by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on March 1, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last night I invested $32 and wasn’t close.

Meet totals: nine plays, one winning Pick-4, +$73.30

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, March 1, 2015

$1 play: 127/4567/3/34 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: A first leg with a field of camera shy mares answering the marshall’s call. The field has a combined 23 for 441 lifetime record and it’s tough to have much confidence in any, but here goes. (1/entry) If I Didnt Dream has been racing consistently well but has yet to win at this level. Along with entry mate will be the deserved favorite and in her case, rail might not really be helpful. Has to be on the ticket nonetheless. (2) Miriam’s Jet is a bit inconsistent to say the least but showed improved speed from post seven racing into stiff headwinds last time and paced a sharp :56.2 middle half, making up close to nine lengths two back and was able to finish evenly; chance with these. (7) Gabby Rei comes off a game placing in last and a strong closing try two back. Mare has done the most winning of any in here and figures to be charging late although I wouldn’t be surprised to see her leave in this field.

Race 8: (7) Star Chaser left strongly for the top from post 10, set a pressured pace on cold night, dug in gamely and held off the closers in big mile. (6) Jo Jo Spur rallied wide off tough third over trip and finished full of pace in same race. (5) Justlivinthedream left and yielded in same race as top pair, was locked in and shuffled turning for home, appeared to have a ton of pace but had nowhere to go. The 6-year-old hasn’t won in a long while but may be getting close and will likely offer a price. (4) Camwiser returns from Maywood and has looked better in recent weeks, can take these on best.

Race 9: (3) Really Lucky hasn’t been in last two but sharp 6-year-old has had brutal trips at Maywood in last two. His last saw him impeded trying to leave from eight hole, then forced to race parked the mile on 10-degree night, somehow finished second in giant effort. Two back raced uncovered on 1-degree evening and was able to hold show. Pacer has only one win over past two seasons but that was a 1:55 number here back in November and may be set for a repeat of that performance in Balmoral return.

Race 10: (3) Moon Bay Dancer had solid pace finishing and remains sharp. (4) La Semana Hanover has had trouble holding on in a number of recent starts but finds a field lacking a ton of early speed and is a possibility to shake loose in finale.

Good luck!