by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 29, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014

$1 play: 15/48/48/347 = $24

Analysis:

Race 10: Phillips entry’s (1A) Big Brad blasted out from post seven and was caught three deep in the slop before gaining the pocket, chased past a :54.1 half and bottomed out through a snappy 1:22.3 three-quarters before understandably tiring. Draws post eight but takes key drop and rates the edge if “Double Oo” can work out a better trip. Entrymate (1) Life Is Good Today made a strong late inside brush to just miss in strong try. (5) Real Winner made a bold :53.2 middle half brush in same race as top one, couldn’t clear but did well to miss by two lengths in the slop. Major player here.

Race 11: (8) Schmatie has been overmatched in fast miles in recent. Takes a sharp drop to a level she has been consistent at in the past and figures to be riding live cover. (4) Rev Me Up had even pace against stakes company in the slop last time. The 7-year-old has class edge on these and early speed that must be respected.

Race 12: (4) Sunset Dreamer is a sharp 3-year-old that left fast but was looped around first turn and took a few bad steps, settled in fourth and sat in, getting shuffled back to eighth; looked to rally but couldn’t find clearance while appearing to have pace, finished well inside with too far to come. (8) Svaya Knows moved too soon, power brushing to the top with :54.1 middle half in the slop and opened up a clear lead before weakening mid-stretch. The 3-year-old continues to race well and can take this with better timed move.

Race 13: (7) Monopoly Man had another brutal parked out trip last time, this one in the slop and amazingly lost by less than a length. Draws tough post but may revert to closing tactics and is the choice once again. (4) Ready has missed three weeks to sickness following a strong first over try in which he pushed a :28.3 third quarter before tiring. Makes second start at this reduced level and could be live at a price if not in need of race. (3) Timewell had pace on both ends to pull off 23-1 overlay upset in second start for new barn. The 8-year-old has had a solid year and is more than capable of a repeat.

Good luck!