by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department
Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $50,000 Pick-5 and the $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Feb. 7, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.
Northfield Park Pick-5, Races 3-7, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Northfield Park will offer a $50,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5. Beginning in Race 3, the $50,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $13,926.30.
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: 14/29/459/25/249 = $72
Analysis:
Race 3: (1) Contech draws the rail and was the winner last time she raced in this class; the sick scratch throws up some red flags. (4) Cummingsandgoings enters this race off of two straight wins, but #1 looks better if she is 100 percent healthy.
Race 4: (2) Goodnite Wilbur drops in class and Dan Noble sticks around for a return drive; shows being tough at this level. (9) Search The Falcon gets class relief from his last race and shows being competitive at this level.
Race 5: (4) Merlin drops in class and picks up Merriman for a first-time drive. (5) Prime Number dropped to this class last time but got stuck along the rail; could get the win here with clear sailing. (9) Traveling Tune should get a good trip from the second tier; has proven to be competitive at this level of competition.
Race 6: (2) RUA Looker shook free too late last race; looks to be coming into better form and should be able to pick up a win. (5) Thomas Be Quick went to New York and quickly discovered that Ohio was more to his liking; back home tonight.
Race 7: (2) Nukes Fortunateson is one of the main contenders in this race where several horses could win. (4) Kollateral Damage has been on the ticket in three of his last four races and makes it four of five tonight. (9) Fox Valley Galaxy finished well in the only favorable post of his last several races; should get a good trip in here.
Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Northfield Park is again offering a $15,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool. Northfield Park’s Pick-4 starts in race eight and offers a 14 percent takeout rate (the lowest in harness racing).
$1 play: 136/14/259/3 = $18
Analysis:
Race 8: (1) Big T Counting Z’s should be the favorite but is hard to handle and the rail may not be so kind to him. (3) Cole’s Image was on the board four straight weeks until his streak was snapped when he drew post eight; drew well tonight. (6) Polo Clyde is back down in class and again faces claimers; looks like he may take well to Noble’s aggressive style.
Race 9: (1) Gold Fever’s connections are contemplating his retirement and will be trying for last victory before he is done. (4) Fake Embrace A won his last start and should be able to win consecutive races with a repeat of last week’s mile.
Race 10: (2) Move It Forward shows some decent Pennsylvania lines and could do well here if he minds his manners. (5) Columbia Art is razor sharp right now and looks to be able to win his fifth race in his last seven starts. (9) Point Standing has proven himself to be competitive at this level and should get a good trip from the second tier.
Race 11: (3) Cam’s Golden Boy came up short in his last performance; does not come up short tonight.