by “ Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on October 10 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last night I invested $16 and had two winners.

Meet totals: 68 plays, 11 winning Pick-4’s +$291.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, October 10, 2015

$1 play: 257/710/1/6 = $6

Analysis:

Race 9: (2) Lennox Blue Chip fast finishing 11-year-old is always right there and may be close enough from his spot to roll by at a square price. (5) St Elmo Hero is a classy 9-year-old who just failed to hold on despite pacing a :26.4 final panel. (7) Southwind Scorpion is the most improved pacer on the grounds and made a believer out of me when he wore down the former, pacing a :53.3 final half enroute to a new lifetime best. Don’t know how much is left in the tank but must be included here.

Race 10: (10) Major Monet was uncovered pushing classy front runner through :27.4 third quarter before tiring. Drops to winning level and has speed to overcome post 10. (7) Gibbs returns from Hoosier off a dull effort last time following a tough wide trip two back. The 7-year-old was chasing fast miles when last seen at Balmoral and figures to be riding live cover from this spot.

Race 11: (1) Fox Valley Brooke, a still developing filly, is 9 for 15 career wise and takes on a field of mediocre older gals here.

Race 12: (6) Fox Valley Andy uncorked a :26.3 second-quarter brush to the top two back chased a :27 third quarter and did well to hold place. Last time followed cover but lacked a rally through :27.4 final panel. The 6-year-old continues to race gamely against tougher and may be on edge now.

Good Luck!