by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on May 31, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, May 31, 2014

$1 play: 39/127/710/78 = $24

Analysis:

Race 10: (3) Rhombus had sharp pace, finishing with :54 final half in rallying for show in Balmoral return. May be primed for big one. (9) St David Hanover left and tucked from eight-hole, made second move pacing wicked :53 middle half and didn’t fade badly considering the trip, recording a 1:21.2 final three-quarters. The 8-year-old is at the top of his game right now and looks like the one to beat.

Race 11: (2) Uncle Bud had a tough trip last time, trying to close from eight-hole off a slow pace. Moves inside and is capable of brushing past these. (7) Heath paced a :54.1 middle half on long uncovered grind, pushed stubborn front runner who got away with easy fractions and weakened late. The 10-year-old enjoyed a big year in 2013 and may be coming around again after four seasonal starts. (1) Lennox Blue Chip came wide to avoid trouble on final turn and exploded with strong stretch pace, going from ninth to second on the wire. Another who may be rounding into top form.

Race 12: (7) Tink And Tiger takes key drop and hasn’t been finishing far behind tougher in recent starts. (10) Lucky Crusader finished with :53.4 final half, chasing a better field home last time. Draws tough spot but is a price factor if Seekman can get him into the flow.

Race 13: (7) Bubs Desire has had brutal trips in last two, the latest used hard twice to the lead past a 1:23.3 three-quarters and not fading badly considering the trip. Drops in for a tag and can take it with kinder trip. (8) Allamerican Solo took a lifetime mark at this level two back before getting stuck and impeded by breaker against tougher last time. Returns for a tag and Casey sticks.

Good luck!