by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on September 15th, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Thursday, I made a $16 investment and had three winners and two place finishers. I now stand at 1 for 20 for the meet and show a -$356.30 ledger.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, September 15, 2016

$.50 play: 15/234/236/124/4 = $27

Analysis

Race 7: (1) Marlee B is a Pocono shipper who gets the rail off a strong two move score in 1:52 mile. Mare was facing far tougher north of the border prior to that mile and actually raced against Preferred company back in July. (5) Dune In Red didn’t fade badly at Harah’s in latest despite long uncovered grind from post 7. Two back paced a :55.4 final half at Saratoga rallying steadily also from post 7. Illinois bred mare has some back class, returns to Yonkers where she paced in 1:52.2 earlier this year and appears to have a shot at what could be a fair price.

Race 8: (2) Royal Engagement has been chasing torrid miles in recent. Finds a good spot and can brush past these. (3) Kamwood Laughter N steps up in raging form off a lifetime best and looks sharp enough to go with these. (4) Jets Are On hasn’t done much in recent but has had post 8 in last two and has finished with sub 28-second final quarters in four of his last five. Takes a key drop to winning level and is capable of improvement.

Race 9: (2) Smooth Criminal was claimed last time while in sharp form for barn that does well with it’s claims. Adds lasix and finds a good spot against tougher. (3) Card Shock has had the rail in last three and raced well through fast miles. (6) Backup A was parked past a :27.1 quarter at Harah’s got the top and went down the road last time setting pressured pace and holding sway with :27.4 final panel taking lifetime best as well as first win of the year. May have confidence back off that mile and cannot be dismissed.

Race 10: (1) Sports Bettor and (2) Dojea Solo renew their rivalry from inside posts against tougher this week. Last time the former paced a :54.3 final half uncovered battling the later but couldn’t go by falling a head shy in monster try, while the later paced three sub 28-second quarters to hold off the 1 in ultra-game fashion. (4) Real Flight shoots for 13th win on the year and has taken four of his last six at this level, hard to knock.

Race 11: (4) Royal Max is a speedy five-year-old who has had trouble finishing in most recent starts. Put in a powerful qualifier at Pocono off lasix and now returns to Yonkers against slightly lesser group that he may be able to last against.