by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on November 14 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last night I invested $24 and wasn’t close.

Meet totals: 78 plays, 11 winning Pick-4’s +$114.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, November 14, 2015

$1 play: 789/17/6710/3 = $18

Analysis:

Race 9: (7) Fiveknuckleshuffle was out early on long uncovered grind, paced a :54.3 middle half offering a stiff challenge but was unable to clear. Held his ground well in solid mile. Drops off that effort, goes second time lasix and should be hard to beat. Both (8) Uncle Bud and (9) Firstclassalltheway are both strong finishers who have been racing well and either is capable of taking it but will need the right trip and some racing luck drawing outside slots.

Race 10: (1) Just By Design couldn’t handle the Hoosier oval last time sprinting to the top past :27.1 quarter and packing it in past three-quarters, two back was a game winner against some of these rallying strongly late to get up despite being parked past opening quarter. Gets the rail and can work out a trip. (7) Jinxy’s Delight steps up in raging form having taken last three at Balmoral, sharp enough to go with these.

Race 11: (10) Lucpark talented sophomore was locked in climbing up on horses backs with nowhere to go mid-stretch, finally found room too late and finished with strong pace, home in :27.2. Draws 10-hole which hopefully helps price a bit and is “Double Oo’s” choice over three others in here. (7) Lucky Crusader hasn’t done much chasing fast miles at Hoosier, returns to favorite track and is dangerous on best with alert getaway or from off the pace. (6) Major Monet had pace finishing in :27.1 from post nine at Hoosier in latest. Gets key driver switch in local return and has a class edge on these.

Race 12: (3) Fox Valley Ruby has had excess cover trips in last two, the latest an impossible fourth- over spot from dead last rallying wide late and finishing with good energy, home in :27.4. Drops, moves inside off that effort and could be a handful in finale.

Good Luck!