by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sept. 3, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on “Catskill” Steve: I wasn’t close last Wednesday with one short priced winner and a place finisher for a loss of $18. On Saturday, I lost $12 but not before two winners ($15.60 and $5.20) and a nice $82.20 exacta boxing my top two choices in first leg. On Sunday I had two short priced winners ($4.60, $3.20) and two exactas ($19.40, $14.00), losing $8 for the night. My stats going into September are five Pick-4s hit with a profit of $207.30.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 6-9, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014

$1 play: 34/567/67/27 = $24

Analysis:

Race 6: In a field that seems to have forgotten how to win (three for 132 combined on the year), (3) Music Again is zero for his last 56 but finds a better spot following a series of tough posts and usually finishes well. (4) Larry’s Place couldn’t handle the slop in latest but has been chasing torrid miles in recent and takes on slightly weaker here.

Race 7: (6) Western Cowgirl hooked wheels while on the lead trying to rebuff challenger last time. Prior efforts weren’t much but they were against tougher. Gets a key driver switch tonight and may show improvement. (5) Ocean Girl finished well after making three wide move nearing three-quarters in fourth career start. May be heading in the right direction. (7) Always A Jewel started at fourth different tracks in her last four starts, but has raced well at Balmoral in the past and has speed that may take these a long way.

Race 8: (7) Enchantress Lady is an undefeated mare (four-for-four) in her career and has displayed a sharp brush, trotting sub-: 58 final halves in last two. Faces toughest test to date and draws outside post but may be developing into something and I have to stick with her. I’ll back her up with (6) Cardinal King who hasn’t been far behind chasing stakes company in recent starts. Looks better than the rest and has the best shot at an upset, especially if top one falters.

Race 9: (7) Val’s Way is an improving filly that steps up after powerful come from behind rally against lesser in latest and has finished with sub-:56 final halves in last two. (2) Joyful Game left well from post 10 but wound up parked and broke nearing the half. Two back had a wide trip from post eight and never fired. Mare moves inside and gets Delong back who handled her to two strong wins in mid-summer, one a 3-1/2 length score against top one. Appears a key player in final leg.

Good luck!