by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on March 28, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: On Sunday, I invested $16 and wasn’t close, tabbing just one winner ($4.20) as well as the $21.60 exacta.

Meet totals: 16 plays, two winning Pick-4s, +$144.90

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, March 28, 2015

$1 play: 148/16/267/5 = $18

Analysis:

Race 9: (4) Park Lane Hotshot finished well in fast paced mile, beaten by two pacers who would likely crush this field. Remains at best level and should be tough. (8) Flying Rocket rallied wide and finished strongly in same mile as top one. Makes second start for new connections but will have to prove he can beat this level; looks sharp enough to do so. (1) Scarlet N Silk takes on the boys after finishing with a rocket-like :53.4 final half last time, sweeping by in new lifetime best. Mare has displayed a big last quarter in both 2015 starts and should be sitting close to the top turning for home.

Race 10: (6) Touch The Rock has finished fast against tough fields in last two. Returns to best level and may be set. (1/1A) No Fear No Doubt has had a series of tough posts in recent, gets a better spot and can easily handle this level on best; Praire Thunder had wide trip against tough field in last, drops to winning level and should be charging late.

Race 11: (2) Rockin Cougar had a short but solid freshman campaign on the Indiana Sire Stakes circuit last year. Hasn’t raced since September but qualified back sharp for barn that returns them ready and is driver’s choice over sharp 4-year-old in here. (6) Skyway Billy has lacked a serious late kick in last two, following a giant try three back which saw him brush to the top with :27.2 second quarter and bottom out past a wicked 1:23.3 three-quarters. Reunites with pilot who steered him to big miles last autumn and wouldn’t be surprised to see him perk up. (7) Why Ask Why didn’t get to the races until this year at age 5 but has proven to be a pacer full of ability, taking three of his last four, and has shown he can handle any size track and races on or from off the pace as well; hard to ignore.

Race 12: (5) Cam B Zipper has been dominant since returning to Balmoral, cruising to wire-to-wire wins in fast times in last two, the latest against some of these and I’ll have to stick with this fast pacer.

Good luck!