by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department
Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Oct. 12, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program. Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011 On Wednesday (Oct. 12), Northfield Park is again offering a $10,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4. The Pick-4 has a reduced take-out rate of just 14 percent (the lowest in harness racing) and starts in the eighth race. Last Wednesday’s $16.00 posted ticket went four-for-four and hit for $75.30. This was not too bad since the previous Wednesday we only cashed for $33.20 from a $12.00 play. You have to pick what you like, even if it will not pay a lot, because cashing a modest ticket is better then cashing no ticket while trying to chase the longshots. Good luck! $1 play: 18/457/1237/38 = $48 Race 8: (1) Carolina Song has the inside advantage and strongly figures in this race. (8) Reba’s Big Boy won three straight before facing reality in Indiana, but returns to Ohio and could also return to his winning ways. Race 9: (4) Mom’s Looker drops in class to the level of his last win; just got second last week against better. (5) Clayton Delaney won this class last week, should be right there again, this 13-year-old still has what it takes. (7) Trytopass Sam has hit the board in each of his last four starts and should make it a fifth straight time tonight. Race 10: (1) Quick View has the rail and should receive a ground-saving journey. (2) Zeus’s Spirit. Looks like Noble will attempt to take this field gate-to-wire. (3) Fake Embrace A returns to Ohio after several New York attempts and has as good of a shot as any in this evenly matched field. (7) Doowrah’s Deal uses a strong closing kick to be a part of the ticket. Race 11: (3) Fried By Five has won both of his last two starts, but steps up in class tonight. (8) Spring Fling. Youngster looks to be vastly improving, reached them last week, can do it again.