by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 21, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013

$1 play: 89/134/57/145 = $36

Analysis:

Race 7: (8) Holy Mcmoses was bothered briefly at the start, used brushing to the top from the nine hole and gave way past three- quarters. Youngster is just 1 for 16 lifetime and continues to draw tough posts but may be able to shake loose if not used up early. (9) All Dune chased a runaway winner home for show when returned to this level, a level which produced a strong closing effort three back after being shuffled.

Race 8: (4) J M Showcat was impeded leaving last time from nine hole, got the top and gave way grudgingly late. Youngster was a strong winner in fast mile two back and seems capable of rebounding. (3) Perfect Profit outkicked top one late to score third win of the year last time after being unable to hold that one off in late stages two back. (1) We’ve Got It All went a much improved mile in local debut, finishing with :28.2 final quarter from the pocket to just miss. Should get similar tracking spot here and could give top pair some trouble.

Race 9: (5) Bestnotgetinmyway has been finishing fast in recent and finds a nice spot to set up his late kick. (7) Rio’s Z Tam had no shot closing off slow pace last time following a solid two-move try through fast mile from similar spot to tonight’s.

Race 10: (1) Shipps Con had tough third over trip off pedestrian like early fractions, finished full of pace, home in :27.1, to miss by a length in much improved try. (4) Justlivinthedream was first over in same race as top one, pushed hard but couldn’t clear, held well through stepped up final half to miss by less than two lengths. Game 4-year-old has already won seven times on the year and must be included on the ticket. (5) Brief’s Boy retook and got away with slow half, looked strong finishing, holding sway to beat top two among others in last. This 4-year-old races best at this level and cannot be eliminated.