by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sept. 22, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013

$1 play: 1346/810/157/39 = $48

Analysis:

Race 7: (6) Big Cuz broke making a :56.1 wide middle half move into contention in first Balmoral try. Adds lasix for powerful Miller barn and should be tougher tonight. (1) Brief’s Boy returns at best level and gets the rail off dismal try at Hoosier. (3) Rightonray has found best stride and comes off a powerful closing win after being parked to the quarter and shuffled last time beating some of these. (4) Reconing Day put in a solid try off sick scratch in last and can handle these on best.

Race 8: (10) Fox Valley Legend had a tough trip in Su Mac Lad final on Super Night, trying to close off a slow early pace; did trot a :28.2 final quarter to nail show. Drops back to the conditioned ranks at the level of a game uncovered score three back and looks best despite 10 hole. (8) Cocotier had a long overland trip in first start since May and didn’t fade badly considering the trip. Makes second start back in strong trot barn and may give the top one a battle if that Sept. 4 qualifier is any indication.

Race 9: (1) Stardom Bound power brushed to the top with a :27.2 second quarter, chased a :28.3 third panel and understandably weakened. Takes a key drop and gets the rail to set up her brush tonight. (7) Kiss On The Lips scored easily against weaker in last after chasing better fields through fast miles at this level. Draws outside but consistent filly looks to have a shot. (5) Hello My Dream is an improving freshman that takes on older gals tonight but seems to get better with every race and is Oosting’s choice over the #7 in here.

Race 10: (3) Boiler Heidi Ho is an amazingly consistent 10-year-old that shoots for 15th win on the year and 47th all-time and is hard to go against. (9) Night’s All Night put in a giant mile against top one two back to finish second and might have beaten her with better trip. Draws another outside post in finale but has been pacing fast miles at Balmoral and looks to have best shot at an upset.