by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Oct. 24, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last night I invested $24 and had three winners and a place finisher.

Meet totals: 72 plays, 11 winning Pick-4s, +$236.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015

$1 play: 147/235/610/3 = $18

Analysis:

Race 9: I’ll stick with (4) Jackson Berlow who left well for a tuck from post 10, pulled the pocket to take over before the half, faced immediate pressure and was used again chasing 1:23.4 three-quarters and didn’t fade badly in solid effort. (7) Montero Blue Chip had speed on both ends of 1:52.2 mile from 10-hole, just failing to hold off dropdown winner in final strides. (1) Sunset Dreamer finishes fast and should be looking at ground saving trip from the pole, not out of it.

Race 10: (2) Dakota Roadster and (3) Summer Shandy chased each other home with powerful finishes last time, winding up one-two at this level. Both get better spots likely closer to the leaders and will probably be battling it out late once again. (5) Everyone’s Desire left Maywood sharp, then had an unlucky trip in Balmoral debut, impeded past the quarter, unleashing a strong :55.3 middle half to race third over and finishing evenly for show. Figures to be tighter off that mile and looks to have a shot here.

Race 11: (6) Pillage And Burn is a 4-year-old that has shown speed and some ability in just a handful of starts and now returns to Balmoral following a parked out mile at Hoosier from post seven, tiring after pushing a :55.2 opening half; can take control here. (10) Casey At Bat is just 1 for 23 on the year and gets post 10, but most of the year has been battling tough Illinois bred sophomores and now gets major class relief.

Race 12: I’ll single (3) Party Hangover who takes a key drop and may be too tough for this level after some good efforts against tougher.

Good luck!