by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on July 23, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill” Steve: On Wednesday, I had the top two finishers in all legs hitting a “chalky” $109 Pick-4 with a $32 investment. On Saturday I lost $24 but did tab the $15.80 first leg winner along with $89.60 exacta, finished second with 22-1 shot in second leg, had even money favorite break in third leg and tabbed heavy favorite in final leg. On Sunday, I hit the Pick-4 with a $24 investment making it the fourth Pick-4 tabbed this month and putting me up $326.50 since the Strategic Wagering Program started for me at Balmoral back in April.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, July 23, 2014

$1 play: 57/489/19/57 = $24

Analysis:

Race 6: (7) Boxed Chocolates came off a short layoff to chase stakes fillies in 1:52 mile. The lightly raced sophomore returns to reality to take on non-winners and has already shown more ability than this field in just 13 career starts. (5) Get The Terror has shown improvement since making a break on June 8 and comes off a solid :56 final half rally for place.

Race 7: (8) Meet Me Tonight has been racing in sharp form and has speed to overcome outside draw. (4) Val’s Way held well after going uncovered through :56.4 final half against top one. (9) Ride Sally draws nine hole but moves into new barn and shows some nice brushes at Hoosier when she’s able to stay flat. May be the value play here.

Race 8: (1) Western Boudoir broke and struggled from tough spot last time after a game two-move win in a lifetime best mile two back. Gets the rail and is likely to rebound. (9) Babyshoebuyer was out early on prolonged first over move, paced a :56.2 middle half and battled the 7-5 favorite the length of the stretch in sharp placing.

Race 9: (7) Ld’s Dash had speed on both ends of quick mile from nine hole two back, then unleashed a furious stretch rally from post 10 to nail place in another solid effort. The 5-year-old is winless on the year but may be on edge and can race on the front or from off the pace. (5) Jitterbug Jack disappointed last time but had tough uncovered trip and was claimed. A factor on best.

Good luck!