by T.J. Burkett, Hoof Beats Executive Editor

Hoof Beats editor T.J. Burkett offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on October 11, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, October 11, 2014

$1 Play: 1,2/5,8/6/3,10 = $6

Analysis:

Race 10: (1) Uffizi Hanover is the richest of the group this year and showed that she can come from way back when she got up for second in last week’s Garnsey division. Back-to-back last quarters of 26 and change make her a must-play for the Balmoral Park homestretch, where anything can happen. It’s been a long year, so fresh horses score more often now. Look for (2) Act Now to be right there, especially after she took them wire-to-wire last week in a Garnsey division.

Race 11: (5) Winds Of Change was my longshot pick in the Eye On Harness Racing Weekend Preview. Will use him here, too, off the flying finish last week in a Tattersalls split. Gets Zeron instead of Brett Miller. (I said he had Tim Tetrick in the video, which was recorded before driver selections were made. Apologies.) (8) Limelight Beach, Jug winner, on a three-race win streak and is sharp as ever. Took off second week of Lexington so should be ready to fire tonight.

Race 12: (6) Foiled Again won here in 2011, but it was against an entirely different group. He will be tough to play to win with the price you will get, but will refuse to lose here. Hate to single this race, but got to go with one somewhere and I will make my stand here.

Race 13: (10) No Fear No Doubt fits much better here. Won in this class on Aug. 2 in a new life mark of 1:52, so Leonard will have him on the engine tonight. (3) Smoke Rings gets some post relief and if he gets a trip like last week, he comes out on top.

Good luck!