by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Hawthorne on Sept. 25, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Sunday, I invested $27 and tabbed the first three winners and finished second and third in the payoff leg. For the meet I’m 1 for 13 and stand at +$162.70.

Hawthorne Pick-4, Races 11-14, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016

50-cent play: 147/234/146/13 = $27

Analysis:

Race 11: (4) At Max Speed is 0 for 24 on the year but has been finishing fast against slightly better fields in most recent and what better way to wrap up the meet than with a win tonight. (7) Why Ask Why never fired in last but has done the most winning of any in here in 2016, gets key driver switch to “Double Oo” and figures to be a major player. (1) Gentle Janet has been disappointing most of the year but takes a key drop, gets the rail and is capable of big mile.

Race 12: (2) Montana Rei has been lightly raced this season but appears to be on an improving pattern finishing with crisp pace in last three starts and now reunites with Warren who drove her to victory from post nine in late August. (3) Parklane Dragon finished with sharp pace closing off slow early fractions to just miss in latest. (4) Lolo had tough spot last time following a :56.4 middle half grind against some of these two back, holding gamely late to miss by two lengths. Should have a shot from better post tonight.

Race 13: Tough third leg. (1) Blissful Pansy is at career peak right now having won three straight in strong fashion. Gets the pole and is hard to knock. (6) Wisconsin’s Best has had tough first over trips through fast miles in last two and figures to be one of the main threats in this. (4) Sagebrush Sam had pace finishing off a tough third over trip. The sophomore has been facing better much of the year, moves into new barn and should be a factor in the late stages.

Race 14: (3) Peacelovepace never fired in latest after chasing tougher prior. Finds a better spot in second try at reduced level and can handle these on best. (1) Desiree Bellabella paced a :55.4 final half trying to close off pedestrian-like pace and had no shot. Gets the rail in second try for new barn and, although not a win machine, figures to be well placed and appears to have a shot at rare win.

Good luck!