by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 1, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday, I invested $16 and had three winners, including an $18.20 number, and a place finisher.

Meet totals: 47 plays, nine winning Pick-4s, +$232.50

$1 play: 37/3/23/89 = $8

Analysis:

Race 9: (7) St Elmo Hero is a classy 9-year-old who has come back to the races sharp and steps up to a level he’s handled in the past after holding on gamely to wire lesser, pacing three :27 and change quarters en route to his first victory in a long while last time. (3) Uncle Bud never got close, winding up first over against the tough Ice Scrapper in torrid 1:49.1 mile; drops to winning level and will likely be charging late.

Race 10: (3) Windy City Diane lacked a rally late with no excuse off live cover trip; two back was parked the mile from nine hole and tired. Mare drops to winning level and figures tough to beat with anything close to best.

Race 11: (3) Sunset Dreamer is a sharp 4-year-old that has shown much improvement over the past few weeks, taking three of his last four at this level. Finds a similar spot to last time when he had ground saving trip and rallied furiously late to get up, but he is also capable of grinding as he did three back, gamely outkicking the field late to establish a new lifetime mark. (2) Doc’s Deal followed a tough 4-5 winner home for place in good try. Moves inside while retaining good form and merits respect.

Race 12: (8) Callhimafool is a still developing 3-year-old that has been nothing short of sensational, powering past his opponents in identical 1:51.3 miles in last two, this with only eight races under his belt. (9) Delight Fashion looks to have the best shot if top one falters. Continues to draw tough posts but has finished with sub-1:23 final three-quarters in last three, having too far to come and can be a factor if new pilot Wilfong can get him into the race.

Good luck!