by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sept. 5, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Checking up on Catskill Steve: Last Sunday I invested $18 and had one winner. Meet totals: 57 plays, ten winning Pick-4s, +$116.80

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 9-12, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015

$1 play: 268/468/157/5 = $27

Analysis:

Race 9: I’ll take the only three entrants that have won under the lights. (6) Red Red Redneck was outkicked late by nice prospect after setting a modest pace. May have enough speed to control this. (8) Fox Valley Chino was impeded late in same race as top one trying to close into :56 final half. The gelding has displayed a solid late kick in a number of starts, adds Lasix and looks to have a big shot. (2) Sagebrush Sid broke maiden in powerful fashion two back, then was out early on uncovered grind from post 7, paced a :55.3 middle half and understandably tired. This colt will offer some value, appears on an improving pattern and is usually close from spots like this.

Race 10: (4) Time To Roll is doing that right now and comes off a sparkling mile in which he sat the pocket past an amazing 1:19.4 three-quarters in the Springfield heat and wore down the leader in a wicked lifetime best 1:48.2 mile. (6) Fort Silky and (8) St Elmo Hero are two of the classiest pacers to race in Chicago over the past decade and are the only two that can come close to matching top one’s recent speed spurt but will need their best efforts and hope top one doesn’t bring his ‘A’ game.

Race 11: (1) Royale Rose, (5) Wondrous Sport and (7) Dan D Dune have been among the leaders in this division all year and in an elimination any of the three should take it. Dan D Dune will likely offer the best value and if the early fractions set up for a closer, this one is it.

Race 12: (5) Party Hangover had even pace against the boys in 1:51.1 mile last time after being wiped out in distaff stake from post 10 while moving on the rim two back. Gets back in with her own kind and her best will likely be too much for these.

Good luck!