by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on September 13 part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last night I invested $24 and wasn’t close.

Meet totals: 60 plays, ten winning Pick-4’s +$41.80

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, September 13, 2015

$1 play: 367/23/89/15 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: In a field that is a combined seven for 146 on the year, the first leg becomes extremely tough to handicap with much confidence. I am going to try (3) Angel Demon who has been chasing fast miles against tough fillies in Chicago stakes events in recent and comes off an improved uncovered try understandably weakening through :27.4 final panel. Can’t be backed with much confidence but finds a good spot against camera shy group and this could be the type of field she can perk up at. (6) Jinxy’s Delight broke at Hoosier last time following two nine hole spots in lone Balmoral starts. The mare had some decent tries against better at The Meadows before shipping in and certainly looks to have a shot against this group. (7) Rockn Legend lacks consistency but has done the most winning of any in here in 2015 and seemed to be on an improving pattern last month before disliking the Hoosier slop last time and unable to rally through stepped-up final half here two back, but note those sparkling final quarters prior to that start and, with the ability to leave, a likely key player here.

Race 8: (2) Red Solo Cup made a sharp brush to the top, chased a :27.3 third quarter opening big lead, weakened late. The 4-year-old takes a key drop and has shown much ability in recent weeks. (3) Pray With Me was no match against tougher last time, including top one, but did trot a snappy :55.2 final half. Two back was a solid placing against weaker, parked early from eight hole and managing to hold place through :57.4 final half. Finds a good spot and figures to be forwardly placed.

Race 9: (8) Dandy’s Beauty returns from Hoosier where she had even pace chasing fast mile last time which followed two steady rallies from tough spots similar to tonight’s pacing sub 28-second quarters in both. Is just one for 17 on the year but picks up leading driver and may be set for a big mile. (9) Little Miss Torie finished with even pace after clocking a :55.4 middle half last time. The filly has been lightly raced but shows a solid qualifier here last week and has hinted at some ability in her short career which includes a 1:54.3 win back in May (faster than any in here). Has plenty of upside and should offer some value.

Race 10: Both (1) Lil Al Bundy and (5) Fox Valley Andy exit the same race where they had little shot following excess cover off a slow early pace. The former paced a :54.2 final half while the later clocked in with :55 final half. Both get better posts and will likely be sitting closer to the front turning for home and, hopefully, will offer some value.

Good Luck!