by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on August 22 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday, I invested $6 and wasn’t close.

Meet totals: 53 plays, ten winning Pick-4’s +$168.80

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, August 22, 2015

$1 play: 36/47/710/47 = $16

Analysis:

Race 9: (3) Best Man Hanover paced a :54 final half but had too far to come against some of these. Finds a better spot to set up his brush and should be a handful late. (6) St Elmo Hero was parked past :27.2 opening quarter, secured the pocket, then paced a :27.1 final quarter and was gaining on the leader but just fell short. The 9-year-old remains one of the top pacers on the Illinois circuit and, as usual, is the one to beat.

Race 10: (4) Our Miss Lily was in tough last time, made a :56.2 middle-half brush to the top but gave way turning for home. Two back scored at this level off ground-saving trip taking lifetime mark in the process. Seems well place against mediocre group. (7) Fox Valley Charm 3-year-old filly has paced some fast miles when she’s been able to stay flat. Takes on older gals tonight but is “Double Oo’s” choice over three others in here and looks to have a big shot if she can mind her manners.

Race 11: Real good race and a tough one to handicap. (10) Party Hangover has been lightly raced this year and now returns to the track she races best following some even tries on the East Coast. Draws tough slot but has speed to leave for a trip and gets the nod. (7) Fox Valley Aubrey has had a solid season mostly racing against Illinois bred sophomore fillies. Is another with tactical speed who must be considered.

Race 12: (4) Uncle Bud takes a sharp drop and will be tough to beat at this level. (7) Endeavors King is a bit of a reach here but will likely offer some value. The 5-year-old hasn’t beaten this level recently but looks to be rounding into form finishing in overdrive after shaking loose from a bad shuffle in latest and scoring a 1:55 wire-to-wire win at Maywood two back.

Good Luck!