by Frank Cotolo

Frank Cotolo offers his picks for the Pick 4 at Balmoral Park on May 4, 2013 part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 10-13, Saturday, May 4, 2012

Even though all eyes are on the Kentucky Derby, the evenings still belong to harness racing and there is a lot of action this weekend worth watching and wagering upon, including the start of our May, 2013 campaign of wins and Pick-4s at Balmoral. After doing our quarterly books we are encouraged that the ensuing season could bring us a hit with the exotic that will easily take care of losses and put us on target for a sparkling season in the black. So stay with us; things should start to get interesting right about now.

$2 play 4/8/26/6 = $4

Analysis:

Race 10: (4) My Boy Cal is our first and only choice here because we feel he will offer the best value over the morning-line choice, which is stepping up after a fine win. We would rather single him and knock some out players out, since he is sharp right now and the odds should be right.

Race 11: (8) The Riddler has been racing well at this level and getting support. In this event, his support may wane, which would be great for us. He should adore the two turns at Crete after stressful battles at Maywood, making us expect a huge effort at a great price.

Race 12: (2) Cole Blue was desperate to get the top last week but burned on the outside. On April 6 at this level she did what we expect her to do tonight, getting a good spot early and commanding the pace. (6) Willow Gram is definitely a player here but if we are right about out other selection she is going to have to come from off the pace; this could be a stone-cold exacta.

Race 13: (6) Blue Mint should show a superior mile to the rest of these, especially on a dry surface. The gelding is very competitive and his last race was a win with two moves, denying the overland journey to halt him.