by “ Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Last night I invested $24 and had three winners, a place finisher and the last three exactas.

Meet totals: 66 plays, 11 winning Pick-4s, +$315.60

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015

$1 play: 689/28/59/7 = $12

Analysis:

Race 7: (6) Ryleigh’s Lilly is a powerful closer in career best form and figures to be riding live cover. (8) Lex has had a big year against stakes fillies and now tackles older mares. Has plenty of ability and will likely go well. (9) Just By Design made two moves before tiring last time following a career best mile two back. Draws a tough post but her best puts her in the thick of this at a price.

Race 8: (2) Amazed was impeded past the start, recovered to trot :58 middle half before finishing evenly. Two back was used hard to get the top past :56.4 opening half and understandably tired. Finds a good spot to use his speed against a field that lacks consistency and gets a slight nod over (8) Swiss Mocha who has been racing better than any in here and from post nine in last two. Draws another tough spot but has a shot off uncovered trip in last.

Race 9: (5) Rocknroll Crystal had an impossible fourth over spot, finished well with :27.2 final quarter but had too far to come in race she likely needed after missing a month. Likely to be tougher this time and is capable of upsetting this group. (9) Eva Bella has been racing in sharp form and has speed to take these a long way.

Race 10: (7) Rockin Sockem is a Maywood invader who has had a series of tough posts/trips in all recent tries. Filly may appreciate the switch to the mile oval and is driver’s choice in finale.

Good luck!