by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Checking up on “Catskill” Steve: Wednesday started with a nice $17.60 winner to kick off the Pick-4 but by evening’s end a familiar story would unfold with three out of four reaching the winner’s circle and a third place finish in the losing leg adding up to a $24 loss. A repeat of Wednesday was the outcome on Saturday as I tabbed three legs (all favorites) and missed final leg. Difference here was not taking favorite on Wednesday in the leg I missed, which cost me a decent payout, whereas having the 7-5 favorite on Saturday in the leg I missed cost me a modest payout. A scratch limited my loss to $12. On Sunday, I had the $17.00 winner plus $39.60 exacta in leg 1 and a $7.20 winner and $22.20 exacta in leg 3 but failed in legs 2 and 4, finishing the evening with an $18 loss. For the year, eight Pick-4 hits and now showing a loss of $298.80.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014

$1 play: 13/13/37/47 = $16

Analysis:

Race 6: (1) Chilly Breez is a sharp filly that unleashed a :55.1 final half rally to nail place in another strong try. Gets the rail and will be sitting closer to the top turning for home. (3) Western Boudoir raced gamely uncovered on sub-freezing night, reaching the leader’s wheel only to make an unfortunate break impeding several trailers, recovered to finish in :29.4 and wound up disqualified. The mare is racing in the best shape she’s been in a while and looms a major player here.

Race 7: (3) You’re My Hero was a strong wire-to-wire winner in fast mile against lesser two back, then left well to the top in :27.4, chased a :28 third quarter against a much tougher field and folded. Returns to a more realistic level and can take them a long way. (1) Speed Racer has returned razor sharp from short layoff and beat some of these with ground saving trip last time, a trip he may be able to duplicate from the rail.

Race 8: (7) Earthly Desire has finished well from difficult spots in recent. Draws another tough slot but picks up Delong who is excellent first time in the bike and is the upset choice here. (3) Blue Gem had a flat tire two back sandwiched in between giant uncovered wins in sub-1:55 miles. The 4-year-old has never been better and will be tough to beat.

Race 9: (7) Gencor’s Z Tam launched a three wide brush to the top, pacing :57.1 middle half and opening a clear lead but couldn’t finish off the mile, doing well to earn show money, missing by a length. (4) Kappy Krunch never got involved from impossible spot. The 8-year-old is better than he’s shown since arriving from Hoosier and now moves back into barn that had him in Indiana. Finds a better spot, picks up Widger and will offer some value.

Good luck!