by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on April 18 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday I invested $18 and, likely along with everyone else that bet the Pick-4, hit the formful number. For the first time, and likely last time since I’ve been doing the Strategic Wagering bets, cashed a winning ticket and lost money. Hopefully better results this weekend.

Meet totals: 21 plays, 4 winning Pick-4’s (I had a wrong listed total in last Sunday’s column. The corrected total is) +$148.00

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, April 18, 2015

$1 play: 34/810/79/37 = $16

Analysis:

Race 9: (3) Dakota Roadster paced a :55.3 middle half following dull cover, came wide and finished evenly, home in :28.4. Sharp colt finds a good spot in small field and can take it with better trip. (4) Prarie Thunder has been chasing faster in recent, drops off an even effort and may offer some value.

Race 10: (8) Ryleigh’s Lilly strong finishing mare was short in race she likely needed last time but still managed a strong :54.3 final half rally. Takes a key drop and can roll by these late. (10) Our Miss Lily had little shot in same race as top one trying to close off slow early fractions. Draws tough spot but has been much improved as a five-year-old and is capable of upsetting with the right trip.

Race 11: (7) Little Hank has been chasing torrid miles in recent, drops and can leave for a trip. (9) Blackjack Rivndel has been used hard on the pace in most recent and was briefly impeded in latest after taking a lifetime mark in game win here on 3/21. Draws tough spot but has speed to overcome it and will likely try to take control.

Race 12: (3) Missiana has been racing in sharp form recently and figures to be well placed from this spot. (7) Lizzabelle usual fast leaver changed tactics last time but had no shot closing off slow early fractions, finished with :55.4 final half to miss by two and a quarter lengths. Don’t know what she’ll do here but she figures to be tough on the lead or from off the pace.

Good Luck!