by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on April 14, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Thursday, in my first attempt at the Yonkers Pick-5, I had three winners and a fast-closing place finish with a 8-1 shot. Tonight, the favorites look very tough in a number of legs so I am not going to invest much trying to stab at long shots.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, April 14, 2016

$.50 play: 14/47/16/23/7 = $8

Analysis

Race 7: (1) Hidden Identity and (4) Cousin Eddie are both in razor sharp form and both have been popular items at the claim box in the past couple of weeks. Either should take it.

Race 8: Tough race here. I’ll cut costs and try (4) Senorita Santanna who made a sharp middle-half move from tough spot last time, was bothered past the half and continued uncovered to take over turning for home just getting nipped in the final strides. Moves inside and consistent mare can get back on the winning track tonight. For a price I’ll try (7) Little Miss Henry who went improved mile for new barn chasing wakeup winner home from the pocket in fast mile.

Race 9: (1) Summer Camp made two moves and won under wraps at this level last time, draws the rail and looks tough at short price. (6) Tye Seelster had a tough third-over trip off slow half and never fired last time following an early break past the start two back. The 7-year-old drops to the level of two strong wire to wire wins back in March and will likely be blasting in third start for new barn.

Race 10: Another evenly matched race with a few capable of taking it. (3) Gallant Seelster had no shot from post 8 in the slop last time after a powerful ground saving :56.1 final half rally off a slow pace to beat this level. The six-year-old moves into Allard barn and seems a little better than these. (2) Jolt Of Whiskey tired from 7-hole last time but moves inside tonight and has the most early speed of any in here. A possibility to shake loose.

Race 11: (7) Daylon Miracle was a brush and crush winner at Pocono in latest. The 7-year-old has been lightly raced in 2016 after racing in Open company when last seen at Yonkers last October and racing in Breeders Crown to wrap up her 2015 campaign. Draws outside but may prove too much for these.

Good Luck!