by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on May 24, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last night, I invested $24 and had one winner.

Meet totals: 32 plays, five winning Pick-4s, +$25.30

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, May 24, 2015

$1 play: 245/710/26/46 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (5) Ravishing Image has looked much improved since returning from Hoosier and comes off a powerful brush and crush score from post nine, establishing a new lifetime mark of 1:55. (4) Silver Gal ships in from Hoosier where she finished in :27.4, rallying from tough third over spot. Tries Balmoral where she had a good qualifier back in March, gets a better spot and should go well with these. (2) Can’t Catch Key was impressive breaking maiden in strong uncovered win in 1:55.2. Takes on winners but can continue to move forward and rates a long look.

Race 8: (7) Fox Valley Aubry comes off some solid speed tries against the top Midwest-bred sophomore fillies in recent. Takes on older rivals for just the second time in her career and may prove too quick for the older gals. (10) Dp Angel drops out of winners over company where she grinded to the top turning for home and did well to hold place in 1:52.3 mile, losing to powerful finishing mare who blew by her with :26.3 final quarter. Draws 10 hole but takes on weaker and the 5-year-old seems to have found best stride.

Race 9: Both (2) Red Solo Cup and (6) My Funky Farkle have been racing sharper than these in recent and either should take it.

Race 10: (6) Fox Valley Redhead comes off a much improved placing despite racing wide early from seven hole and may be heading in the right direction. For a price (4) Halo Dali has chased fast miles in recent and has registered snappy final quarters in all recent starts. Finds a good spot and may be the value play with any type of improvement.

Good luck!