by “ Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on May 24 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, May 24, 2014

$1 play: 156/18/39/38 = $24

Analysis:

Race 10: (5) Rhombus chased sub 1:51 miles in last two at Hoosier. Returns to Balmoral where he won his last two starts against lesser and seems to have a fondness for this oval taking a lifetime best 1:50.2 mile here last year. (1/1A) Furious Frank and St David Hanover are both sharp and combine to make a formidable entry despite posts 7 & 8. (6) Tink And Tiger doesn’t win often but has been recording some quick final quarters in recent and I’ll throw him in as a price possibility.

Race 11: (1) Master Of Desire benefited from breaking horses last time but did make a :26.1 second quarter brush to the top and easily blew out lesser in what hopefully will serve as a confidence builder. (8) Brief’s Boy ended season long slump last time scoring for the first time in 2014 pacing a 1:22.2 final three-quarters as a follow up to a 1:22 flat final three quarters two back. The 5-year-old pacer won 14 races a year ago and may be set now to string a few.

Race 12: (9) State Street Liz had no shot closing off slow half last time following a series of solid tries against tougher prior. Draws tough spot but takes a key drop and will likely show speed. (3) Hello My Dream has raced well in both sophomore starts, the latest a strong engine try from 9-hole in the Indiana slop just failing to hold on and two back pacing a game :55.2 final half uncovered at this level holding determinedly to miss by a neck with trainer in the bike.

Race 13: (8) Metro Lad left for position from similar spot, sat in and was shuffled back, couldn’t clear late while appearing overloaded with pace. Two back was a decent effort in first start since November finishing in :28 after leaving alertly from post nine. Draws another tough spot but looks ready to move forward in third seasonal start and is Anderson’s choice over the 3. (4) Jps Mini Me cost me last Saturday’s Pick-4 when he broke trying to leave in between horses. Two back was a long uncovered grind from 8-hole pacing :55.4 middle half and holding place in giant effort. The 4-year-old hasn’t won in two years but did show potential as a freshman pacing in 1:54 here winning 3 of 7 races. With Warren sticking I’ll give him a shot to wakeup at a price with clean trip.

Good Luck!