by Tim Bojarski

Tim Bojarski offers his picks for the $5,000 Pick 4 at The Meadows on May 9, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

In the first two legs of the Pick-4 last week Tuesday I was able to bring a couple nice price horses to the table that came through on the off track (Tripdownmemorylane-$11.40 and Poster Man $23.00). But I finished second in the last two races getting beat a length by a $36.00 horse in the 14th and a neck to a $31.20 popper in the 15th. The off track provided a challenge but oddly enough the races went pretty much to form anyhow. This week the weather looks to improve quite a bit and speed should be the order of the day.

The bet is 2/16/12/ALL for a total of $36.

13th Race
2 American Rage has been full of pace his last two starts with a win and a second from post 7, scorching the timer at 1.23 to the three quarters. Inside once again, he should get things pretty much his own way.

14th Race
1 Must Be Psychic has been very successful this year, albeit in lower classes. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed as he has been claimed twice in the last three starts. Four out of his last five starts have been from the outside and four of his last six races have been on off tracks. Despite those obstacles he has produced 2 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds. With a fast track and the rail today, look for him to repeat that 1.57.3 mile of 2-18.
6 Anastasia Buzz likes to make the ticket but is not used to getting her picture taken with only one win in the last two years. Although she trotted in 1.56.2 last week I believe she was only a passenger of the fractions. She has been better since the qualifier and is dropping down from her last two, but I think in here probably only second best.

15th Race
1 Hangon Cowboy went a monster mile two weeks ago, toying with the field in 1.51.2. He faded a bit after a parking from the outside last week but still raced well. Now he’s back at the wood and this one will be tough.
2 High Wire Kat certainly has enjoyed his new connections, going three for three and knocking almost four seconds off his lifetime mark. He is very capable of stringing four today.

16th Race
ALL I really like about five horses in this race and could make a strong case for all of them. So since that is better than half the field (and my earlier races don’t involve many choices each) I may as well take them all in here and eliminate any lapses in judgment. Since I feel very confident with my picks in the first three races of this bet, I would just assume sit back and not have to worry about this one.

Good luck!