by Frank Cotolo

Frank Cotolo offers his picks for the $30,000 Pick 4 at Balmoral Park on April 15, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 7-10, Sunday, April 17, 2012

Singling a 10-hole horse in the last leg of this Pick 4 would scare a lot of players but I know no fear when I find a horse that is best in a race where most would push the “all” button. As for the other single, it looks strong, though probably won’t come near one of our win bets (4-1 or up). The others may increase our investments but look good enough to contribute to a ticket we may have to share with a few others, at least.

$2 play: 46/3/37/10 = $8

Analysis:

Race 7: (4) Tell All Diamond was eliminated from the beginning last week, which is no reason to toss him out here, especially since the others involved in this fray are suspect in more than just gait. (6) King’s Legend, it seems, should have a better second outing at Crete, considering his accomplishments at the Meadowlands.

Race 8: (3) My Dream Mara has every reason to come right back and win again after last week’s mile. There is little to say about anyone else in this field, since few appear to do anything but cash lesser-than-win checks.

Race 9: (3) The Hilo Kid could not get his head around a 10-hole start and just about gave up trying when he could only beat two others. Here, however, he could find a spot to use his late speed, saving some ground and flying down this endless stretch. (7) Bubbalou was impressive stepping up, firing early and holding despite the first-half charge, most of it wide.

Race 10: (10) Jimenys Star made a good go of it last week from post 10 and here he may be able to overcome the start from the outside against nine others that don’t deserve little to no consideration from any post.