by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Oct. 26, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013

$1 play: 48/148/3710/7 = $18

Analysis:

Race 10: (4) Tink And Tiger was parked past the quarter before securing the pocket, chased a fast middle half and lacked a rally late in 1:52 mile. Two back paced a :55.2 middle half, brushing to the top before weakening late. Gets major class relief and a switch to Oosting. (8) Long Term shipped in from Hoosier, paced a big middle half making up a ton of ground, took over turning for home but weakened late, doing well to hold show against better field. Looks like key player in second local start.

Race 11: (1) Dabestleaderever looked to leave from eight hole but was wrangled back, getting a tuck near the quarter, pulled out to follow dull cover third over, ducked to the inside chasing :27.3 third quarter and had willing pace late. Gets first decent post in a while and can brush by these. I’ll give the fast (4) Madoff another shot after weakening last time after setting a quick pace, doing well to miss by less than three lengths; always a threat to shake loose at this level. (8) Power Of Tara N grinded uncovered a long way last time against tougher and understandably tired in 1:52 mile. The 10-year-old was racing consistently well against better in the early part of the year and could be set for a big mile in third try off the bench.

Race 12: (7) Tiza Mojo and (10) Western Deal are both sharp finishers who find good spots to set up their late kicks. (3) Blueridgevalentino has raced gamely despite being used hard in last two. The 6-year-old won at this level three back at Maywood and should be considered at a price.

Race 13: (7) Trans Am Blue Chip had no shot from eight hole last time but did manage to pace :55.3 middle half and finish evenly in just sixth career start. Well bred filly showed a fondness for this oval when starting her career earlier in the year, put in two strong speed tries at Maywood prior to that last effort and could surprise in finale going first time lasix for good barn.

Good luck!