by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on October 5 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, October 5, 2014

$1 play: 237/14/37/26= $24

Analysis:

Race 7: Competitive first leg to this evening’s Pick-4. (7) Seeyouatthefinish the 4-year-old mare is in career best form having taken lifetime marks in each of her last two and looks like the one they’ll have to beat. (3) Love This Place had no shot behind dull cover last time but still managed to finish with sub 28-second final quarter, the sixth straight time she has done so. Gets much improved position and is dangerous if anywhere close to the lead turning for home. (2) Babe’s Chip has been sharpened at Maywood crushing lesser in last two pacing sub 1:55 miles in both. Should be well placed from this spot and can go with these.

Race 8: (4) Wings is in top form missing by a head chasing monster mile in last. (1) Dp Angel returns from Hoosier off a game uncovered try against lesser. The 4-year-old mare was competitive against tougher than these on last Balmoral visit and must get major consideration from the pole.

Race 9: (7) Quiet Hall chased older rivals after some competitive tries and wins on The Indiana Sire Stakes trail. Doesn’t face any world beaters here and gets the nod. (3) Stonebridge Ultimo is a well bred 4-year-old who seems on an improving pattern off of two solid tries at this level. Finds a good spot for provisional pilot who has been driving well in recent weeks and looks like one who can give top one trouble.

Race 10: (2) Shez A Swift is a Maywood shipper who had little shot from 8-hole last time from tough third-over spot, still finished with :28.3 final panel after pacing a :56.3 middle half. The 4-year-old is a 12-time winner on the year including fove straight at this level prior to that last effort against tougher. (6) Ladybones never got involved against tougher at Maywood in last two after a decent engine try three back. The 7-year-old returns to Balmoral and hasn’t been this low in a long while, appears a major player on or from off the pace.