Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on December 13, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, December 13, 2014

$1 play: 679/158/49/89 = $36

Analysis:

Race 10: (7) Fashion Delight classy 6-year-old left for position from nine hole, made a second move pacing :55 middle half to improve position, avoided trouble on final turn and finished with good energy. (9) Account Rollover was impressive in second Balmoral start wiring weaker pacing wicked 1:23.4 final three-quarters to establish a new lifetime mark. Steps up and draws outside but was racing in the Preferred ranks north of the border and may be even sharper tonight in third start off short layoff. (6) Kingofthejungle fast sophomore has set sizzling pace in last two tries holding on for place in one and not fading badly in latest. Is capable of shaking loose if not challenged early.

Race 11: (8) Best Man Hanover was shuffled to last at three-quarters, exploded with :25.4 final quarter to miss by a length. Should be into the flow early and can roll by on best. (1) Time To Roll gave way grudgingly to one of the most improved pacers on the grounds last time, draws the rail again and looks tough again. Although (5) Fort Silky races best over the smaller ovals, there is no denying he has been one of the top older pacers in the Midwest over the past few years and, for that fact, is impossible to leave off the ticket.

Race 12: (4) Fox Valley Ruby had a tough spot in last after costing me the Pick-4 two back but not before an ultra-game uncovered effort losing to pacer who was winning for the first time in two years (the 3 in this race). Switches to track’s leading pilot and I’ll stick despite slight step up in class. (9) Schmatie has looked much improved since being dropped to this level, draws outside but could well be set to handle these.

Race 13: (9) Monopoly Man drops back in for a tag after showing speed on both ends of 1:52.4 mile missing by a half-length against tough field. (8) On The Radar takes a key drop after finishing in :27 last time. The 6-year-old took a lifetime best 1:50 mile earlier in the year at The Meadowlands and could well be on edge.

Good Luck!