by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday I invested $12 and wasn’t close. Meet totals: 23 plays, four winning Pick-4s, +$120

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, April 25, 2015

$1 play: 24/568/12/46 = $24

Analysis:

Race 9: (2) Iam Bonasera is a classy 8-year-old that broke nearing three-quarters, recovered and flew home in :26.1 to miss by a length. (4) Fort Silky is the other with a class edge here. The 9-year-old went down the road carving quick pace, opened a clear lead only to get collared in the late stages; may opt for pocket trip and will be tough to beat.

Race 10: (6) Wildcat Bobby finished in :26.3 chasing better field following two strong closing wins against lesser. Finds a good spot and may get a quick pace to close off of. (8) Washington Hanover returns at reduced level from Miami Valley where he had a brutal trip trying for the top past :55.3 opening half and understandably expired. Veteran is accustomed to tougher and has speed to be a major player at this level. I’m not giving up on (5) Life Is Good Today but am getting closer to. This one is just two for his last 51 and has done little since putting in a 1:21.1 final three-quarter rally three back against tougher. Is going to put it all together one of these weeks and this could be the night at a huge price.

Race 11: (1) Jackson’s Image is a lightly raced 3-year-old that continues to show improvement, finishing with 1:23 final three- quarters against similar group in fast mile for this type. Gets a good spot to set up his brush and can roll by late. (2) Adams Hanover chased a strong winner home from the pocket, gamely holding place in same race as top one. The 7-year-old seems to be getting closer, second in last two, and may be ready to handle this level.

Race 12: Extremely tough race to handicap in finale. I’ll go with (4) Somestarsomehere who returns from Hoosier where he has finished with :26.2 final quarters in last two. The 4-year-old has had a disappointing year to date but was a good second to one of the hottest pacers on the grounds in last visit and could get a nice stalking trip in race that could produce a hot pace. (6) Extravagent Art made two moves from eight hole at Hoosier last time before weakening in same race as top one. Two back paced a 1:21.2 final three-quarters off a lame scratch, making up a ton of ground through final half. Finds a good spot and may try leaving for a spot.

Good luck!