by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sept. 17, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill Steve”: A familiar story last Wednesday with three out of four winning legs ($13.20, $3.00, $3.40) and a second and third place finish in the other leg. A scratch cut our loss to $12. Saturday’s Super Night turned out to be a most predictable night of handicapping, not only in the Pick-4 races but the entire 14-race card. With an investment of $16 I hit the Pick-4 for a small return of $52.60. On Sunday, I made it two in a row, tabbing a $153.10 Pick-4 with an $18 investment. For the year, I have now hit seven Pick-4s in total and show a profit of $295. On to the new week.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014

$1 play: 25/1278/2/410 = $16

Analysis:

Race 6: (2) Sexy Card Shark was used twice from eight hole through slow pace in Balmoral debut, didn’t fade badly as pace picked up. Mare was facing tougher on the Pennsylvania circuit and now moves inside at a level she should be able to handle. (5) Boxed Chocolates has been finishing well but has had too far to come off slow early fractions. The 3-year-old filly’s two seasonal wins have come when she’s been asked for early speed and may revert to those tactics against this bunch; major player here.

Race 7: A field of sharp mares tangle in Leg 2. (2) Meet Me Tonight steps up off two solid wins from post eight against lesser including a lifetime mark two back. (7) Val’s Way was locked in until late, finally got out and charged home four-wide to nail show, thus ending her two-race win streak in unlucky style. (8) Joyful Game brushed to the top, faced hounding pressure through the last half and gamely held sway to beat these in latest, recording her seventh win of the year. For a price, I’ll toss in (1) Mind Eraser who has had only three starts on the year but appears to be much improved as a 6-year-old. This mare was parked the mile from post 10, racing uncovered most of the way, paced a :56.3 middle half pressing the former but was rebuffed and settled for fourth, missing by a length and a half in huge effort.

Race 8: (2) Enchantress Lady was a sick scratch last time but the mare has shown a lot of promise, going four-for-five in her brief career which started at age four, and warrants the top spot from this slot.

Race 9: (4) Look Ma No Hands chased a torrid 1:24.1 final three-quarters in the slop, making first start for new barn and had little chance from far back. Prior two were no shot miles from post eight. Finds a nice spot to use her speed and deserves another chance against this field. (10) Nip Pan Tuck made a strong brush to the top in same race as top one and held well for show. The 5-year-old isn’t exactly a win machine, going five for 65 lifetime and now draws post 10, but has been racing gamely recently. Chance at a price.

Good luck!