by “ Catskill” Steve Terjanian
Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on June 20, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.
Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday I invested $24 and had two winners, a place and show finisher.
Meet totals: 39 plays, six winning Pick-4s, +$112.30
Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, June 20, 2015
$1 play: 2467/4/67/34 = $16
Analysis:
Race 9: Quite a few you can make a case for in here. (2) Prairie Thunder has been recording fast final quarters in recent and now drops to best level and figures to get ground saving trip. (6) Jackson Berlow was overmatched last time after finishing with 1:22 final three-quarters at this level from tougher spot. Dangerous with the right trip and a quick pace. (4) Lucky Crusader went down the road to easily handle lesser in what may have served as a confidence builder. (7) Bet On Him was parked past a :27 quarter from nine hole before settling for the pocket, chased a quick pace and rolled by late in a sharp 1:50.4 score. Also finished with 1:22 final three-quarters two back and wouldn’t be a surprise to see him repeat.
Race 10: I’ll single (4) Too Tall Tamarac who was used hard to the top from eight hole, pacing :55.1 middle half and giving way grudgingly in the late stages. The 5-year-old continues to race gamely both here and at Maywood, finds a better spot in second start off claim for 23 percent barn and may be able to take control.
Race 11: (7) Rocknroll Crystal made a :54.3 middle half brush to the lead and understandably tired in latest following two wins at this level, one in a lifetime best. Filly has come back improved as a 3-year-old and appears to have the most upside of this group. (6) Misiana was used twice against top one last time and didn’t miss by much after an uncovered final half; two back finished strongly from tougher spot. The 4-year-old doesn’t win often but looks to have a shot, especially if early pace is hot.
Race 12: (4) Flying Rocket hasn’t been the same since rolling by tougher in sparkling lifetime best 1:50.4 mile here back in April; returns from Hoosier at greatly reduced level and is likely to perk up. (3) Cole Heat came from out of the clouds, circling excess cover to finish second behind much the best winner, switches to leading driver and has a big shot here.
Good luck!