by “ Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Oct. 3, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday I invested more than usual with a $36 investment and, as it turned out, it was well worth it, hitting a more than generous $385.80 Pick-4.

Meet totals: 65 plays, 11 winning Pick-4s, +$339.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015

$1 play: 45/49/148/47 = $24

Analysis:

Race 9: The two classy 9-year-olds (4) Fort Silky and (5) St Elmo Hero do battle in the opening leg. Between them an amazing 100 wins with combined earnings of close to $1.6 million. Hard to go against them.

Race 10: (4) Seeyouatthefinish has been chasing tougher through fast miles in recent, takes a sharp drop and will be hard to beat at this level. (9) Friskie Flicker took some tote play in second start here since June, was parked to the top past the half, chased a fast third panel and understandably tired. Mare is a bit erratic at times but has shown high speed in a number of starts this season and could be a factor at a price.

Race 11: (4) Jerrico had tough spot in good field, finished with :53.3 final half in first try off short layoff. Drops, moves inside and will likely be forwardly placed where he seems to race best. (1) Part Time finished in :26.2 when last seen here two back, then never fired from eight-hole at Hoosier in latest. Drops to a more competitive level, gets the rail and will likely be well placed. (8) Big Brad lacked a late rally from similar spot last time after a good speed try against better two back. Is dangerous on best and cannot be overlooked.

Race 12: (7) Camwiser drops to best level and a level he’s won his last two at with tonight’s pilot, edge on best. (4) Nancys Skyscape was used twice from 10-hole and tired, two back paced a 1:23.3 final three-quarters, making up a ton of ground from post eight. The 6-year-old is just 1 for 31 on the year but gets a key driver switch, better post and will likely offer some value in finale.

Good luck!