by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian
Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Hawthorne Race Course on Aug. 7 as part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.
Last Sunday, I invested $18 and wasn’t close. For the meet I’m one-for-6 and stand at +$264.70.
Hawthorne Race Course Pick-4, Races 9-12, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016
50-cent play: 16/147910/2610/8 = $15
Analysis:
Race 9: (6) Walker Meister had a tough trip from post 8, came wide past three-quarters and finished alertly. (1) Thesleazyprincess was used hard to get the top from post 10, carved out the fractions before understandably tiring past three-quarters, drops and gets the pole.
Race 10: A field of sharp mares in leg 2 and I’ll go five-deep with (1) Little Miss Torie, (4) Sandy Win, (7) Dali Treasure, (9) Our Miss Lily, (10) Awesum World and a slight nod going to (7) Dali Treasure who had a tough first-over trip from post 9 in first try on Lasix. Hopefully will ride live cover in a field that should produce a fast early pace and can roll by late.
Race 11: In a field sporting an eight-for-134 combined record on the year, this looks like anyone’s race. Although I don’t like the post, my best guess will be (10) Southwind Kean who exploded with late trot from far back to nail place at this level back in early July. The trotter did little against tougher following that mile and failed to fire when returned to this level in latest pulling past the quarter and unable to go on but rather weakening past the half. Gets new pilot tonight and is certainly capable of better than that last effort. I’ll throw in (2) Youth Gone Wild who had no shot from post 10 in latest following a good placing at this level two back finishing in front of top one among others but has been inconsistent most of the year and is tough to back with much confidence and (6) Certainly who has been trotting consistently faster than any in here recently and has early speed to leave for a trip.
Race 12: In a race where six of the entrants come out of the same race and just two days rest, I’ll single (8) Ricky Tidwell who held place in that race after being used hard on the lead from post 9. The 4-year-old has looked improved in recent starts and pilot has had “hot hands” in recent weeks since arriving from Cal-Expo.
Good Luck!