by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on August 24 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, August 24, 2014

$1 play: 479/389/210/46= $36

Analysis:

Race 7: (4) Ride Sally has been finishing fast from tough spots in recent, moves inside and figures to be sitting closer to the pace. (7) Meet Me Tonight and (9) Val’s Way are by far the sharpest in here, the former wiring a similar group in lifetime best mile in latest while the later chased that one home finishing in :27.1. Either can take it although the 9 will probably have excess cover to get around.

Race 8: (9) Dane trotted a :57 final half rallying wide in much improved mile. Draws another tough post but picks up Hall Of Fame pilot and may roll by. (3) Enchantress Lady undefeated mare gets acid test tonight but has shown a strong brush in her three starts and looks to be a factor on or from off the pace. (8) B Man tipped wide off excess cover and was flying at the wire. The four-year-old continues to display a solid late kick when flat and must be considered.

Race 9: (2) Parklane Sparkle has raced sharply in fast miles all summer long. Gets a position edge on main rivals and may prove best. (10) One Jazzy Lady showed speed before folding against some top stakes fillies at The Indiana Fair last time. The fast three-year-old has shown sharp speed as well as a quick brush in a number of her starts this year and is dangerous if able to clear early.

Race 10: (4) Megyn Hotspur and (6) Brianna Official both seem on improving patterns, the former off a good looking maiden breaking win here on Wednesday (her first start in three weeks), while the later shipping in off a series of good tries at Maywood, including her latest, a tough two-move effort from post 8, should benefit moving back to the mile track.

Good Luck!