by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $35,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sept. 12, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday I invested $24 and wasn’t close.

Meet totals: 59 plays, ten winning Pick-4s, +$65.80

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

$1 play: 234/57/36/67 = $24

Analysis:

Race 10: The biggest night in Chicago Standardbred racing tonight (Super Night) offers a $35,000 guaranteed Pick-4. Good luck! (2) Cole Heat put in the race of his life, rallying on the inside to win elimination in a lifetime best 1:49.4 mile. Don’t know how much the 7-year-old has left in the tank after that last effort but he has looked like a different horse over the past month and seems to be peaking at the right time. (4) Iam Bonasera was a head behind top one after pacing a spectacular 1:21 final three-quarters on long uncovered grind. Classy 8-year-old appears primed for this and is one of a few with a big shot. (3) Unlocked left and tucked from seven-hole, made a rocket-like :26 second move to the top and gave way grudgingly, losing tight photo to top pair. Gets a better spot and is certainly capable of taking this.

Race 11: (5) Lex comes into the final off two game uncovered tries. Filly has been near or at the top of the Chicago filly division in both her racing campaigns and can prove it again tonight. (7) Fox Valley Charm shoots for fourth straight and looked powerful in her elimination, winning handily despite being used hard early.

Race 12: (6) Lucpark made two moves at Du Quoin last time and held place, pacing :55.3 final half. The sophomore returns to Balmoral where he races best and gets “Double Oo” back in the bike who did well with the fast pacer earlier in the year. (3) Dinky Dune got away with slow pace but looked strong finishing with :55.1 final half to hold off top one and win for the fifth time in 2015. The gelding gets a position edge on many of his key rivals and has beaten them a number of times throughout his sophomore campaign.

Race 13: Tough finale as are all the races on tonight’s card. (7) Royale Rose seems to get better as the year goes on and comes off two sparkling wins, the latest with the addition of Lasix, making it six-for-eight in his career. (6) Wondrous Sport went uncovered against top one in elimination and proved no match late although not likely pushed that hard to qualify. The youngster is the last horse to beat top one and may have the best shot at an upset.

Good luck!