Frank Cotolo offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Balmoral Park on Feb. 24, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

Balmoral Park Pick-4, Races 10-13, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013

I reiterate: Don’t go berserk with any exotic combo that doesn’t provide you with a set of races that strongly complement your handicapping. These $2 tickets I propose, aside from the individual win bets suggested, represent the length of my investment while considering the fields involved. This is not to take into consideration that my closest attempts at hitting huge exotics were all represented by small tickets, this is to assist your bankroll by suggesting you put your money where you best feel it has an edge over the crowd’s estimation. As well, you could add six more horses to this ticket and still win with the only four I mentioned. Men have been killed for less.

$2 play 6/6/9/5 = $2

Analysis:

Race 7: (6) Sand Taryn was dismissed at Maywood from post eight and that covers up the previous race where in this company she made a giant brush, broke stride and then gained ground to finish third as the dead-on choice. Her visits to Crete were strong, so the price and performance should get this ticket going with gusto.

Race 8: (6) Dealin Kid could easily return to race as he did two back, so why not go to the price and the possibility that this gelding will go like he did on Jan. 13?

Race 9: (9) Justlivinthedream was terrific last week, just missing after an early duel. We have to go back to the beaten favorite here, regardless of the post, and be happy about it if we get anywhere near the price offered in the morning line.

Race 10: (5) Moon Bay Dancer appears to have it all over this field. Don’t toss out her most recent race, embrace it, since the early going was strong, albeit a burn out, and it does not mean she isn’t on a roll.