by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on March 14, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: On Sunday, I invested $18 and was alive in the final leg having tabbed $21.60, $7.40 and $5.20 winners leading up to the finale. My single wasn’t close to wrap up the evening.

Meet totals: 12 plays, one winning Pick-4, +$7.30

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, March 14, 2015

$1 play: 236/27/49/36 = $24

Analysis:

Race 9: (2) Jerrico held well, finishing with wind aided :27.3 final quarter after a tough uncovered final half. Gets position edge on main foes and can brush past. (6) Real Or Magic followed a strong qualifier with a solid finishing try in first start since last August, should be tighter off that mile and has some back class. (3) Cam B Zipper is a Miami Valley shipper that was arduously used battling on the front end through wicked fractions; didn’t tire badly considering the nightmare trip. Finds a good spot at a level he should be competitive and gets JD in the bike; dangerous.

Race 10: Tough race to handicap and I am looking for a price with the fast closing (7) Ricky Bobbie who had a steady rally last time, pacing a wicked 1:22.2 final three-quarters against some of these; has yet to beat this type but is sharp, switches to JD and seems capable of rolling by late if anywhere close to the top. (2) Somestarsomewhere returns from The Meadowlands where he had been facing tougher, qualified back in powerful fashion and likes this track; appears to be major player.

Race 11: (9) Flying Rocket was exactly that in the late stages two back when he blew by a similar group, had even pace against tougher last time and now returns to best level, while still sharp, and will likely be following live cover from this spot. (4) Bell Valley Bill lacked a serious rally last time but did well to earn show; two back changed tactics by brushing to the top early and easily holding sway against similar as the great Dave Magee’s next-to-last career winning drive. Finds a good spot and wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the move early again.

Race 12: Another extremely competitive race. (3) Cotton Eyed Joe finished well in fast paced mile, gets better spot in second try at this reduced level and rates the edge. (6) Savya Knows drops to the level of a huge effort, nailed after being used twice on five-degree night. Finds a good spot to set up her usual late kick and is a major factor with these.

Good luck!