by Frank Cotolo

Frank Cotolo offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick 4 at Balmoral Park on Oct. 8, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 10-13, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011

A scratch in the final leg of last Saturday’s ticket made our stab only $4 worth, finishing second, fifth-second, fifth and sixth. We were a bit surprised at some of the performances and, as always, will keep an eye on our choices from that ticket for other races at Balmoral. This week’s Saturday attempt is also small, without any known scratches, unless you want to go heavy in the final leg.

$2 play: 7/3/2,5/5 = $4

Analysis:

Race 10: (7) Well To Do Guru will probably be an outsider in the wagering but this is a classy sort coming to a race that he seems in perfect shape to be a strong contender.

Race 11: (3) Ice Man Cometh was hung two calls making a go at winning wide at Maywood. At Balmoral he has only been in stakes and not successfully. This is a good chance to shine and pay well, as his lines will deceive most bettors.

Race 12: (2) Fiveknucklesshuffle is an improving horse on the rise. Hochstettler’s gelding really likes Crete’s two turns and deserves attention. Meanwhile, (5) Icanfeelthepower has had tons of trouble in recent attempts and still races with impressive moves. His last-week’s race was very good, finishing third at 34-1. He could upset here for sure.

Race 13: (5) Oh Poncho was used hard getting and keeping the lead in the first half last week. His early foot needs to be controlled and when it will be handled correctly he can win easily. He raced with far better when he campaigned this season in Florida. He has a good shot, also, because the two obvious favorites are in the 9 and 10 hole. If you want to add them, the ticket will cost you $12. That could still reward you with a good payoff, but I would rather go for the upset chance as a single.