by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Dec. 31, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill” Steve: On Saturday, I had two winners and two place finishers in the Pick-4. Ironically, the two races I missed were won by horses that I had picked and lost with last week. They both came back with sharp efforts this week and paid handsomely ($27.80 and $36.60) and pinned a $36 loss on me. On Sunday, I three winners and a third place finisher, taking a loss of $24 and bringing my seasonal total to minus $491.90 with eight Pick-4 hits.

A good practice to follow in winter months is to give your choice that looked good to you one week another chance due to cold, windy or, in general, poor racing conditions. It has produced many price winners for me in recent years. As we go into 2015, I will practice this theory a bit more, although it may cost more, and see what happens.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014

$1 play: 235/47/123/2910 = $54

Analysis:

Race 6: (2) R Duneshine had a nightmare trip in blistering 1:51.4 mile two back, then finished evenly after pacing :27.3 uncovered third quarter in latest failing at 3-5. Finds a better spot in second try at reduced level and can atone. (3) Chipper couldn’t handle the sloppy Northfield surface in last, following a series of solid efforts at this level prior, returns and also finds a good spot. (5) Here’s Tootsie paced a :56.1 final half, rallying from far back to nail place in last. Moves inside and can show speed.

Race 7: (7) Powerful Commander held well after being used twice from nine hole in second start since August. Gets a slightly better post and may be on edge. (4) Enchantress Lady cleared late and finished full of trot to just miss. Mare has returned to sharp early season form and is the one to beat.

Race 8: (1) Babyshoebuyer returns from Maywood where she made a giant wide brush to the top and looked like a winner turning for home only to get nailed at 29-1 by even money favorite. Gets the rail and should work out a trip. (2) Western Boudoir continues in sharp form despite rough trips in a number of recent starts. (3) Rock N Kilo has taken two of her last three at this level and finds a good spot to leave or set up her brush.

Race 9: (2) Youroldlov-eletter carved out a lively pace and just failed to hold on, losing to pocket sitter in the final strides. (9) Jovanna and (10) Princess Joventina are both in sharp form and can be coming from out of the clouds in race that should produce quick pace.

Good luck!