by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013

I hit Monday night’s Pick-5 at Yonkers to the tune of (for 50 cents) $479.50. After being blanked for 18 weeks that’s two winning tickets in one week!

$.50 play: 345/56/27/37/34 = $24

Analysis:

Race 5: (3) Equinox Barbara has finished well from tough spots in all recent starts, moves inside and looks dangerous from close to the pace. (4) Blue’s Inthekeyofc has chased the likely favorite in here home through fast miles in last two, settling for place in both. Three back took a lifetime mark at Philadelphia with a game wire-to-wire score from seven hole; major player here. (5) Keystone Isabella is on quite a roll right now, taking three straight (the last two at this level) in wire-to-wire fashion, recording fast times in all three.

Race 6: (6) Ashley’s Husband returns from Saratoga where he uncorked a :57.1 wide middle half move, taking over off on final turn and drawing clear. Two back was a parked the mile trip, also at Saratoga. Lightly raced sophomore continues to race well including last try at Yonkers where he recovered from brief early miscue to carve out a quick pace, just failing to hold on. (5) Fudge is a fast finishing 3-year-old that does everything but win, finishing second in last three despite finishing with sub-:29 final quarters. This could be the spot that ends the slump.

Race 7: (7) What’s The Story lacked a rally off slow early pace in last, two back had good pace finishing wide with :56.4 final half. The 4-year-old draws tough spot but gets key driver switch and may go well at a price in first start for a tag. (2) Darth Quaider had even pace finishing through stepped up final half. Sophomore is 0 for 18 on the year but faced some formidable Midwest 3-year-olds earlier in the year and should be tighter this time in second try around four turns for the always sharp Miller barn.

Race 8: (7) Stonebridge Terror is a 7-year-old former class master (winner of better than three-quarters of a million bucks) and has been lightly raced in 2013 but seems to have rounded into shape at Saratoga and comes off a solid two-move placing from similar spot. (3) Lolas Cruiser left for position from seven hole, chased a moderate pace and failed to fire late. Pacer wasn’t far off in fast miles prior and the move inside should put this one on or close to the lead.

Race 9: (3) Cowboy Tough blasted to the top from seven hole, got away with :59.2 middle half but looked strong finishing, leaving his field in the dust with :29.1 kicker. Sophomore has shown ability since shipping in from the Midwest and could well take another. (4) Charger Blue Chip has been finishing strong in all recent starts but just seems to fall short. Finds a good spot in race that may set up for a closer and should offer better value in tough field.