by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 27, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Saturday, after a scratch, I invested $12 and had two winners including a $14.60 number in Leg 1.

Meet totals: 81 plays, 11 winning Pick-4s, +$76.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Friday, Nov. 27, 2015

$1 play: 347/468/49/9 = $18

Analysis:

Race 9: (3) Kansas Wildcat returns from Hoosier where he was used twice to get the top past the half from 10-hole, chased past a 1:25.3 three- quarters before understandably tiring. Finds a good spot against lesser in local return and has a class edge here. (7) Smoke Rings hasn’t done much in recent and has shown erratic tendencies in a few recent starts but packs a huge late motor as well. Is another facing lesser and will likely be charging late. (4) Urawomanizer has been short off the bench and may be a bit risky making only fourth start in two years but 1:51.4 pacer here a few years back finished in :27.2 last time in local return after missing by less than a length at Dayton two back and may be heading in the right direction.

Race 10: Tough race with three shippers adding to the difficulty of handicapping. (8) Say It Aint So is winless on the year but comes off a much improved try, making two moves from post 10, pacing a :56.2 middle half, pushing leader hard through :28.1 third panel but unable to clear, and holding well for show. (6) B R Flying Dali is one of those shippers who has displayed a powerful late kick in a number of starts this year and who figures to go well with these. (4) Tyron My Gigolo is another newcomer who ships down from the Maritime Circuit at Prince Edward Island and is difficult to predict switching to the mile track after some solid late finishes over the smaller track. The well bred 4-year-old moves into good barn, picks up “Double Oo” and should be included on the ticket.

Race 11: (4) Ahlbback Yankee exits some fast miles at Hoosier, has a class edge on these as well as the speed to control it. (9) Friskie Flicker draws outside but takes key drop and gets leading driver. Has speed to give top one a battle if not used too hard early.

Race 12: (9) Big Brad left fast for the top, yielded and was shuffled badly through slow pace, cleared late but had no shot closing into :55.3 final half. Two back was first up past a torrid 1:23.2 three-quarters against tougher and understandably weakened. The 5-year-old has had a disappointing season and draws post nine but has too much back class for these and could be a handful for more aggressive pilot.

Good luck!