by Frank Cotolo
Frank Cotolo offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sept. 18, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.
Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011
Last Sunday’s $4,113 Pick 4 was on the tip of our tongues. We had two winners, one turning out to be a single with a scratch in the third leg. Thrills Sugar Buzz paid $21.60. We nailed the final leg with Rejoiceandbeglad at $13.40. The first leg resulted in a secong at 7-1, Only The World, and we were sixth with a 7-2 shot in the second leg. Our ticket would have been much better than four grand (there was $29,000 in the pool). Hope you followed through with win bets, as our ticket cost less with the scratch and I hope you stay with us for bigger hits down the road. Or maybe tonight?
$2 play: 35/4/8/39 = $8
Analysis:
Race 7: (3) Seawind Gambler had trouble in his last, which was the second since he stepped up into claimers. Now he steps up in a conditioner, a positive sign since his fine races at Maywood. (5) Mattoutflying may be overlooked her considering the coupled morning-line choices; he fits well in this group.
Race 8: (4) Tune In was mediocre in the slop last time, when returning from a month’s layoff (he opted to race, not qualify). Now he is up a notch since his good races and should offer a healthy contribution to our promising ticket’s payoff.
Race 9: (8) Truly The Best went great guns at Indy and could be overlooked in this condition even though she is extremely sharp now.
Race 10: (3) Fox Valley See Ya was claimed, steps up and stands to show more improvement for new connections. (9) Majestic Royale is an off-the-pace expert that can wail down this long stretch against a ton of pseudo-speed.