by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on May 17 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last night, I invested $18 and had just one short priced winner.

Meet totals: 30 plays, 4 winning Pick-4’s -$22.00

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, May 17, 2015

$1 play: 68/35/68/5910= $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (8) Ryleigh’s Lilly exploded from far back pacing unbelievable 1:20.4 final three quarters to nail place against the boys in monster mile. Should roll by these with anything close to that effort. (6) Just By Design paced a :28.2 third panel going first-up past 1:24.2 three-quarters before weakening. Mare races best on or near the top and has a class edge on most of these.

Race 8: (5) Lex brushed to the top and got away with slow half, but looked strong finishing with :54.3 final half under wraps to beat many of these. The sophomore has developed a habit for winning and figures to be tough again. (3) Mr Leland’s Filly was one of the top Midwest filly freshmen last year and beat top one on a few occasions, but has been slow to find her winning form and will certainly need her best to take this.

Race 9: (6) Red Solo Cup was a strong winner against lesser in second start of the year. The lightly raced 4-year-old has shown ability as well as a smooth gate in limited action and may continue to get better. (8) Benns Score Keeper finished full of trot rallying for place behind nice prospect in second try up from Florida, can give top one a battle with the right trip.

Race 10: Tough to have much confidence in any of these going a combined 2 for 122 careerwise. I will try (5) Flash’s Fool who paced :56 final half rallying steadily from difficult spot in return from Hoosier and hope she’s on the improve and (9) Ravishing Image who put in an improved uncovered effort in fast paced mile last time in her return from Hoosier. The filly had a decent freshman campaign but has yet to show that strong form as a sophomore. (10) Blueridge Adilene has the most speed of any in here but has trouble holding on, finishing second in her last four starts and visiting the winner’s circle on one occasion in 51 career starts. Have to include her even from post 10.