by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on November 3 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, November 3, 2013

$1 play: 15/56/47/79,10 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (1) Reckoning Day grinded a long way uncovered through :57.3 middle half against many of these, did well to miss by less than four lengths. Prior was a steady rally from 9-hole also against some of these finishing with :56.1 final half to nail check. Gets driver switch to Todd and the rail and can show speed. (5) Colechester has faced tougher much of the year including Midwest stakes company the last two months. Three-year-old has compiled 6 wins in 19 starts, switches to the visiting Marcus Miller and should go well at this level.

Race 8: (6) Jettin Jamie put in an even effort in local debut, a race she probably needed after missing over six weeks. Filly had been facing better on the tough Ontario Sire Stakes Circuit prior and even banged heads against Grand Circuit types at Mohawk this past summer. Should be tighter in second start for good barn and may prove best. (5) Schmatie made up 16 lengths to blow by her field at Hoosier in last. Filly had been racing in sharp form against lesser in last Balmoral visit and may be ready to handle tougher in return.

Race 9: Weak bunch in Leg 3. I’ll try (7) Fox Valley Sienna who returns to best level and has speed to leave for a trip and (4) American Express who is just 1 for 24 on the year and 2 for 29 lifetime but exits stakes company and put in a decent try from 8-hole here three back. Can be a factor from this spot.

Race 10: (7) Bestnotgetinmyway, (9) Bursting Blaze and (10) Larry’s Place all draw tough posts but have raced better than the rest of this field all year long combining for 20 wins as compared to 11 wins produced by the other seven rivals in here. Any of the three can take it and I’ll include them all on the ticket.