by Frank Cotolo

Frank Cotolo offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick 4 at Balmoral Park on May 28, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 10-13, Saturday, May 28, 2011

Last Saturday the system beat us badly. We finished third,eighth/third, ninth/fifth/second. That place horse in Race 13 was 20-1, which was also a win bet. Remember, though you are the ultimate judge of value, be sure to play the horses on our ticket that you like to win. Victories from these absorb our short Pick-4 tickets and usually hand us a profit to boot.

$2 play: 35/2/8/5 10 = $8

Analysis:

Race 10: After a win and a second (3) Pure Addiction deserves another shot to win. She’s in top shape now. The recent race was impressive, staying second closely with an overland journey. (5) Jitterbug Jack had a ton of trouble at the start and still tried to make a big race out of it.

Race 11: A big step up and a strong effort equal our first single. (2) Voomerang raced very well, getting the top and straining on the outside to keep it at 27-1. Coming back to a more comfortable class could be the route to a major upset here..

Race 12: Our second single is (8) Townline Debbie. She steps down to her most productive level and can regain that winning form she dismissed by taking on classier foes. Besides, the probable favorites here are shaky at best.

Race 13: (5) Western Sign dropped and scored a big effort. There is only one reason he wouldn’t come back and do it again and that reason is (10) Bauer’s Z Tam. He was second in that race after his drop down. It would be no surprise to see him turn the tables in this race, at a price, too, from that post.