Tough ticket in the Guaranteed $25,000 Pick 4 at Balmoral

Last night we had a near miss on a $597.70 Pick 4. We started in good shape with Cole Snap winning Race 10 and then Matt Out Flying solos the 11th. Where we got derailed was in Race 12, when Bring The Rain snuck in and won it. My three selections finished second through fourth, close but no cigar. The last race was a nice ending, as all three choices did indeed come in 1-2-3 and close out a nice Trifecta for $111.60. Our balance is now down to $84.00.

Tonight is the $25,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 and it is one tough group of races. The first race, #7 is highly contentious and we could be done before the night even get’s started. We will buy a $24 ticket but in truth we could spend a lot more and still feel vulnerable.

Race 7 #3 Jackson Berlow ML 4/1 #4 Major Male ML 7/2 # Drive’em Cowboy ML 3/1

The major threat to this group are two horses is #1 Fox Valley Saint and #2 Fox Valley Libero but in the end I’m going with Jackson Berlow moving up in class with Miller in the buggy. He won last out with nice consistent figures and real improvement in final times. In the last three races, he has won twice with Miller driving, I lean to recent winners moving up in class.

Race 8 #2 Odds On Moinet ML 7/2 #4 Joinusforsomefun ML 4/1 #9 Ole Miss ML 6/1

I’m staying with Odds On Moinet again, really nice speed pairs of 83-82-83-82 and last out the post really hurt her. Class and speed are tops of this group and yes, A Night To Remember is back in again and blew our card up last weekend, but the #2 is ready to win.

Race 9 #9 Lookin’ Ahead ML 7/2

This 6YO gelding is rounding into form and is set up to take the purse tonight. Excellent class and speed ratings, closed down strongly from way back last week and the Wilfongs have a nice ROI together. Detailer is a threat and an improving Clapton Blue Chip could set up and take it. Overall, Lookin’ Ahead is the one to beat.

Race 10 #1 Mearl Finn ML 8/1 #4 Fox Valley Oracle ML 8/1 #7 Dee Dee Sage ML 4/1

Several familiar faces in this race and many I like but finally landed on #7 Dee Dee Sage at 4/1. Has been improving with each race, and has the speed and class to beat this group. She likes to race up close and I f she can stay out of trouble should tag this one.

Guaranteed $20,000 Pick 4 Balmoral Selections & $2 Miller Lites

Last Wednesday was a near miss. We had the first three races in the bag going into the dreaded single. I had selected Maranatha Hanover but also mentioned that Maladar would be tough, and tough he was winning the race. Maladar went off at 5/1 and paid $12.40 to win and the Pick 4 paid out $288.20. So if you added Maladar to your ticket, making it a $48 play you would had an excellent return. I’m going to remind all readers that the Pick 4 is the best value play in horse racing, and at many tracks the takeout is low. Here at Balmoral it’s only 14%! It just shows that with a small investment and tight handicapping you can score some nice returns … consistently. In time I will go back and figure out if I added those horses I mentioned but didn’t add, and increase my tickets how many Pick 4’s would I’d hit so far. Maybe by next Wednesday have those numbers.

So tonight is the $20,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 at Balmoral. Races 10 through 13 and this card is very difficult to play on $24, so more luck will be needed tonight. So enjoy those $2 Miller Lites and $2 grill and here we go with tonight’s selections:

Race 10 #3 Waltakawalcek ML 10/1 #5 Cole Snap ML 5/2 #6 Bell Valley Bill ML 3/1

I like Cole Snap in this race, consistent speed figures, the last two races were strong finishes and just missed. The connections are strong and look perfect to grab the winners circle tonight. This gelding’s speed and class numbers are the tops of this group.

Race 11 #8 Mattoutflying ML 8/1

The #8 is shipping in from Indy and has done well in the claiming ranks posting strong speed figures. Now in the NW class and should dominate this group Marcus Miller is driving and has had good success in the past. Going to single here even though Voomerang will be looming.

Race 12 #3 Parked Onda Street ML 8/1 #6 My Boy Luke ML 3/1 #10 Onhishonor Hanover 4/1

The #6 My Boy Luke has the speed and class edge here. Nice efforts on the road and now back in Crete. Has done well here and Todd Warren has gelding in a nice groove.

Race 13 #8 Niteinthebox ML 9/2 #9 All American Solo ML 3/1 #10 KB’s Robby ML 7/2

This is one tough race, several recent winners and great drivers making picking one difficult. I’m going with #9 All American Solo. He has won 3 in a row, consistent speed and solid final times. Miller and Morales know how to win with this gelding and wouldn’t expect anything different tonight.

Late News: Finally conquered Saratoga! Handicapped Havre de Grace to win the Woodward, the analysis is at http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/ Good luck and will see you tomorrow night with the selections for the $25,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 at Balmoral.