by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Hawthorne Race Course on Aug. 28 as part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Sunday, I invested $12 and had two short priced winners and an 8-1 place finisher. For the meet I’m 1 for 9 and stand at +$231.70.

Hawthorne Race Course Pick-4, Races 8-11, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016

50-cent play: 459/14/910/510 = $12

Analysis:

Race 8: Highly competitive first leg to tonight’s Pick-4. (9) It’saswan has raced decently despite a series of outside posts. Draws another tough slot tonight but could surprise if Todd can get him into the race early. (5) Let’s Be Honest makes just fourth start of the year and second since January north of the border. 4-year-old had even trot in latest, finishing in :29.2, and may be heading in the right direction. (4) Commandergalleon N chased a fast mile from post eight last time in race he likely needed. Moves inside and won at this level back in May, dangerous on best.

Race 9: (1) Evergreen Elite was unraced at ages two and three and now seems to be developing into something for Rucker taking his last four starts at Hawthorne, most recently in easy fashion and in fast times. (4) Heartland Desire paced a 1:23.3 final three-quarters finishing with :26.4 final quarter chasing top one home from post eight. Remains sharp, gets better position tonight, will be sitting closer to the top turning for home, and should offer some value.

Race 10: Tough race to handicap and I’m not highly confident starting from outside but (9) My Man Red and (10) Real Cool Dude are both racing in sharp form with the former unleashing a wicked stretch kick to get up at the wire last time. The gelding also took a 1:53.3 mark here as a freshman last year and may prove best although prone to breaks on occasion. The later was parked past the quarter in latest, chased a stepped up final three-quarters and was able to hold show.

Race 11: (10) Outlawpocketrocket had no shot following excess cover last time, finished in :27.4. Two back was overloaded with late pace missing by a head against slightly better field. Draws tough slot but can finish fast and is capable of rolling by late for pilot who has brought in his share of long price winners in recent weeks. (5) Terrorize The Moon was much improved in first try for new barn taking lifeltime mark in game wire-to-wire fashion. Returns off two days rest but may get the top quickly from this spot and is the one to beat.

Good Luck!