by “ Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on May 21, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill Steve” — Last Wednesday I was blanked in the Pick-4. On Saturday, three out of four (all odds-on favorites and a break in leg four) and on Sunday, two out of four winners. For the week 0 for 3 and with a scratch, loss was cut to $41. On to the new Balmoral week.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, May 21, 2014

$1 play: 7/169/468/38 = $18

Analysis:

Race 6: (7) Nice Party has been much improved as a 4-year-old, going two-for-two, and looks too good for these right now.

Race 7: (9) Bells Moped is a sharp 4-year-old who was used hard twice in latest and held well for show through fast final quarter. Picks up Casey and can overcome post nine. (1) Fox Valley Veto has been well prepped for sophomore debut and showed a bit of ability last year. Gets the rail and is surprisingly Delong’s choice over the nine. (6) Bobby B Breeze has been racing well in Illinois-bred stakes events and has speed that must be respected.

Race 8: (8) Pretty Place finished in :26.4, rallying from impossible fifth over spot, can upset these with kinder trip. (6) Fox Valley Swift never got into the race from post 10 in last, gets better spot and picks up aggressive pilot who may try gunning. (4) Kimberley R was used parking rival through hot pace, did well to hold show. Mare doesn’t win often but has been racing well and must be included on the ticket.

Race 9: (8) Shootinforthestars was an easy wire-to-wire winner at Maywood last time after a solid placing in fast mile for this type here two back. Youngster draws post eight but has as many career wins as the rest of the field combined and looks to have the best chance to move forward. (3) Well Dune has made only three career starts and chasing a 1:54 mile in sophomore debut last time. Finds a good spot with plenty of room for improvement.

Good luck!