by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Ayers Ratliff offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Northfield Park on Oct. 31, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

Northfield Park Pick-4, Races 8-11, Monday, Oct. 31, 2011

On Monday, Oct. 31, Northfield Park is again offering a $10,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4. The Pick-4 has a reduced takeout rate of just 14 percent (the lowest in harness racing) and starts in the eighth race.

Last week’s posted tickets were very profitable handicapping ventures. Monday’s $12 ticket went four-for-four and hit for $105.30. Wednesday’s $12 ticket also went four-for-four and returned $290.80. That is a total return of $396.10 for an investment of just $24!

Hopefully, this Halloween ticket will return more treats than tricks. Good luck!

$1 play: 129/38/9/123 = $18

Analysis:

Race 8: (1) TKR’s Metro Specs has a shot in a race that several can get the top prize. (2) Nukes Flash is another who gets a call in a race that many can be there. (9) Midnight Mass starts from the second tier behind a horse that should be prominently placed.

Race 9: (3) Tally Ho Ben adds Lasix off of a winning effort; if this improves him, he could be very dangerous. (8) Trytopass Sam goes for three in a row, could do it even though he has the outside.

Race 10: (9) Captain Clutch won this class last week, looks to be able to do it again.

Race 11: (1) Spidermonkey has the good inside post in a very competitive field. (2) Worries Stay Small is another with a strong chance. (3) Class Worker gets a slight call over many others to be the one who gets there.