by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 22, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014

$1 play: 24/134/6/68 = $12

Analysis:

Race 10: (4) Time To Roll is a classy 5-year-old that takes a key drop off some competitive tries against tougher and may prove too much for these. (2) Tink And Tiger returns from Hoosier off some dull efforts but was racing well at this level through fast miles prior and now picks up Hall of Fame pilot. Dangerous but will need best to beat top one.

Race 11: Wide open second leg. (3) Headsup Yankee held gamely following a tough uncovered try through :54.3 final half. The 5-year-old seems to be getting sharper with each Balmoral start and can put it all together tonight. (1) Life Is Good Today left well and yielded, was never fully clear until too late and finished evenly. Pacer doesn’t win often (three for his last 75) but usually finishes fast and is a possibility at a rare win from this spot. (4) Major Bombay followed a strong qualifier up with a powerful closing try, falling just a bit short in first start in over a year. Figures to be tighter off that mile and looms a danger.

Race 12: (6) Sunset Dreamer is a sharp 3-year-old that had 10 hole, then rallied with :26.1 final panel up the rail for show in good try. Missed a week but gets better spot and will likely be gunned for a trip.

Race 13: (8) Monopoly Man was parked the mile pushing quick pace and didn’t fade badly considering it was just his third start since June and only fourth start of the year. Prior were two needed efforts finishing with identical :55.3 final halves against slightly better. Switches to Hall of Fame pilot and should be a handful. (6) Crime Of Passion showed some of his back class with a powerful come from behind score at this level which could serve as a confidence builder and now starts for new barn off sick scratch. The one to beat if he’s found best stride again.

Good luck!