by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 30, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014

$1 play: 235/69/28/478 = $36

Analysis:

Race 7: (2) Odds On Rolomite is a sharp filly that comes off a solid two-move placing from post seven in the slop; moves inside and should be tough to beat against competitive group. (5) Jovanna was used hard early from tough slot and gave way early in the stretch. Two back made a :55.4 power brush to the top and weakened late. Finds a good spot to leave or brush and merits consideration. (3) Bonjour Madam has had a series of tough posts/trips in recent, including latest in which she finished strongly from fourth over; finds a better spot and will offer some value.

Race 8: (9) Incredibly Sporty finished with crisp pace, rallying off slow pace two back then went first up in the slop and weakened late; able to hold show as the public choice in latest. The 4-year-old continues to race in sharp form and can overcome outside post. (6) Meadowbrook Samson comes off an improved try in local return, chasing fast pace in the slop and finishing third against far tougher. Drops and looks like the one to beat.

Race 9: (2) Riet’s Kid has shown strong trot finishing from tough spots in recent, including latest rallying wide and finishing overloaded with trot off sick scratch. The 4-year-old is 0 for 15 on the year but moves inside and looks set to end slump. (8) Fox Valley Yavonne couldn’t handle the slop last time after breaking two back. Mare was competitive against better prior and should appreciate the class relief tonight.

Race 10: (4) Fox Valley Ruby paced a :56.4 middle half in the slop, rallied to take the lead in mid-stretch only to get collared in much improved effort. Makes second start at reduced level and may get up. (7) Lima Calliope and (8) Anightwithwilma haven’t done much in a while but have a class edge on the field and either can take it on best.

Good luck!