by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last night, to start the New Year, I had two winners ($5.40 and $8.40) and wasn’t close in the other two legs, coming out with a $24 loss.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015

$1 play: 8910/57/23/13 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: I’m going outside in this field to start my Pick-4 ticket tonight. (8) Odds On Rolomite put it all together to wrap up the year parked past the quarter from nine hole, chasing from the pocket then rallying to get up against similar group. (9) Sandcastle Girl was in tough last time. Returns to the level of a game uncovered try two back and should go well despite tough draw. (10) Jovanna was nipped by top one from similar spot two back, then tired after going first up on sub-freezing Chicago night. A factor here if Warren can get her into the race.

Race 8: (7) Sun Dream remains in sharp form and can leave for a trip here. (5) Hotmones drops off a game uncovered placing behind razor sharp mare.

Race 9: (2) Ms Solongbyebye had pace on both ends last time, finishing third against better field; two back raced bravely despite nightmare trip which saw her knocked off stride past the quarter. Mare was just 1 for 34 in the recently concluded year but continues to show signs of life, gets leading driver back and may be a handful. (3) Earthly Desire has been finishing faster than these in recent starts and will likely be looking at ground saving trip from this spot.

Race 10: (3) ER Monica won as expected when dropped to similar level at Maywood to start the new year. The 5-year-old was facing far tougher than these prior to last, raced well at Hoosier this past autumn and should adjust to the mile track. (1) Jokerslittlewhitelie failed to fire from the pocket at Maywood last time after enduring some tough trips early at this level prior. Gets the rail in return, a driver switch to Todd and figures to be well placed.

Good luck!