by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on July 5, part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, July 5, 2014

$1 play: 19/348/2710/68 = $36

Analysis:

Race 10: (1) Fashion Delight had tough spot at Hoosier last time after setting a fast pace against tougher here and holding well to miss by a little over a length. Returns against lesser, gets the rail and has a class edge on these. (9) Holy Chip never fired last time after rolling by a similar field in lifetime best mile two back. Draws outside but 5-year-old has a big late motor and will likely be charging down the lane.

Race 11: Tough race. (3) No Respect showed speed in last before tiring. Mare beat Invitational company at Hoosier numerous times earlier in the year, gets De Long back and should go well second time at this reduced level. (4) Love This Place was short trying to close off slow pace, returning from sick scratch and making first start in three weeks. Finds a better spot to set up her brush and could be a handful. (8) Whistle Pig was far back off same slow pace as the former last time after holding sway against some of these two back, pacing a :27.4 final quarter after making an early brush to the front. Veteran is at the mercy of the pace and cover but has beaten this type in the past and must be considered at what should be decent price.

Race 12: (2) Just By Design has had tough trips chasing fast fractions in recent. Moves inside and should be well placed. (7) Gentle Janet steps up in career best form, taking a lifetime mark in latest off perfect trip. (10) Auniqueaquisition cost me last Saturday’s Pick-4 when she had to be a bit over extended to get the top and just fell short in deep stretch of 1:53.3 mile. Draws 10 hole but is 16 for 33 lifetime and will likely be leaving for a trip here.

Race 13: (6) Western Deal chased the tough Elkhorn Damien home for place last time after being parked past a :27.2 opening quarter. The 11-year-old continues to race well and looks tough on or from off the pace. (8) Tiza Mojo seems to have tailed off a bit after racing in sharp form against tougher at Maywood. Returns to Balmoral, where he took a lifetime mark last year, and may perk up at this level.

Good luck!