The All button for the $15,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 @ Balmoral

Last Sunday, scored two nice victories in the Thoroughbreds with Grassy winning the Bowling Green at Belmont and then Sunday, winning the BC Cup at Hastings with Northern Causeway. Then we roll into Balmoral for the $25,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 and get creamed. We hit the first race with Fox Valley Absolut and then zilch. It paid over $4,000 and that made the Guaranteed Pick 4’s over four figures for the week. This is a new week and back to our own money now, and this card tonight is no easy one, in fact, if I had the cash would hit the all button in Race 9 & 10. But with $24 to spend it will be one tough ticket in the Guaranteed $15,000 Pick 4 for tonight, so here it goes …

Race 7 #1 Stormont Caviar ML 8/1 #5 Mad Cow Lisa ML 3/1 #6 POW ML 4/1

POW is going to be my choice in this race. This 5YO gelding is dropping in class and has a pair of 81’s recently. His finishing times and class should prevail over this mixed bag of trotters. Michael Reading seems to do well with class droppers and will play that angle.

Race 8 #5 Plum Grove ML 3/1

This race is like Race 7, a mixed bag of horses and that on paper anyone could win, given the perfect trip. The #5 Plum Grove is really in a nice groove with back to back seconds and improving finishing times. Marcus Miller drives her for the third time and looks poised to win it. So will take the shot and single here.

Race 9 #5 Wand’s Cowgirl ML 5/1 #8 Tinkers Damn ML 7/2 #10 Edita Hanover ML 6/1

Another race where anyone of these girls could win, it’s that wide open. If you can afford it hit the “all” button. After all the hemming and hawing, I landed on #8 Tinkers Damn. This mare knows how to find the board and has decent speed. Also, going with the trainer angle here, Kincley doesn’t have a deep string and his horses do real well. If she gets to the lead she will wire this group.

Race 10 #6 Johnny B Cool ML 4/1 #9 Samstorm ML 3/1 #10 Maximus Meridus N ML 5/1

In this claiming race, five horses are dropping in class. This makes it especially tough to find the right class and speed pairing. Like race #9, if you have the funds hit the “all” button and hope for the bombers to show up. Without that luxury I’m playing #9 Samstorm to win. Last two races have been real strong and feel he is top form, the post is the only downfall for him, but if Wilfong keeps him close he can pass this lot. Of all the droppers, Johnny B Cool is the live one here.

Pick 4 selections for Sunday's Guaranteed $25,000 at Balmoral park

Last night was one of those nights where we can groan that Fox Valley Praline broke up our Pick 4 in Race 11. Then we can smile as we hit a minor Trifecta in Race 10 for $30 and the big bonanza when Sporty Gypsy strikes for the win in Race 12 for $63! So while we missed the $1300 payoff in the Pick 4 it wasn’t a total loss. Tonight is the $25,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 and another bunch Stakes Elimination races with strong fields. Going to stay with a $24 ticket and almost back to zero on our balance.

Race 7 #1 Joinusforsumefun ML 3/1 #3 Devachan ML 8/1 #7 Fox Valley Absolut ML 9/2

This is a tough race and I left off Temperment. In this race I’m going with Devachan, has been flashing consistent speed figures and two back got shuttled back and then last out was an improvement even though being parked out. Third trip for John Roberts and believe he will get him in good position to win this race.

Race 8 #1 Sugar Bunny ML 5/1 #8 Ole Miss ML 8/1 #8 A Nite To Remember ML 8/1

I’ll admit I’m lukewarm on all the choices in this race. Since I have to go with one, I will play the recent winner moving up in class, Sugar Bunny. Wilfong has won 4 out of 8 with this 6YO mare, and has improving speed numbers.

Race 9 #3 GJ Photo Victory ML 3/1

This is an outstanding gelding going for its fourth in a row. He has excellent speed with Marcus Miller driving. This one is as close as a lock as you can get.

Race 10 #7 Won The Battle ML 9/2 #9 Towneism ML 7/2 #10 Bell Valley Zeke ML 8/1

I’m leaning to #9 Towneism with his consistent speed and two wins in last three. Looking for him to bounce back from last race, has the ability to go wire to wire and wouldn’t be surprised if he does. The surprise in the group is Rejoiceandbeglad, who we have had before and has won. But this trio is just too tough for him.