by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on May 8, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Tuesday, May 8, 2012

On Tuesday, May 8, 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: 135/245/46/134 = $54

Analysis:

Race 8: (1) Manny Mart just won this class from the rail with Merriman driving; could repeat in here. (3) Southern Man exits straight NW2 and enters the claimers and faces easier as a result. (5) Virtual Sarah has been rock-solid at this level of competition; looks to be solid again.

Race 9: (2) Legacy Chip just won with Angus in the bike; Ryan hands he lines to Noble looking for repeat success. (4) RUA Looker has been dominate at this level; could be in suspect form. (5) Master Wheels typically faces better than this class; tries to capitalize on the softer competition.

Race 10: (4) Elegant Mystique has been in a poor drawing slump lately; looks to do better with this improved draw. (6) Sparkling Yankee appears to like Ohio competition better than Pennsylvania’s; could return for a victory.

Race 11: (1) Littlebitofhoney has the ability to finish well in here if he minds his manners. (3) Dice Control looks to do well in his Cleveland debut. (4) Rain saw Noble team up with this trotter last time and seems to fit him like a glove; looks for the repeat here.