by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Wednesday I could come up with just two winners ($10.60, $8.20) and lost $24. On Saturday, I lost $24 but again had two winners ($10.20 and $5.60), as well as a $32.40 exacta, boxing my top two choices in the first leg. On Sunday I tabbed the first three legs ($11.00, $4.00, $3.80) and finished second and third with the two favorites in the final leg, putting me minus $24 for the night. My stats now stand at five Pick-4s hit, remaining in the black for $135.30.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014

$1 play: 589/24/69/68 = $24

Analysis:

Race 6: (8) Sexy Card Shark ships out to Balmoral for solid connections off an improved try in Philadelphia, making up good ground late from difficult spot following a series of dull efforts against better at Pocono. The 4-year-old mare had a solid sophomore campaign which included a lifetime best 1:54.4 mile here at Balmoral and have to think she’s ready for a big mile, getting Delong in her return who does very well when steering for the first time. (5) Boxed Chocolates was kept off the gate in last and charged home with :56.1 final half, rallying for show. Filly has put up some big miles in her sophomore season but has to prove she can beat older rivals. Likely pacesetter here. (9) Always Electric broke last time at Hoosier after chasing stakes company much of the year. The filly draws post nine in Balmoral return but has a fondness for this oval, pacing in 1:54.2 as a freshman and cannot be discounted.

Race 7: (2) Enchantress Lady had trot finishing from tough spot but had too far to come and had unbeaten (four-for-four) record snapped. Moves inside to find a good spot to set up her brush and can make amends. (4) Mad Cow Lisa had eight hole last time with owner/trainer in the bike. Two back was parked early, chased a fast pace and didn’t fade badly considering in snappy mile. Drops, gets key driver switch and better post and has the look of a major player.

Race 8: (9) Sandcastle Girl was fourth over off slow pace, stormed home in :27 to nail show. Draws another tough post but has a big shot if Hiteman can get her into the race. (6) Our Miss Special was victimized by the same slow pace and finished evenly. Filly has paced some strong miles this year and is capable of taking these.

Race 9: (8) Meet Me Tonight is the sharpest of these right now and has speed to overcome post eight. (6) Lizzabelle had steady rally from post nine last time after a game uncovered try two back, taking the lead in the stretch only to be reeled in by razor sharp winner. She finished in front of top one that night and is capable of doing it again with the position edge.

Good luck!