by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Nov. 6, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013

$1 play: 129/24/27/35 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (1A) Sexy Card Shark finished full of pace from far back to overpower her field and take third straight this past Saturday night. Well bred filly draws 10 hole but has come to life at Balmoral and, along with entrymate, must be included on the ticket. (2) Lizzabelle has raced gamely against top one from tough posts, finishing second in last two. Gets major post relief and huge position edge here with speed to take them all the way. (9) Ryleigh’s Lilly is a fast finishing filly that has battled stakes company in many recent starts and took a lifetime mark beating a far better field than this at 46-1 back in September. Should offer some value from this spot and will be a key player with any kind of trip.

Race 8: (2) Nonverbal Hanover was ninth and last in the slop at the half, unleashed a powerful rally but had too far to come, missing by a neck. Draws the rail and should be well placed by “Double O.” (4) Evil Urges pushed hard uncovered but couldn’t clear in same race as top one, did well to miss by less than a length.

Race 9: (2) Fancy Free hasn’t gotten involved from tough posts in last two, moves inside and finds a good spot to use her brush. (7) RJ’s Irish Lassie is just one for her last 49 but has speed and hasn’t been tiring badly in most recent starts, pacing consistently faster than any in here; may shake loose.

Race 10: (3) Rally To Win left well to secure pocket at Maywood, got locked in the rest of the mile and had to take up a bit when early leader stopped in front of her. The 5-year-old has obviously had some problems having made just three starts this year and 16 lifetime, but returns to the big oval where she looked good two back, finishing with :56 final half to nail show in just second start since last July. (5) Romantic Legacy was parked to the quarter over sloppy surface, yielded for the pocket then kicked in late, rallying on the inside to beat lesser. Filly steps up but has done the most winning of any in here and looks tough on or from off the pace.

Good luck!