Frank Cotolo offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Sunday, Jan. 27, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 7-10, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013

A strong blast of winter is departing the Midwest as I write, with a sweeping storm of snow aimed at tracks in the east (The Meadows has closed even as you read this) and according to reports that scourge of activity could be enough to close some tracks. This leaves the Midwest cold but safe for what may be some of the only harness activity this weekend. So, we take special focus on Sunday’s Balmoral card with a few more than usual joining our combo. Be aware that with a larger ticket the win bets can also increase, which may be as much of an expense as it could be a saving grace.

$2 play: 5/15/26/49 = $16

Analysis:

Race 7: (5) Fox Valley Matinee has been performing well since a big mile three back and is in a great position here among others that don’t stand up well in an argument. This appears to be his chance to excel even by repeating his last race, which found him a third.

Race 8: (1) Aqua Artist is an obvious public choice here and rightfully so as he just missed with an excuse at the top of the race after stepping down fresh. (5) Welcome To Walmac has a nice late kick and takes a shot at a bit better after three misfortunes at this level. She may be as good here as she raced on Jan. 2 and kick a lot of people’s tickets into the dustbin.

Race 9: (2) Holdie L returns to the inside to start so he shouldn’t waste his front speed as he did early in his Jan. 20 start. The two races before that in series competition he raced excellently while bettors dismissed him at 4-1 and 7-1. (6) Poppa Woody’s last pair were both good races but the foes, the class and the posts hurt. The well-bred son of Revenue S was terrific from post nine three back and looms as a threat here at a price.

Race 10: (4) Zambrano is always fun to have aboard because his name is a festival of sounds. However, he is only on board because he is the perfect fit to close this ticket. Just beaten as a giant choice last out he could topple these with ease. (9) Another Beauty showed a liking to leaving early last outing and that was a rarity for him. With a group that lacks early speed this could be the horse that steals the show and bulges the price of the exotic.