by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 27, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill” Steve: I tabbed the first three legs ($7.00, $4.20, $4.40) and had a scratch last Wednesday, cutting my loss to $12. On Sunday, I had three of the four legs ($8.20, $3.40 and $16.00) and a second place finish. A scratch cut the loss to $24. For the year, I have hit five Pick-4s and remain in the black for $245.30.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

$1 play: 235/3/7810/48 = $18

Analysis:

Race 6: Not much to choose from in a field that is a combined 1 for 131 on the year. I’ll try (2) Eagle A Scootin who paced a :54.4 middle half on long uncovered grind and did well to hold show. Gets a key driver switch off that effort and looks as good as any. (5) Yermanos has been pacing fast miles despite tough posts in recent. The 7-year-old is just 1 for his last 26 but this is a very soft spot and must give him a shot. (3) Zall Good is the only one in here that’s visited the winner’s circle in 2014. Has been chasing tougher and has speed that must be respected in a field like this.

Race 7: (3) Bobby B Breeze is 0 for 12 on the year but has been up against stakes foes in many of those starts. Comes out of stakes event at Springfield where he was used hard to get the top from post nine and understandably tired. Finds a good spot, will be heavily bet, but appears to have the most ability of any in here.

Race 8: I’m sticking with (7) Babyshoebuyer who cost me last Wednesday’s Pick-4 with little chance from fourth over off slow pace. Hopefully will be able to get into the flow sooner. (8) Lovers Holiday is winless on the year but packs a good late kick and should be following top one much of the way. (10) Joyful Game was in tough in last two. The six-time winner is another powerful finisher who packs a sharp brush which she demonstrated beating lesser prior to those most recent starts. Draws the toughest spot but cannot be discounted.

Race 9: (8) Kitty O’Brien is a game grinding mare that has been a model of consistency at this level, although only having two wins to show for it, but always gives her all and may get a rare cover trip in finale. (4) I Don’t Remember drops back to best level and held off top one the last time she raced at Balmoral.

Good luck!