by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 2, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014

$1 play: 458/610/15/8 = $12

Analysis:

Race 7: (4) Nitty Gritty had a tough fourth over trip off slow early fractions, finished sharply pacing a :27.4 final quarter, making up good ground late. Gets a better spot and will likely be gunned for position. (5) Odds On Rolomite has finished gamely from tough spots in recent. Also gets a better spot and is another that may be forwardly placed. (8) Rock N Kilo has been racing better since returning from Lexington. The filly has paced fast middle halves from outside posts in last two and can be dangerous with the right timed move.

Race 8: A bit of a price here in (6) A Local Band who had little against tougher in last two, drops to the level of a good place finish three back (his second start off lame scratch) and gets a driver switch to long time midwest driving kingpin Oosting who returned to the racing wars this past week. (10) Ponda Premier has been racing in sharp form and beat top one in that race three back. Youngster draws tough spot and has been prone to breaks in the past but must be considered.

Race 9: (1A) Lima Calliope had a tough uncovered trip in fast mile, drops, has a class edge on these and gets Delong back who seems to steer her best. This one’s stablemate (1) Our Miss Special comes off a game uncovered score against lesser, taking a new lifetime best in the process. (5) Fox Valley Flora moves inside off two speed tries from post 10. Could take them a long way in race void of much early speed.

Race 10: (8) Blackjack Rivndel has had a series of tough posts in recent and draws another one tonight. The well bred but underachieving 4-year-old seems to be on an improving pattern, though, off a few game efforts and anything close to one of those recent miles can land him in the winner’s circle.

Good luck!