by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on August 3 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, August 3, 2014

$1 play: 34/69/78/389= $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (4) Master Jeeves was used hard to get the top from post 9, chased a :56.2 middle half and just failed to hold on. Gets better spot in second try for Warren and may not stop. (3) Put To The Test made up a ton of ground from 10-hole in same race as top one. Retains sharpness and looks like the main threat.

Race 8: Both (6) Joyful Game and (9) Val’s Way return off three days’ rest. The former rallied boldly to get up on the wire while the latter went first-up a long way in same race and gamely held show through :56.3 final half.

Race 9: (7) Surclasser was facing tougher in last visit to Balmoral and now returns off strong come from behind score at Hoosier which may serve as a confidence builder. Finds a good spot to set up his late kick and can roll by these late. (8) So Photogenic is a strong finisher who was impeded by a breaker last time while in the midst of her stretch rally. Mare is in sharp form and has a big shot, likely following the top one home.

Race 10: (8) L A Camcharger is a suddenly sharp 4-year-old who blew out of the pocket and paced :28.1 final quarter to blow away slightly lesser in a lifetime best mile. Two back charged home in :26.2 to just fall short in five-horse photo at this level. (3) Galactic Star is hard to knock having taken three of his last four at this level and beat top one two back. (9) Major Male draws tough post but finished in :27.1 rallying against tougher in 1:51 mile last time and may go well for a tag.