by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 9, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last night I invested $24 and had two short priced winners.

Meet totals: 50 plays, nine winning Pick-4s, +$164.50

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015

$1 play: 47/58/56/35 = $16

Analysis:

Race 7: Compact and competitive group to start tonight’s Pick-4. (4) Lucky Crusader has been in tough against the top pacers on the grounds in recent weeks, returns to winning level and a level he was sharp at before being bumped up and finds a good spot to set up his brush. (7) Feelnlikearockstar was victimized by slow early fractions last time and lacked a rally through :55.2 final half. The 3-year-old almost lasted against stakes company two back following dull efforts in Indiana Sire Stakes events prior, but shows some nice lines against some tough older pacers here back in late spring and even won at this level from post eight in the slop on May 30. Will likely show speed in small field and seems to race best at or near the front.

Race 8: (5) Southern Appeal appears to have the most ability of any in here minus any miscues. (8) Dreams Of Her has made up a ton of ground in both career starts but had too far to come in both; has plenty of upside and hopefully will be on the move earlier.

Race 9: (6) Rocknroll Crystal has uncorked :54.4 and :54.3 middle half brushes in last two and now finds a slightly better spot to set up that brush. (5) Fox Valley Pipa returns from the Illinois Fair Circuit. Mare had been racing consistently well at this level prior and showed a solid late kick in a number of those starts; looks like a key player here.

Race 10: (3) Seekin For Glamour returns from Maywood where she had eight hole last time. The 7-year-old mare has 41 career wins with 23 of them over past two seasons and now returns to the mile track at a level she dominated earlier in the year. (5) Miss Pat Weisar returns to best track off some even tries against better at Hoosier and has a sharp brush that must be respected.

Good luck!