by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 30, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014

$1 play: 8910/68/68/1 = $12

Analysis:

Race 10: (8) Our Dragon King broke past the start last time after carving out a suicidal pace against tougher two back. (9) Big Brad finished evenly, pacing :53.4 final half last time. Draws tough post but has plenty of ability and is always dangerous at this level. (10) Furious Frank returns to reality after chasing Invitational company in latest. Pacer has won twice against lesser in 1:51 miles over the past month and a half and best could put him in the thick of this.

Race 11: (8) Love This Place beat better here back in June and now returns after chasing the Invitational ranks at Hoosier. The classy 8-year-old mare packs a strong late kick, gets Casey and figures to be riding live cover. (6) The Bruzilian Blur finished in :26.3 after being shuffled in last. The 4-year-old has looked better in recent weeks and is capable of early speed which would benefit her here.

Race 12: (6) Justa Cowboy left hard but was looped and pushed three wide around first turn before finding a tuck, sat in and was shuffled, cleared late and finished alertly. Gets key driver switch and can prove best. (8) Prairie Thunder was uncovered a long way and gamely held show. The 4-year-old has raced well in all recent starts, all from difficult spots like tonight’s and may need only better racing luck to surprise.

Race 13: (1) Sage Ruck is a 4-year-old that has been lightly raced (only five seasonal starts) but may be coming around with a tough uncovered try through :55.3 final half last time and finishing in :27.1 two back after pacing a :54.4 middle half. Gets the pole and should be well placed.

Good luck!