by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on Sept. 8, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Thursday, I made a $16 investment and, for the third time in my last four tries, had four winners and a place finisher. The slump has to end soon. I now stand 1 for 19 for the meet and show a -$340.30 ledger.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016

50-cent play: 1237/23/17/14/3 = $16

Analysis:

Race 7: (7) Summer Snow is an old gray mare who showed her back class, rolling by late to win last and go over the $500,000 mark in career earnings. Faces similar here, figures to be charging late and will likely offer some value from this spot. (1) Arabella A, (2) Beautiful Lady and (3) Cruisinwithmybaby all come off huge miles in their latest and have position edge on top one.

Race 8: (3) Hipnumberone has been facing Open company at Saratoga, returns to Yonkers at greatly reduced level and gets Bartlett back in the bike. (2) Apricot Sour had tough posts when last seen at Yonkers, then shipped to Harrah’s Philadelphia to brush and crush lesser in 1:52 mile. Mare has paced some fast miles over five-eighth-mile tracks much of the year, picks up the visiting Tetrick and may go well from this spot.

Race 9: (7) City Pie had explosive late kick to get up on the wire against lesser in Yonkers return. Two back made two moves from post 10 at The Meadowlands and missed by less than two lengths in 1:50.3 mile. The 8-year-old appears to be gradually rounding into top form and looks worth a shot even from outside slot. (1) Pappy’s Pal had no shot from eight-hole at Harrah’s last time following a series of good efforts at this level prior. Gets the rail and should showcase his speed.

Race 10: (1) Roethblissberger returns to best level and gets the rail while retaining sharpness. (4) Gallant Seelster was used setting the pace past a :55 and change opening half before breaking nearing three-quarters. Makes second start for the Stalbaum/Asher combo and can give top one a battle on the front end.

Race 11: (3) Zorgwijk Nova has been racing consistently well at this level and may be in line for another pocket trip from this spot.

Good luck!