by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Jan. 18, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, 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: 136/13/15/1 = $12

Analysis:

Race 8: (1) No No Richard draws the rail and may do well right out of the box. (3) Cole’s Image has been third for three weeks running; looks to keep things going and do well again. (6) Alert Dreamer has been bet in both of his local starts but is yet to show why; maybe he will show why tonight.

Race 9: (1) Thishorseisrockin draws the rail and may do well right out of the box. (3) Allcandian Rebel was flying late in his last start and almost caught the winner; looks to get the job done tonight.

Race 10: (1) Dandy Dick has the rail and has been racing well. (5) Terror Of Thetrack has won two races in a row; tries to make it three.

Race 11: (1) Gramma’s Guy gets class relief and draws the rail; looks to be the best in here.