by “ Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on April 19, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, April 19, 2014

$1 play: 368/25/249/58 = $36

Analysis:

Race 10: (3) T E’s Zenyatta is a streaky mare that has rounded into form for Phillips, storming home in all recent starts. (6) Don’t Flash Me had little shot behind excess cover through :55.1 final half two back, then brushed and crushed this level in third local start from first decent post since shipping in from Canada. Mare has some back class and should be tough once again. (8) Ryleigh’s Lilly made a big move in the slop and held sway against lesser. Steps up but packs a solid late kick and finished just behind top one two back; dangerous with any kind of trip.

Race 11: (2) My Boy Cal has chased fast miles in all three seasonal starts, the last two from tough posts. Moves inside and should be a handful. (5) Rex Passus paced a :55 middle half last time and finished with :29.1 kicker racing into strong stretch headwinds. The 4-year-old doesn’t win often but goes a big mile every so often and could be live at a price from this spot.

Race 12: (9) Real Or Magic followed a sharp qualifier up by showing strong pace, finishing into stretch headwinds in mile that went in 1:51.1. Draws nine-hole in second start of the year but takes key drop and gets Dave for Dean. (2) Alequash Hotspur tired past the half from eight-hole last time at Hoosier after making three moves and missing by less than a length in huge try two back. Finds a good spot in local reurn, gets Casey and looks like a key player from this spot. (4) Major Male pulled early from seven-hole but could not flush cover, raced uncovered pacing :55.1 middle half and held his ground late finishing his mile in :27.1. Two back paced a snappy 1:23.3 final three-quarters to easily beat lesser in first start since last summer. The 6-year-old has returned to the races sharp and is another with a big shot here.

Race 13: (8) Im A Dan Fool never fired in last after two strong miles against slightly better. Can make amends at decent price. (5) No Fear No Doubt has raced gamely and consistently since shipping to Chicago and looks dangerous on the engine or from the pocket.

Good luck!