by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014

$1 play: 357/568/1810/8 = $27

Analysis:

Race 10: (7) Dp Angel drops off a series of solid efforts against tougher. (5) Four Hour Nap comes out of same race as top one last time where she raced uncovered the final half and finished seventh but losing by only two lengths. Two back was a no shot try from post 10 and three back a game uncovered winner at Maywood against this type, beating, among others, a sharp mare who won her second straight at Maywood last night. Will likely offer good value here. (3) Wings finished with :55.3 final half, rallying from far back off sick scratch. Continues to race well and draws a better spot.

Race 11: (5) Fox Valley Shiver chased a better field home for show last time after making a break following a :56 wide middle half move from eight hole at Maywood on blustery Chicago night. Switches to DeLong who, I’ve stated in the past, does well first time in the bike and gets the nod in what appears to be an evenly matched race. (6) Incredible Filly had even pace against tougher at Maywood last time, following a strong two move win against lesser two back, making first start since September. The 4-year-old is likely better on small track but did qualify sharply here back in November and may be sitting on big mile. (8) Pretty Place never fired last time. Strong finishing mare is at the mercy of the pace and cover but swept by lesser from post nine two back and remains in decent form.

Race 12: (8) Bell Valley Bill was moving nicely from third over, bothered briefly by breaker and lost a bit of momentum, recovered and tipped four-wide off the final turn, finishing with good pace, home in :27.1. The 6-year-old seems to be coming around again and figures to be charging late. (1) On The Radar blasted to the top from eight hole, was used parking rival who went monster trip and eventually won, gave way grudgingly late. Gets the rail in second try at reduced level and may be looking at easier trip. I don’t know how much (10) Monopoly Man has left in the tank following an amazing parked the mile win last time, but he has been lightly raced on the year and cannot be discounted despite post 10.

Race 13: I’ll try a price single in finale. (8) Well Dune had tough third over trip off slow pace, came three wide off final turn and charged home full of pace to lose three horse photo. His prior efforts were solid tries here against similar off two months on the bench and hopefully he’s primed for best at good price.

Good luck!