by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Aug. 31, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014

$1 play: 45/26/56/5 = $8

Analysis:

Race 7: (4) Fox Valley Ruby had pace finishing in fast mile following a sharp two move try from 10 hole two back. (5) Lima Calliope is a hard luck mare that was overmatched in scorching Hoosier miles and impeded against tougher here two back. Returns and drops to the level of a sharp placing here on July 27, just missing despite finishing in :26.4.

Race 8: (6) Sunset Dreamer was used hard to get the top from post nine, yielded to chase fast pace and missed by less than two lengths. (2) Native Lights is a Maywood shipper who blasted to the top from post seven, was used rebuffing backstretch challenge and dug in to hold sway and earn second career win. Switches back to mile track and can continue to move forward for high percentage barn.

Race 9: (5) One Jazzy Lady had tough spot in latest after showing speed and folding against top Indiana stakes fillies two back. The 3-year-old finds better spot, gets Hall of Fame pilot back and has shown sharp speed and quick brushes in a number of her sophomore starts. (6) Our Miss Special had little at Hoosier last time after pacing a 1:24.1 final three-quarters, recovering from early miscue to miss by a length and a half against some of these two back. Should be following live cover from this spot and may be tough to hold off in the late stages.

Race 10: (5) Karma Kween had steady rally from post 10, closing off a slow pace in race she likely needed. Gets better post and could make a move forward for strong barn.

Good luck!