by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Jan. 3, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: On Wednesday (Dec. 31), I wrapped up the year with two winners ($15.80 and $5.20, plus a $33.60 exacta) and two place finishes, making for a $54 loss on the night. Final stats for 2014: eight Pick-4 hits, suffering a loss of $545.90. With that hopefully far behind us, it’s on to 2015. Happy New Year.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015

$1 play: 258/29/810/27 = $24

Analysis:

Race 10: (5) Lucky Crusader has finished with sharp pace from tough spots in last two. (8) Major Monet took the lead following a long uncovered grind, just failed to hold off pacer that had perfect ground saving trip. The now 9-year-old continues to race gamely and will likely be leaving for a trip. (2) Lennox Blue Chip outgamed the former late off that perfect trip, finds another good spot and must be included on the ticket.

Race 11: (9) Bell Valley Bill is a strong finishing 7-year-old that took in plenty of Balmoral air racing overland the entire mile on sub freezing night, pacing a torrid 1:22.4 final three-quarters while rallying for show. Draws another tough spot and is at the mercy of the pace and cover but has swept by fields like this in the past and continues in sharp form. (2) Bet On Him finished with :26.4 final quarter after being shuffled out of last, drops in for a tag and can show improvement.

Race 12: (8) Nancys Skyscape and (10) Sunset Dreamer draw tough posts but are both sharper than the rest in here and have speed to leave for position.

Race 13: Tough finale. (2) Dp Angel had even pace against tougher last time following a solid two move try from eight hole two back at this level. Gets a better spot to set up her brush and can hold sway in the late stages. (7) Ryleigh’s Lilly moved earlier than usual last time, pacing a :55.3 middle half on blustery night to take the lead and was able to hold off the closers in final stakes race of 2014 season. Mare can flat out fly late and is capable of repeat if anywhere close to the top turning for home.

Good luck!