Catskill Steve’s Picks: Feb. 14 BmlP
February 14, 2015,by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian
Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Feb. 14, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.
Checking up on Catskill Steve: I missed a very hittable Pick-4 last Sunday night. I felt $36 was enough to invest and the horse I left out (at a cost of another $12) beat me in Leg one. My choice had no excuse and finished second at 9-1. I hit the final three legs ($5.60, $6.80 and $7.00). So my totals for the year are one Pick-4 hit and are still showing a profit of $159.30 as we swing into this weekend’s racing.
Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, February 14, 2015
$1 play: 136/123/6/26 = $18
Analysis:
Race 9: As usual, a tough Saturday night card. I’ll use three in Leg one. (1A) Jerrico has put in game miles against the elements in last two, going first-up through :55.3 middle-half over sloppy track and somehow having enough left after appearing beaten in mid–stretch to rally and take new lifetime mark. Two back paced a rocket like 1:22.3 final three quarters in snowstorm making up a ton of ground from dead last. Steps up but is sharp enough to stick with. (3) Big Brad weakened after being used chasing fast pace in last following a parked out mile in Chicago blizzard two back. Finds a good spot to use his speed and figures to be tough. (6) Preemptive Bid is another in sharp form who just failed to hold off top one in solid effort.
Race 10: (3) Ready paced a :56.4 middle-half uncovered on brutal night and held gamely to miss by half a length at 50-1. Moves into new barn and gets Delong who does well first time in the bike and figures to be the value play here. (1) Bet On Him came off a lame scratch to get what may have been confidence builder win last time, gamely holding off the closers late. Steps up but has beaten better than this level in the past. (2) Bell Valley Bill was locked in until late, found room inside of horses and finished well in just second start in five weeks. Figures to get ground saving trip and may be set.
Race 11: One of three pacers dropping in class should take this. I’ll single (6) Svaya Knows who hopefully gets a good trip to set up his strong late kick after chasing far tougher in recent.
Race 12: I’ll stick with (2) Larry’s Place who has had no shot from post eight in last two but still finished with sub 57-second final halves in both, three back finished with strong pace (:27.3 final quarter) after being shuffled from similar spot to tonight’s. I will also use (6) Jo Jo Spur who had steady rally closing off slow early pace from post nine in last and now finds a better spot to set up his late kick.
Good Luck!