by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on April 11, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Saturday I invested $36 and had three of the four winners ($6.20, $10.80, $3.20) as well as $47.20 and $12.40 exactas.

Meet totals: 19 plays, three winning Pick-4s, +$173.50

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, April 11, 2015

$1 play: 456/15/36/56 = $24

Analysis:

Race 9: Interesting battle between the three outside horses. (4) Iam Bonasera is a classy 8-year-old that is razor sharp right now and should get a fast pace to close off of. (6) Fort Silky couldn’t hold off top one in last after setting a lively clip. The amazing 9-year-old always gives his best and is always capable of winning, especially in small field like this. (5) Cam B Zipper takes on the big boys after impressively defeating lesser, going three for three since arriving at Balmoral with each mile faster than the previous. I don’t know if he can handle the top two but the way he’s racing, must be given a shot.

Race 10: (1) Big Brad drops and gets the rail off three speed tries from post seven against tough fields. (5) Life Is Good Today doesn’t win often (two for his last 51) but has had solid pace finishing in recent, including his latest when he uncorked a 1:21.1 final three-quarters in rallying for show against tougher and passing top one in the process. May be coming around and wouldn’t be surprised to see him blow by late with anything close to that last effort.

Race 11: (3) Officially Yours got a pretty easy half but looked strong, finishing with :56 final half to break maiden; two back was impeded while racing uncovered, recovered and finished with :26.4 final panel to just miss. Gets the nod in tough race with a few that have shown some ability. (6) Submit U paced some fast miles here to begin sophomore campaign before shipping to Hoosier where he finished a good second two back, then seemed overmatched in last. Returns and appears to have the most early speed of these.

Race 12: (6) Southern Girl has displayed a sharp brush in just three career starts (winning twice) and has the breeding to develop into a good one. Faces acid test tonight but can continue to move forward. (5) Lex has displayed the most ability of these to date. Comes off strong qualifier and will likely be ready following seven months on the bench.

Good luck!