by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on November 2, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, November 2, 2013

$1 play: 237/258/39/8,10= $36

Analysis:

Race 10: (7) Tink And Tiger was used hard twice through fast pace, opened up a two length lead turning for home but couldn’t hold on settling for place; draws outside but looks worth another shot at this reduced level. (2) Uncle Bud takes a key drop and finds good spot to brush after chasing tougher through fast miles; key player. (3) Stamped By Design comes off two improved tries following a series of outside posts. Last time was a sharp :55 middle–half brush to the top before tiring and two back a :56.2 middle half uncovered before weakening. Eight-year-old is very dangerous with the right trip and should offer value.

Race 11: (2) My Boy Cal made a :26 second quarter brush to the top, used again trying to rebuff challenge of 3-5 shot through :28 third quarter, gave way grudgingly but did manage to hold show in fine effort, two back powered home full of pace in solid placing. Sharp 4-year-old appears on edge and looks ready to handle this level. (8) In Over My Head was rallying into striking position when impeded turning for home, recovered and roared home in :27.1. Has been lightly raced over past two seasons but looks to have found his best stride again and appears a major player. (5) Raging Cam had even pace finishing after being used hard early parking rival to :27.2 opening quarter, drops to best level and has some back class.

Race 12: (9) Rex Passus had nightmare trip at Maywood last time making strong three=-wide move past three–quarters but was impeded by the cover he was following when that one got sawed off by horse coming off pylons, remained impeded until the top off the stretch losing all momentum at 1-2. Returns to Balmoral where he’s at his best finishing with sub 28-second final quarters in last four tries and may blow by these late. (3) Lucky Crusader sat in until mid–stretch, slipped out and exploded late rallying 5-wide to be up on the wire beating many of these. Four-year-old has looked improved since moving to this level and wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take another.

Race 13: (8) Beach Hero sharp sophomore steps up but has been going very well against lesser and may be able to use his speed to get the top, in field void of much early foot, and shake loose as he has done in last two. (10) Bell Valley Art has raced gamely in all recent starts including the last two first over trips. Draws 10-hole but remains sharp and can pop if Dean can get him into the flow early.