by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Jan. 8, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, races 8-11, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013

On Tuesday (Jan. 8), Northfield Park will be offering a $10,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4. The Pick-4 has a reduced takeout rate of just 14 percent and starts in the eighth race.

$1 play: 6/14/37/6 = $4

Analysis:

Race 8: (6) Friskie Pants has three wins in a row; looks to keep the streak alive.

Race 9: (1) Whattafine Rusty has the inside advantage and that advantage may be key to doing well tonight. (4) Mexican Coast is a classy veteran who looks to score again tonight.

Race 10: (3) Cuzzin Weezie starts in a very competitive field; gets the slight call over the competition. (7) Master’s Sweetie is very tough at this level of competition; could do well despite the poor post draw.

Race 11: (6) Don’t Sugarcoat It’s lines show that he is just plain faster than his competition.