Northfield Track Announcer Ayers Ratliff’s free handicapping tips are provided for our IdaBet.com players.

Remember, due to their draw schedule, picks are made in advance and do not account for scratches or late driver changes.

From the “Ayers Above” FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 29

Race 1: 2- Friskie Town– Draws into a race where several could win; this one gets the slight call over the others to take tonight’s opener. 1- Balinska Hanover – Looks to be tough in here if she minds her manners. 9- A Million Thanks – Could be a factor with a clean effort. 3- Mcnickels Mcdimes – Should get a good trip from the inside.

Race 2: 2- Jimmy Rip – Drops in class and draws the inside looking to improve off a couple tough efforts. 5- Richerthanrayno – Looks to be tough at this level of competition. 7- Shark Control – Draws tough this week and is dropping in class, Dayton shippers do very well here. 9- Fight Night– Could add value from the second tier.

Race 3: 9- Ashtoreth Hanover – Taking a big drop in class tonight after a game third place effort last out, expect more this week. 7- Sea Danser – Looks to be successful upon a return to Northfield Park. 1- Forever Lucky – didn’t get the best of trips last time out from the 2nd tier, inside post should play to her advantage.

Race 4: 4- It’s a Horse – Dropping down to face easier after not advancing last time out, one to watch. 2- Sure Thing – Another with a big shot in here. 3- Lima Legend – Could add value from an inside post this week. 8- Pembroke Snapshot – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.

Race 5: 1- Lyons Chantelle – Draws the inside this week and hasn’t been able to show herself with the tough posts as of late, look for a strong bid. 4- Rosescape – Has the ability to be prominently placed on this ticket. 7- BB Radar – Should get a good trip from the outside. 3- Crow Foot – Could garner a minor share in here.

Race 6: 3- Velocity U Bet – Has been troubled with some tough posts against very tough company, drops to the bottom level looking for success. 4- Western Churchill – Could step up and race well tonight. 5- Bergerac – Looks to be in the thick of the action from mid-pack. 9- Talbotcreek Armani – Could be in the thick of the action despite starting from the 2nd tier.

Race 7: 3- Designated Drinker – Draws into a race where several could win; this one gets the slight call over the others to get the job done. 1- CallacamFaced tougher at Saratoga, and is facing a pretty decent layoff, expect a decent effort off the rail. 2- High Flyin Sara – Should not be overlooked as a potential competitor in here. 8- Im Shameless – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.

Race 8: 1- Vegas Dream – Won in hand last out against easier company, facing a good group off the rail. 5- Well Did – Draws well this week and drops in class looking for some improvement. 4- Man He Can Skoot – Could add value to the ticket.

Race 9: 1- Gonnakissmeornot – Gets some major post relief after a game 5th from an outside post last week. 8- Sweet Ben – Another that looks to be tough in here. 4- Fawn De J – Has been hitting the board over the last few starts and that trend should continue. 3- Hollywoods Thatway – Looks to be a factor in here.

Race 10: 5- Dangerous Woman – Really likes the surface at Northfield, strong contender from post five tonight. 2- Mandy’s Mattjesty – Didn’t get the best of trips in the fog last time out and is looking to improve. 4- Prettyfaceuglyalways – Should get a good trip from mid-pack. 9- Naked At The Beach – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.

Race 11: 4- Coach Ken – Drops in class tonight and garners a pretty good inside post which could spell victory this week. 1- Liberty Flyer – Has been racing well and that trend looks to continue. 9- Bob’s Ideal – Looks to be tough in here if he minds his manners. 2- K J Ben – Could garner a minor share despite starting from the far outside.

Race 12: 9- Cruising West – Draws into a race where several could win; this one gets the slight call over the others to get the job done. 1- Heartland DesireAnother that has a big shot in here. 4- Shooby Said – Could add value to the ticket. 6- Roll’em Up – Looks to be in the thick of the action.

Race 13: 5- Lex Lugar – Is one of the more consistent horses of the group, definitely a big player here. 2- Ring Leda – Draws well after a tough effort last time out, one to watch. 9- Odin Blue Chip – Should not be overlooked as a potential competitor in here. 7- Powder Keg – Looks to be in the thick of the action. 1- Odds On Serpens – Could garner a minor share of the 20¢ Super High Five.

Race 14: 9- Orse Power– Draws the 2nd tier tonight and could race extremely well from here, coming back on short rest is the only concern. 2- Q Cobra Jet – Could be tough from the inside. 4- Andrew Luck – Could add value to the ticket. 5- Irish Ihada Harley – Another that could add value in here.

Race 15: 3- Aberarder Max – Has not been lucky with the post draw over the past few starts, draw to the inside and class drop should spell victory. 2- Enjoy The Scenery – Could add value to the ticket. 5- Aloha John – Could add value to the exotics from mid-pack. 8- Keystone Royce – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta

Good luck at Northfield and thank you for choosing IdaBet.