by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 28, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last night, I invested $18 and hit the first three legs and fell a neck short in the payoff leg, settling for place. Included in the first three legs were $19.60 and $23.00 exactas, as well as a $136.00 trifecta.

Meet totals: 82 plays, 11 winning Pick-4s, +$58.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015

$1 play: 1310/28910/1/18 = $24

Analysis:

Race 9: (3) Cam B Zipper left and was used hard to the lead past :27.4 quarter, carved out a lively pace and gave way grudgingly on sub-freezing night. (1) Cole Heat sat the pocket behind top one and roared by late, remains sharp and gets the rail. (10) Skim The Top is a Hoosier shipper that has been in tough recently after scoring a powerful come from behind victory in a lifetime best mile three back. The 3-year-old has banged heads with the top sophomores in the sport and now takes on a solid group of older foes, one of which he beat in that lifetime best mile and could be a late threat for barn that does well wherever it races.

Race 10: (10) Dontgetbyme is a 10-year-old that finished with solid pace in local return; draws 10 hole, but remains in sharp form and may get a fast pace to close off of. (2) Fantastic Rock has faced tougher much of the year and comes off an improved placing. Finds a good spot and figures to go well for a tag. (8) Camwiser and (9) Make It Work have combined for 45 wins over past two seasons, are racing well, and have speed to overcome outside posts.

Race 11: (1) Best Man Hanover is a Hoosier shipper that had a tough fourth over trip behind dull cover, but finished boldly to nail place. Classy 7-year-old returns to favorite track, gets the rail and has beaten far better than this level in the past.

Race 12: (1) Dp Angel was parked the mile pushing hot pace before understandably tiring on cold Chicago night at 1-2. Gets the rail and huge position edge on mare that parked her last time and “Double Oo” sticks over two others in here. (8) Feel Like Dancing has had even pace against slightly better fields in last two. Mare has had solid season, has speed to leave for position and will likely offer some value.

Good luck!