by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 20, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill” Steve: I had two winners ($11.80, $4.20), a second and a third last Saturday. A scratch cut our loss to $12. On Sunday, I missed the first leg then tabbed the final three legs (all favorites: $6.80, $3.00, $3.80) in taking a minimal $8 loss. For the year, I’ve hit five Pick-4s and am showing a profit of $281.30.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014

$1 play: 135/5910/23/9 = $18

Analysis:

Race 6: (3) Mean Jd Mustard had post seven, unleashed a rocket like :54.3 middle half brush, before understandingly weakening. The 6-year-old seems to be on an improving pattern, having won two prior races and may be sharp enough to handle tougher from better spot. (1) Chillinonadirtroad was knocked off stride while moving on the rim at Springfield last time after being used hard from post seven to get the top in fast Hoosier mile two back. Returns to Balmoral where he scored two impressive wins against lesser before shipping out and gets the rail. (5) Ready has shown speed against tougher and is another that has a shot.

Race 7: (5) Megyn Hotspur filly is zero-for-nine lifetime, but comes off a series of solid tries and looks set to graduate for strong barn. (9) Bc’s Fancy Dancer has missed three weeks since showing speed and tiring over track that strongly favored closers. Filly draws post nine but gets key driver switch and beat top one three back. (10) Odds On Rolomite had a ton of pace, rallying wide over Maywood half-miler. Tries the big track for the first time and could be a price factor if she can adjust.

Race 8: (3) Kitty O’Brien paced a :26.4 final quarter, rallying to just miss in last. Finds a spot that should set up her game grinding style and may be able to wear down this field after finishing second in eight of her 12 starts on the year. (2) Kendyl makes first Balmoral start since being claimed by hot barn back in mid-July. Mare finds a good spot and should be well placed.

Race 9: (9) Babyshoebuyer finished in :27.1 despite racing overland the entire mile from 10 hole. Mare is at the mercy of the pace and cover but continues to race in deceptively sharp form.

Good luck!