by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on May 2, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday I invested $24 and had three winners and a place finisher again. On to the new month.

Meet totals: 25 plays, four winning Pick-4s, +$72

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, May 2, 2015

$1 play: 39/279/56/4 = $12

Analysis:

Race 9: (9) Ricky Bobbie was in tough last time after a strong effort at this level two back, pacing a :54.3 final half uncovered and gamely holding show. (3) Major Monet tired chasing tougher through fast pace. The 9-year-old takes key drop after showing speed against faster in a number of recent starts and may try to take control from this spot.

Race 10: (2) Windy City Diane has had tough trips against better at both Maywood and here in all recent starts. Drops, moves inside and switches to “Double Oo” who may be able to get stalking trip. (7) Lizzabelle comes off improved speed try, giving way grudgingly after trying to rebuff stiff challenge while (9) Pretty Place is the one who battled top one uncovered last time and bravely held place. Both are overdue and either is capable of taking this.

Race 11: (6) Jovanna made an early move and brushed by to take the lead turning for home; paced a :27.4 final quarter to hold sway and establish a new lifetime mark. Mare is at the top of her game right now, drops back in for a tag at level she was a fast closing second at two back in the slop and may roll by late to repeat. (5) Moon Bay Dancer had a tough spot chasing sparkling 1:51.1 mile last time in first start off claim. Mare had been racing consistently sharp against weaker prior and likely retains that sharpness trying to handle a tougher group tonight.

Race 12: (4) Fox Valley Hotstuf paced a :56.3 middle half, making wide move from post eight last time; finished evenly for show in fast mile for this type. Gets a better spot at a level he’s consistent at and can leave for a trip in finale.

Good luck.