by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on April 26, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last night I invested $24 and had four place finishers.

Meet totals: 24 plays, four winning Pick-4s, +$96

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, April 26, 2015

$1 play: 245/46/49/67 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (4) Wings likes this track and returns following a no shot try at Hoosier from eight hole in latest after banging heads against Invitational company prior. (5) Ryleigh’s Lilly rolled by lesser following a long overland trip from eight hole last time. (2) Our Miss Lily was fifth over behind dull cover, tipped wide turning for home and finished overloaded with pace, nailing place with :26.2 final quarter. The 5-year-old mare has never beaten this type in the past but finds a good spot in small field and may be the value play.

Race 8: (6) Lizzabelle never fired from tough spot last time. The mare is capable of better than she has shown in recent and wouldn’t be surprised to see her leave. (4) Pretty Place had ground saving trip and rallied strongly for place when returned to best level in latest. Looks to have big shot with these.

Race 9: (9) Fox Valley Hotstuf returns from Maywood where he went first up against streaking winner in last and gamely held show. The gelding retains sharpness, taking a lifetime mark here three back and has raced consistently well at this level. (4) Awesome Abe had pace on both ends from post seven in the slop last time and missed by a head. Gets a better spot and looks like the one to beat.

Race 10: (7) Jovanna has burned us more than once in this column but the strong finishing mare appears the sharpest in finale and will likely be following a live cover flow. (6) Wanna Be Wendy has looked better against tougher at Maywood in recent. Returns to the mile track and is capable of upsetting.

Good luck!