by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013

$1 play: 589/4810/56/38 = $36

Analysis:

Race 7: (9) Party In The Park adds lasix off a game uncovered try in the slop, returning from Maywood. (5) Lookabout brushed to the top, paced :56.4 middle half in the slop and held bravely for place, making it three straight place finishes at this level; all solid efforts. (8) A C H S disappointed last time but did make two moves before weakening. Prior form was good and Oosting always merits respect.

Race 8: (8) Elkhorn Damien is an amazing ten-year-old win machine who was claimed while in usual sharp form last time, taking third straight at this level. Iron horse makes 87th start over past two seasons and is looking for 22nd win during that time frame and is tough to go against. (10) Lucky Peterson broke past the start of latest, following a monster win from similar spot to tonight’s two back. Moves back into stable that produced that win and looks dangerous if he can avoid mistakes that have plagued him in three of his last four starts. (4) Yermanos hasn’t been seen since April after being injured. Qualified back well but may need a race.

Race 9: Extremely tough third leg. (6) Rever Ever ships in from Hoosier off monster parked the mile placing last time and a sharp finishing placing two back. Should be charging late but must avoid any miscues. (5) Evil Urges trotted a :56.3 final half, rallying from last off slow early pace. Key player if he can sit closer to the early pace.

Race 10: (3) Earthly Desire is a well bred filly that has proven in the past she can’t handle the tight turns of the smaller oval so why they raced her at Maywood last time is beyond me. She returns to the big track, sight of two strong finishes prior, and hopefully can return to that form tonight. (8) Fox Valley Trinity was wide early from similar spot, chased torrid pace and finished evenly. Filly seems to be on an improving pattern, can race close to the lead or come from off the pace and may offer some value in another tough race to handicap.

Good luck!