by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on September 22nd, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Thursday, I made a $27 investment and had four short priced winners and a place finisher in the sequence.

Yonkers RacewayPick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, September 22, 2016

$.50 play:356/34/14/137/45 = $36

Analysis

Race 7: (3) Artist Night went down the road topowerfully defeat lesser. Takes on tougher but has been competitive at thislevel in the past. (6) Martial Bliss has been racing in sharp form and hasspeed to work out a pocket trip here. (5) City Pie was victimized by slow earlypace against tougher last time, paced a :55.4 final half with no shot. Two backexploded down the lane to just get up at the wire against this level. Drops tothat winning level and is dangerous at a price if early fractions set up for acloser.

Race 8: (3) Smooth Criminal has taken five of his last six, thelatest in first try in Allard stable and first on lasix. Finds a good spot toshowcase his speed and is hard to go against. (4) Backup A never got involvedlast time returning from a game front end score in 1:51.3 mile at Harah’sleaving in :27.2 and finishing in :27.4 facing hounding pressure the entiremile. Switches to the aggressive Bartlett and looks to have the best shot atknocking off top one.

Race 9: (4) Billabong Beach sharp Tioga shippermade a rocket-like :54.3 middle half brush to the top in latest, passed a1:22.1 three quarters and dug in gamely finishing second in 1:50.3 mile. Twoback was a game come from behind winner and three back a lifetime best 1:52score. The 5-year-old has never been better, gets Bartlett and has handledhalf-mile ovals in the past. (1) Gypsy Leather speedy Midwest bred gets therail off good try from 7-hole. Has speed to be forwardly placed and should gowell in first start for a tag.

Race 10: (1) Sportskeeper, (3) Roethblissburgerand (7) Sports Bettor all retain their sharpness and figure to battle it out.

Race 11: In the finale, I’ll go with (4) GallantSeelster who chased win-machine Roethblissburger home for place after breakingtwo back. The 6-year-old has enjoyed a huge year and was beating better hereback in July. Should be set in third try for Asher and I’ll take a chance with(5) Forever Just who returns at reduced level off two months on the bench.Comes off an even qualifier in 1:54.3 mile at Freehold and packs a strong lateburst when right, something that makes him a factor here.

Good Luck!