by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on June 18, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill Steve”: I had two out of four winners on Wednesday, Saturday saw an even money favorite blow a three length midstretch lead in leg one before I tabbed legs two, three and four and on Sunday night, I had two winners and two seconds with one of the winners lighting up the board at $37.00. On to another week and the start of summer.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, June 18, 2014

$1 play: 56/268/46/15 = $24

Analysis:

Race 6: (5) The Right Move comes off a monster try at Maywood last time, parked uncovered the entire mile, taking over past a 1:26.4 three-quarters and understandably weakening mid stretch, doing well to hold show. Two back made a wide sweep to the move and blew out the field, pacing a :55.3 final half to take a new lifetime mark. Switches to the mile track which should accommodate her style and is at the top of her game. (6) Wilfullyscooteneva is another sharp Maywood shipper who comes off a solid speed try in latest after showing a strong rally from tough spot to nail place two back.

Race 7: (8) Fox Valley Lotus makes second start on Lasix and first 2014 start out of stakes company where she appeared overmatched. Filly had a decent season last year on the freshman stakes trail and should appreciate the drop into the conditioned ranks. (2) Mr Musclemania and (6) B Man both appear sharper than the rest of this group and should both be dangerous near the front end.

Race 8: (6) Liqueur didn’t fade badly after going first up through :56.3 final half. (4) Moon Bay Dancer gets key driver switch after showing speed on both ends of quick mile in latest.

Race 9: (5) Once A Cheater isn’t exactly a win machine, going 9 for 104 in her career and winless over two years, but has shown signs of life in recent starts and now switches to Casey. (1) Bell Valley Art had tough trip last time following a strong uncovered score against these, pacing a :27.2 final quarter to do so. The 6-year-old has shown improvement in both starts for new barn and finds a good spot to set up his brush here.

Good luck!