by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on July 27, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, July 27, 2014

$1 play: 4568/358/35/5 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: Wide open start to tonight’s Pick-4 featuring quite a few pacers who are capable of taking it. (5) Rollinlikeahotshot brushed and crushed lesser two back then finished in :27.2 after pacing a big :54.2 middle half when bumped up to this level in latest. Improving sophomore finds a good spot to use his brush and may blow by late. (6) Sunset Dreamer didn’t seem to care for the half-miler last time, returns to Balmoral where he strung three in a row prior and looks to have a good shot. (8) Tea Party Patriot has been overmatched in last two after flashing sharp form at this level prior. (4) Summer Shandy is a well bred 4-year-old that started his career three-for-three, reeling off easy victories and looking like a good one. Had streak snapped when moved up to this level last time but didn’t race badly, finishing in :26.3 after being shuffled. Looks like another that has to be considered.

Race 8: (3) Babe’s Chip returns from Hoosier where she rallied strongly late after being badly shuffled. Mare raced in Open company at Scioto and Miami Valley earlier in the year and looks to have found a good spot in third try for good barn. (5) The Bruzilian Blur has had tough posts/trips against tougher in recent. Drops and can work out a trip. (8) Gentle Janet paced :26.2 final panel rallying off slow early fractions. Mare usually finishes fast and has a shot at a price with the right trip.

Race 9: Another tough Sunday night trot. (3) Royal Tabs returns from the East Coast where she has been facing tougher at Saratoga and Pocono. Well bred filly hasn’t lived up to expectations after a strong freshman year but hopefully was toughened up in East Coast visit and finds a nice spot in field that lacks much consistency. (5) So Photogenic has missed more than three weeks since a decent closing try against better field and a lifetime best mile two back. Dangerous if not in need of race.

Race 10: (5) Dream Roll is a strong finishing filly that has been impressive taking three straight and appears sharp enough to handle slightly better field in finale.

Good luck!