by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 pool at Yonkers Raceway on Oct. 29, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013

$.50 play: 35/247/36/245/12 = $36

Analysis:

Race 5: (5) Howe’s Magic is a well-bred sophomore that is beginning to live up to his expectations, taking three straight at Yonkers (two at the extra sixteenth mile distance) and one at Saratoga; can continue to move forward. (3) Hey Buddy Mac is a sure-gaited sophomore that has put in some nice miles at Yonkers in his brief career and has the fastest win mark over the Westchester oval; returns from Rosecroft where he was an easy winner with the addition of lasix and looks better than the rest.

Race 6: (2) Delco Liar was a monster on the Iowa Fair Circuit, but what is noteworthy is that he paced some quick miles considering the tracks he raced at; had a sharp qualifier at Pocono in prepping for his Big Apple debut and could be anything. (4) Ralbar rallied from dead last, finishing with :28.4 kicker to earn check, two back was a game first over try through :58 final half, missing by a scant neck. (7) I Dreamed A Dream has been racing in sharp form, finishing with fast final halves in last three; draws tough spot but has shown speed in the past and may blast for a trip.

Race 7: (3) Pantheon Seelster isn’t much but has chased fast miles in all recent tries and now picks up Sears. (6) JK Even Steven is no bargain as likely favorite in here but has an experience edge on many of these and has paced consistently faster than most of these.

Race 8: (4) Trip Hanover has been consistent at this level in recent and should be tough again on the engine or in the pocket. (5) Fuzzylegsandall broke rallying past a :28.2 third quarter, recovered and managed to finish with a strong :27.4 final quarter; two back paced a :55.2 final half in rallying from eight hole. Gelding is 0 for 22 on the year but seems to be getting closer to that first win. (2) Darth Quaider is also winless on the year, going 0 for 17, but comes off a tough uncovered trip at Philadelphia in latest and faced some fast pacers in the Midwest this past summer including Silver Devil who has been a monster out there in recent weeks.

Race 9: (2) Lets Rock Together had explosive late pace to just miss in local debut; gets better spot and can work out pocket trip behind (1) Kehmmywood who set a pressured pace last time and gave way late.