by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on June 28, part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, June 28, 2014

$1 play: 2367/278/57/2 = $24

Analysis:

Race 10: Wide open first leg and I will be forced to go four deep. (2) Bub’s Desire left well for position from nine hole, got shuffled back, then finished boldly, pacing :26 final quarter to nail show. Took a lifetime mark two back and appears at career peak. (6) Rex Passus continues to race in sharp form and comes off a long uncovered try through :56 final half. (7) Life Is Good Today drops off a solid try in 1:50.4 mile. (3) Park Lane Hotshot also drops and figures to be sitting closer to the leaders from this spot.

Race 11: (2) Real Or Magic returns to best level and has finished fast in all recent starts. Figures to be in the forefront of the action from this spot. (7) Major Monet paced three sub-:28 quarters chasing fast pace against tougher, held gamely for show. Draws outside in second try for new barn but is another that can show speed returning to best level. (8) Fancy Creek Elusive is zero for eight on the year but has been chasing faster and may go well at a price, especially off hot early pace at this level.

Race 12: (5) Big Brad was overmatched in 1:49.4 mile against tougher in second start of the year. Two back roared home to finish second against similar group to this evening’s. The 4-year-old showed ability here last year and may be set to handle this level in third seasonal start. (7) Blooming Genius blew out lesser here two back in lifetime best mile then put in an ultra game uncovered try, missing by a neck in 1:50.2 mile against Pennsylvania Sire Stakes foes at The Meadows. Takes on older rivals tonight but seems to be much improved and could develop into something for the Seekmans.

Race 13: (2) Auniqueaquistion may have gotten back on the right track last time with a confidence building win from nine hole, beating lesser including mare who came back with easy win in her next start. The 4-year-old is 16 for 32 lifetime and may be ready to string a few. I’ll single her to keep costs to a minimum.

Good luck.