by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sept. 27, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014

$1 play: 24/36/2810/510 = $24

Analysis:

Race 10: (2) Furious Frank left and was parked past :27.1 quarter, yielded, finished with :27.4 final quarter in sharp effort. Drops and gets better spot. (4) Tink And Tiger went first up in same mile as top one and did well to miss by two lengths although pacing slower than :28 for the first time since July. The 6-year-old hasn’t been this low in a while and looks to have a big chance here.

Race 11: (6) Ice Scraper set suicidal fractions last time, reaching three-quarters in a sparkling 1:20, did extremely well to hold show, missing by a scant length and a quarter. Seems fastest here with a more moderate tempo. (3) Big Daddy Woo Woo is a classy type that has lost a few steps over the years but wasn’t disgraced chasing sub-1:50 miles in last two and merits respect at this level.

Race 12: (2) Always The Sun was overmatched against Indiana Sire Stakes foes at Hoosier before returning to Balmoral and registering a scorching 1:21.2 final three-quarters making up a ton of ground from post 10. Underrated sophomore drops to winning level and may handle his older rivals from this spot. (8) Holy Chip paced a :54.3 middle half on long uncovered grind, didn’t fade badly considering the trip. Gets key driver switch in second start at reduced level and looks like the one to beat. (10) Kingofthejungle has faced the top sophomore pacers in the sport and gets Magee in Balmoral debut. Post only knock.

Race 13: (10) Sleazeburgernfries was in tough against stakes company in recent and did not finish last time after breaking behind the gate. Colt returns to the level of powerful come from behind score, pacing a 1:22 final three-quarters to blow by the field in a lifetime best mile back in August. Draws post 10 but will likely be into the action early and may offer some value. (5) Summer Shandy has shown some ability in just a handful of starts. Returns to Balmoral and finds a spot that should set up his late kick.

Good luck!