by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Checking up on Catskill Steve: On Sunday, I invested $16 and had the first three winners at fairly short prices.

Meet totals: 18 plays, three winning Pick-4s, +$209.50

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

$1 play: 78/378/6710/24 = $36

Analysis:

Race 9: (7) Cotton Eyed Joe was used early from seven hole to secure pocket, chased fast pace and held well for show. Two back paced a 1:22.4 final three-quarters, finishing with :27.1 final panel in rallying for check. The 4-year-old doesn’t win often these days but takes a key drop and may be on edge. (8) Lucky Crusader returns to favorite track and at greatly reduced level off an even try at Hoosier; key player here.

Race 10: Any of a number of entrants can take this and it’s worth shooting for a price. (7) Get The Terror wrapped up the 2014 season in razor sharp form which included a lifetime best mile on Dec. 20 when she defeated slightly better than this level. The mare has been slow to return to that form but returns here after not finishing in Miami Valley Late Closing event and goes back into barn that knows her best. Will likely be riding live cover and is more than capable of rolling by late. (8) Jovanna cost me the Pick-4 last Sunday night and has been a beaten favorite in her last four starts. Takes on a tougher bunch tonight but can finish as good as any in here, will likely be following top one from this spot and can take it if anywhere close to the top turning for home. (3) Parklane Sparkle is a consistent type that has been racing well against sharp winners in recent; finds a good spot to set up her brush and cannot be overlooked.

Race 11: (6) Camwiser is on quite a roll right now. Shoots for sixth straight and has beaten the majority of these in recent months. (7) Major Male has been no match for top one in recent tries but has finished second in three of his last four and has a shot with a little luck and an off night from top one. (10) Wildcat Bobby has been finishing strongly from tough spots in recent and now draws post 10. Likely to be a late factor if Ridge can get him into the race.

Race 12: (2) Seeyouatthefinish won as expected when dropped to this level in last, pacing away from her foes with :27.1 final quarter. (4) Always About Katey has yet to come close to the form she displayed last year when she won more than $100,000 and took a 1:51.3 mark at Hoosier, but showed improved speed last time when she was used a bit to get the top; set a fast clip chasing a :27.3 third quarter before weakening. May be coming around off that speed tightener and looks like the toughest foe despite coming off sick scratch.

Good luck!