by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Jan. 25, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012

On Wednesday, January 25, Northfield Park is again offering a $10,000 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: 34/279/469/249 = $54

Analysis:

Race 8: (3) Names Fame raced well in his last start with a runner-up performance at this level; Smith returns to drive again. (4) Poncho And Lefty comes to Cleveland from Pennsylvania; this move has proven results time and time again.

Race 9: (2) Master Wheels drops in class, draws well and looks to be able to pick-up the win. (7) Iknowwhatboyslike could surprise if she minds her manners. (9) Fried By Five is another class dropper; this one just finished second in NW400PS, faces NW250PS tonight.

Race 10: (4) Absolom raced much better last start and will be a part of this race if he maintains his new-found form. (6) Thishorseisrockin raced well last time; should be even better tonight being his second start off of a lay-off. (9) Melvin’s Dream drops in class and should get a good trip from the second tier.

Race 11: (2) Captain Korki gets the slight call in this wide-open race where many can win. (4) Muscle Sprouts has tons of back-class and could do well right out of the box. (9) Mapley could be over her breaking problem she had earlier; attempts to keep her streak alive.