by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on June 29, part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, June 29, 2014

$1 play: 129/56/236/24 = $36

Analysis:

Race 7: (2) Shiswell’s Delight had 10 hole last time and is dropping to best level. Finds a better spot to set up his brush and will likely be a handful tonight. (1) Washington Hanover cost us the Pick-4 two weeks ago when, as the even money choice, blew a three length lead in mid stretch. The 6-year-old is better than this level when on his game and we will give him another chance on or close to the pace. (9) One Last Chance never got involved last time after a good try in extremely fast mile for this type two back. Draws tough post but has raced well at this level in the past and can be dangerous on best.

Race 8: (6) Powerful Poe has made breaks in both starts as a 4-year-old after a solid sophomore campaign which saw him bank more than $88,000. Returns off solid qualifier at Springfield which saw him chase a :54.4 final half from the pocket and hold the place which may be an indication he’s heading in the right direction for good trot barn. (5) New Zion takes a sharp drop after an even effort and should show improvement at this level.

Race 9: Tough race here. I’ll go with (3) Always Talking who gets improved position following posts nine, 10 and nine in last three starts. Filly paced a :56 middle half before weakening against much tougher field in last and may be sitting on a big mile in fifth start of the year. (2) Meet Me Tonight and (6) Seconds Later are both racing in sharp form and have speed that can carry them a long way.

Race 10: (2) Cottonland Gem was parked past a :27.2 opening quarter from eight hole, chased the pace from the pocket but lacked a late rally in 1:53.2 mile, doing well to hold show. The 8-year-old is winless on the year but finds a good spot to use his speed and may prove hard to catch. (4) Ready took a lifetime mark two back, then had no chance against tougher from 10 hole in latest. Gets Casey back in the bike, who has steered him to his two victories this year, and a better spot at a level he may be able to handle.

Good luck!