by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on September 15 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, September 15, 2013

$1 play: 1478/36/68/45 = $32

Analysis:

Race 7: (7) Nash Gram left from 8-hole and was parked past :26.3 quarter before getting to the pylons, was shuffled a bit nearing three quarters, found room and finished with a sharp :27.4 final quarter in another solid mile. (4) Come N Bet It never fired in last after pacing some wicked final halves prior, finds a better spot and should be dangerous sitting closer to the front. (1)/(1A) Joey Lee Macdavid flew home overloaded with pace last time but had too far to come and settled for place. Entrymate Majestic Royale has been dull in recent but has a ton of early speed and in a race lacking much, could be a factor. (8) Elkhorn Damien steady 10-year-old has been ultra-consistent at this level and is another who can show speed in quest for third straight.

Race 8: (3) Old Man River gets away from current buzz saw Lb’s Alamericanjoy who he chased home for place in sparkling 1:50.2 mile last time and had uncovered trip through 1:51.2 mile two back holding well for show. Meets no such foes here and is Oosting’s choice over a couple in here. (6) Dabestleaderever did well to hold show after being used hard on the lead in first try at this reduced level. 6-year-old is far better than this level on best and is the main threat on or from off the pace.

Race 9: (6) Lima Calliope had been competitive against faster before a no shot try in fast Hoosier mile last time. Returns at a level she should go well at and gets key driver switch to Ooosting. I would single her but (8) Miss Pat Weiser has been racing better in recent weeks and comes off a solid two-move placing in latest.

Race 10: (4) Bet On Him drops another notch looking to regain a semblance of the form that took him to Invitational company last year. Did have a steady rally from tough spot last time pacing a :54.4 final half, an indication he may be heading in the right direction. (5) One Last Chance drops to winning level and will likely be following top one, a possibility on best.