back to NW2 claimers where he shows being competitive. (3) Mojitogirl Hanover moved to this level last race but drew post eight and made a break; deserves another look. Race 6: (2) Stormy New York is another class dropper who has a real chance. (4) Clayton Delaney drops in class and looks to pick up a win. Race 7: (1) Shawanda has the inside advantage and that could play key to doing well. (2) Elegant Mystique has hit the ticket in both of his last two races; looks to keep the streak alive. Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Monday, Dec. 5, 2011
$1 play: 124/4/49/46 = $12
Analysis:
Race 8: (1) Buckeye Blitz moderately competed last week from post six; should do much better from the rail. (2) Nlesspossibilities is two-for-two since coming to Cleveland, but faces tougher tonight. (4) Cam’s Golden Boy looks to be improving and may step up tonight for the win.
Race 9: (4) Quantum King Leo looks to be well suited to compete at this level.
Race 10: (4) Slade Gram has not had the best of trips in his last few starts; looks like a legitimate contender here. (9) No Escape N has been the beaten favorite three weeks in a row; giving another chance tonight.
Race 11: (6) Bella Deona won this class last week; looks to repeat. (4) Action Full Hall has not missed the ticket in five starts; makes it six tonight.