by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department
Ayres Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Dec. 7, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program. Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 On Wednesday (Dec. 7), Northfield Park will again offer a $10,000 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: 347/36/1456/1 = $24 Analysis: Race 8: (3) Richie The Clown gets to drop to this level but draws into a monster NW200 division. (4) Wow Power looks to have woke-up last week; is typically a better horse than this class. (7) Big Bad TJ just paced in 1:54.4 and gets to drop in class; could overcome the outside but is in a salty NW200. Race 9: (3) Timbogo moves to Ohio from much tougher tracks. (6) Deborah Maroon closed briskly last week and will win again if she puts on a repeat of that move. Race 10: (1) His Aliben draws the rail, retains Noble and the Duncan barn has been on fire. (4) Caramel Dumpling is a classy war-horse and is always a threat. (5) With Anticipation has been rounding into better form; looks to have the ability to win here. (6) Blue Creek Bad Boy drops in class and looks like a major contender. Race 11: (1) Pure Fantasy draws the pole in a soft division of NW200.