by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 1, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, November 1, 2014

$1 play: 457/3410/34/910 = $36

Analysis:

Race 10: Many possibilities in wide open first leg. (4) Washington Hanover had a tough trip closing off slow early fractions, finished with :27.2 final panel against many of these. Raced well at this level back in August and gets a slight edge. (5) Smoke Rings finished boldly for place against better field losing to razor sharp winner. Two back paced a 1:23.3 final three–quarters and never got close racing wide from 8–hole. Makes third start for good barn and figures to be a factor from this spot. (7) Life Is Good Today doesn’t win often (3 for his last 72) but has been finishing fast from difficult spots in a number of recent starts. Gets key driver switch and is very dangerous with the right trip.

Race 11: (10) Ryleigh’s Lilly powerful finishing mare takes a sharp drop and hopefully won’t be too far back to roll by late. (3) Wings is at career peak right now and should be a factor on or near the front. (4) Love This Place is going to wake up one of these nights and that may be tonight in second try at reduced level.

Race 12: (4) Lifetime Mattjic was a sick scratch last time after making up a ton of ground from nine hole in last start. Two back paced a :54.4 final half finishing with explosive pace down the lane to nail place. The 4-year-old has missed close to a month but moves into new barn and should be sitting close to the leaders turning for home. (3) Aces Again has taken three of her last five at this level with a place finish last time rallying with strong late place closing off a slow early pace.

Race 13: In a race with numerous shippers (9) Once A Cheater has raced well at this level despite tough trips and (10) Star Of The Game was stuck behind dull cover and finished willingly with no real shot. Either can take it.