by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 29, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday, after an early scratch, my investment was $12. I had two winners and a place finisher.

Meet totals: 55 plays, ten winning Pick-4s, +$140.80

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015

$1 play: 689/3/79/69 = $12

Analysis:

Race 9: (6) Big Brad may have been handled a bit cautiously last time after making a break from eight-hole two back. The 5-year-old has had a disappointing year to date but gets in with a field he can handle and will likely try to control it. (9) Desperado Alibi was uncovered at Maywood last time, pushed a :27.2 third quarter and weakened making first start in more than a month. Returns to the mile oval and draws post nine, but is another who will likely show speed and must be considered. (8) Uncle Bud won as expected last time when dropped but not as easy as a 3-5 shot is supposed to. The 6-year-old steps up but has finished with sub-:28 quarters in all of his recent starts, has beaten this level in the past and could repeat off that last.

Race 10: I’ll single (3) Endeavors King here. The 5-year-old is inching his way back into form and comes off a mile which saw him far back off a modest pace, tip out to follow excess cover, then storm home with :26.4 final quarter to nail show. Gets a strong vote from better spot.

Race 11: I’ll take a shot with (9) Kostas Wine who will likely offer decent value from this spot. The 5-year-old finished with a :26.4 final quarter against some of these last time but had too far to come. Two back scored a lifetime best 1:51.4 win against some of these with a perfect drive by provisional pilot who seems to be getting better with experience. Draws tough spot but is capable of leaving for position and it could be lights out for these if he does. (7) Sunset Dreamer comes off a game uncovered score against some of these including top one in latest. The 15-time winner over past two seasons is usually close at this level and, with the right trip, is capable of a repeat.

Race 12: (9) Vincent Van Go put it all together last time, exploding down the lane with :27.1 final panel to blow by the field and break maiden. Two back was shuffled, cleared late and finished willingly. Draws tough spot but seems to be heading in the right direction and gets the nod. (6) Poker Joe left for a tuck from post seven, made second move past the quarter and raced uncovered the rest of the mile. Somehow grinded past the leader in mid-stretch but couldn’t hold off top one’s furious late rally, but was able to hold place in ultra-game effort. The well bred 3-year-old has raced well in all Balmoral starts and appears to be a major player once again.

Good luck!