by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Hawthorne Race Course on Sunday (Aug. 21) as part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Sunday, an early scratch cut my investment to $6. I had three winners including a $22.20 number in the final leg and a place finish. For the meet I’m 1 for 8 and stand at +$243.70.

Hawthorne Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016
50-cent play: 35/910/459/510 = $12

Analysis:

Race 7: (3) Fancy Creek Link and (5) Sporty Redhot appear to have the most ability in this with the latter finishing with 1:24.4 final three-quarter rally from a tough spot to miss by less than a length in his latest.

Race 8: (9) Krusty The Clown failed to fire against a better field last time following a brush and crush score against a few of these two back pacing almost two seconds faster than he has in a long while. (10) Dontdoubtthelakers doesn’t win often and draws post 10 but has been finishing fast since joining new barn and has speed to leave for position.

Race 9: (9) Drink At Last Call had a tough overland trip when parked past the half, trotted a :28.4 third quarter to improve position and sit the pocket, understandably weakened late in an effort that’s better than it looks. Two back unleashed a wicked stretch kick to beat slightly lesser. Draws outside but looks sharp enough to take this. (5) ‘Cuda Hall is sharp and has shown the most early speed of any in here, threat to take them down the road. (4) Body Double was used twice and held well upon shipping in from Hoosier, finishing in front of top one amongest others. Switches to Wilfong, who does well first time in the bike, and beat Open company in Florida back in May.

Race 10: (5) Capelo circled the field with an explosive 1:23 final three-quarters blowing out a similar group by almost seven lengths. Powerful finisher is hard to go against off that effort. (10) Donald Himself was wiped out after pacing a :55.3 middle half with trainer in the bike. Draws post 10 for the fourth consecutive time but gets leading driver back aboard and best mile would likely make him a factor at a square price.

Good Luck!