by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on June 5, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Tuesday, June 5, 2012

On Tuesday, June 5, Northfield Park is offering a $15,000 guaranteed total 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: 24/126/124/145 = $54

Analysis:

Race 8: (2) Hagitha just won a NW1; has reason to improve from here but only time will tell how she handles the jump in class. (4) Ideal Jennifer has won two of her last three races and looks to do well again tonight.

Race 9: (1) Zoomin Jesse draws the inside advantage and that advantage could be key to doing well tonight. (2) Giulio should win in here if he minds his manners; current form is the biggest question. (6) Royal Cat. Mullet hands the lines to Merriman and hopes for the best.

Race 10: (1) Bright Mach draws the inside advantage and that advantage could be key to doing well tonight. (2) DM Fatboy Slim has consecutive wins and is in very good form. (4) Eagle Jacob just paced in 1:54.3 and a repeat of the effort looks to win handily in here.

Race 11: (1) Lima Legend, a six-time winner last year, makes his second start back, draws the rail and looks to be a major factor. (4) Bluebird Caviar returns from New York and shows having success in Ohio. (5) Timbogo moves barns and could wake up.