by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on July 26 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last night, I invested $8 and hit the Pick-4. With a scratch in Leg two, I wound up collecting two winning $1 tickets, and with all the favorites winning, collected a small amount of $60.40.

Meet totals: 46 plays, 9 winning Pick-4’s +$248.50

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, July 26, 2015

$1 play: 45/67/29/58= $16

Analysis:

Race 7: (5) St Elmo Hero classy 9-year-old returned from over a year on the shelf to miss by a head despite pacing :26.4 final quarter. The Midwest’s top pacer a few years back has obviously had some problems in recent years making just one start since 2013 before last week but that effort in last must be considered encouraging if nothing else. I’ll back top one up with (4) Jackson Berlow who is racing in sharp form and just failed to hold on at this level after being used hard in quick pace.

Race 8: (7) Seeyouatthefinish blasted to the top from post eight, got away with easy opening half but looked strong pacing identical :27.4 third and final quarters to gamely hold sway and take third straight at this level. I’ll throw in (6) Our Miss Lily for a price after unable to rally through top one’s :55.3 final half last time but did finish evenly in first start at this reduced level since a flying place finish back in April in which she rallied wide from dead last pacing a :54.1 final half.

Race 9: This one is anyone’s guess. I’ll go with (9) Dreams Of Her who showed a nice closing rally in career debut after a decent qualifier at Springfield in which she showed speed and (2) Maple Grove Joe who finished a distant second in fast trotted mile for this type despite being parked the mile from 10-hole. Well-bred 4-year-old has never lived up to expectations going 0 for 21 career wise but was battling stakes company in a number of his sophomore starts and may be heading in the right direction after four starts this year.

Race 10: (5) Nitty Gritty has raced gamely despite tough trips in all recent starts, gets better spot and may be set. (8) Ravishing Image returns from Hoosier off powerful score and filly paced some quick miles against better in last visit.

Good Luck!