by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on June 7, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, June 7, 2014

$1 play: 13/178/12/7 = $12

Analysis:

Race 10: (1) St David Hanover had tough spot last time after an uncovered effort through torrid 1:50 mile two back. Gets the rail and looks best. (3) Life Is Good Today had pace on both ends from eight hole in fast paced mile against better field.

Race 11: (1) Lucky Crusader is a deceptively sharp 5-year-old who is winless on the year but has paced 1:20.4, 1:22 and 1:22.3 final three-quarters in most recent starts, earning second and third in two of them. Gets the rail and may have found winning spot. (8) Uncle Bud rallied to miss by less than three lengths in latest, pacing fourth straight sub-:28 final quarter. The 5-year-old has been slow to find best form but races very well from outside spots like this and is capable of waking up. (7) Big Brad paced some big miles as a sophomore last year and seems to have a fondness for this oval. Returns off a powerful qualifier and has a big shot at this level for barn that can return them ready.

Race 12: (2) Firstclassalltheway takes key drop and may be too tough for these. (1) Tink And Tiger put in an improved two-move try from seven hole when dropped to best level in last. Gets the rail and figures to be a handful.

Race 13: (7) Arroya Blue Chip is a sharp filly that has paced consistently faster than any in here and may handle older rivals despite outside draw.

Good luck!