by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on December 7 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, December 7, 2014

$1 play: 128/510/469/7= $18

Analysis:

Race 7: (1) Fox Valley Shiver made an unfortunate break after pacing a :56 middle-half making wide move. Mare had good pace finishing in fast mile at this level two back and now returns to that level, her best, gets the rail and driver switch to Oosting. (2) Schmatie charged home full of pace from eight hole in much improved try when dropped to this level last time, moves inside and it won’t be long before she handles this type. (8) Rev It Up doesn’t win often these days but has a class edge on this field and still possesses the speed to win at this level but will likely need best.

Race 8: Wide open second leg. (10) Rock N Kilo has missed a few weeks since being purchased at Blooded Horse Sale but had been pacing faster than these in recent starts and has speed to leave for position from 10-hole. (5) Jovanna won for me last time with a brush and crush score against this type. The filly continues to race in sharp form as year-end moves closer and must be included.

Race 9: (4) Winspirational finished well after pacing a snappy :55.1 middle-half making up a ton of ground from post seven. The 6-year-old mare isn’t exactly a win machine going 3 for 67 over past two seasons and carrying a 7 for 127 lifetime resume but drops off that last effort, finds a better spot and this could well be the night for a rare win. (9) Pretty Place finished just behind top one last time and has a win and place finish in her last two tries at this level. (6) Getoutthewayanmove well bred filly has gotten better in all recent starts and is capable of showing early speed in race void of much.

Race 10: (7) Bell Valley Bill has returned sharp from short freshening wearing down a similar field gamely in fast mile last time after an unlucky trip in the slop two back.

Good Luck!