by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on December 12 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last night, I invested $12 and wasn’t close.

Meet totals: 86 plays, 12 winning Pick-4’s +$380.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, December 12, 2015

$1 play: 147/368/23/2 = $18

Analysis:

Race 9: (1) My Buddy Ninkster has been competitive against faster in recent, drops and should be tougher at this level with a likely good trip from the pole. (4) Bngs Express has been finishing powerfully from tough spots in recent, moves inside and will be sitting closer to the top turning for home. (7) Company Man has been racing evenly through fast miles against tougher in recent, returns to the level of strong wire to wire 1:50.4 score three back and has speed that cannot be dismissed.

Race 10: (3) Our Miss Lily was a strong wire to wire against these two back before being used hard through quick pace from post 10, gamely holding show. Is one of a few sharp mares in here who has tactical speed that should keep her close. (8) Ryleigh’s Lilly is a powerful finishing 5-year-old who has enjoyed a huge year in 2015, draws eight hole which should provide her live cover and will likely be charging late. (6) Party Hangover made a strong :28.4 brush to the top past a 1:24 three-quarters and weakened. The mare has plenty of back class and will offer a better price here.

Race 11: (3) Western Wear paced a :54.4 final half rallying steadily from tough third-over spot, drops, moves inside and can brush past these in second local start. (2) Master Of Desire was parked to the top from eight hole, yielded and lacked a late rally through fast mile. Drops, moves inside and finds a good spot to use his speed.

Race 12: (2) Uncle Bud drops to best level and should be hard to beat in finale.

Good Luck!