by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Big racing night in Illinois tonight. Catskill Steve offers his picks for tonights guaranteed $100,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, November 9, 2013

$1 play: 29/56/234/8= $12

Analysis:

Race 10: Huge card tonight featuring a dozen Standardbreds that have banked over a million dollars in their careers and a few others looking to reach that plateau tonight. (2) Foiled Again 9-year-old is the all-time money winning Standardbred in the history of the sport hitting the board in 149 of 195 career starts. Finds a nice spot in a field of numerous champions which is usually all he needs.(9) Pet Rock brushed to the top past a 1:22.2 three quarters and dug deep to hold top one at bay in the final strides at Hoosier last time. Renews the rivalry tonight but gives up a huge position edge. (Note: Balmoral track record for Aged Pacers (horse or gelding) is 1:48.1 set by Holborn Hanover in 2006).

Race 11: (6) Breakin The Law made a :26.3 second quarter power brush to the top, chased past a 1:23.1 three-quarters and gave way grudgingly through :27.3 final quarter. Takes key drop and picks up visiting Gingras, one of the best big money pilots in the sport. (5) Ice Scrapper left and finished in idential :27.2 quarters in same race as top one. Drops, and although he doesn’t win often, has speed that must be respected and cannot be counted out.

Race 12: The two sophomores in here look tough in here. (3) Extravagent Art was used twice from 8-hole at Hoosier last time and weakened. Willis trainee was competitive against faster in last visit and has raced well at this level in the past; gets better post and “Double OO”). Lightly raced (2) Lb’s Alamerican Joy was overmatched against Invitational company in latest following a game come from behind score against better field two back. Still developing youngster finds a nice spot to use his speed and has proven tough on the front–end in the past. I’ll throw in (4) St David Hanover as well. This one came from seventh turning for home to overpower lesser with :27 final panel. 7-year-old is a hard-hitting pacer who seems to be on his game now.