by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on Oct. 28, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Monday, Oct. 28, 2013

$.50 play: 357/246/23/17/45 = $36

Analysis:

Race 5: (7) Believable was handled gingerly last time, probably just trying to stay flat after making breaks in prior two, trotted a solid :58.3 final half, rallying while not really being asked. Trotter put in some solid miles here in the summer and may be returning to some semblance of form. (3) Grecale As had even trot in mile and sixteenth event last time after breaking early and often at Freehold two back. Gets a better spot and has the back class to take this. (5) Get Packin is a steady 11-year-old who has been racing in good form and has speed to shake loose against these.

Race 6: (2) Keemosabe just failed to hold on when dropped in for a tag, worth another shot. (4) Clem is the other speed in here who nipped top one from the pocket last time and figures to give him a battle once again. (6) Lawgiver Hanover was uncovered against top two last time and held well late. The 4-year-old packs a solid late wallop and cannot be overlooked.

Race 7: (2) Glass Prince rated the half, faced backside pressure chasing :28 third panel, dug in gamely and just failed to hold off strong finisher who has since come back to repeat. The 4-year-old is best at this level and finds another nice spot to make amends. (3) Pacific Desperado debuts for DiDomenico off claim and won a game decision at this level on Sept. 9. Likely to show improvement here.

Race 8: (7) Relentless G has rallied steadily from similar spots to tonight’s against tougher in last two; takes key drop and picks up Brennan. (1) Sand Benelli hasn’t done much in recent and is just three for his last 66 but also takes on lesser tonight and gets the rail with improvement likely.

Race 9: (4) Friday At Five sat the pocket off slow pace in Yonkers return, chased but couldn’t fire late when field came home in a wicked :55.4. Drops to a level he’s won at in the past and will likely be forwardly placed. (5) Real Special had tough spot against Open company at Saratoga last time. The 5-year-old compiled a solid resume in Maine this year with a 10 for 21 record before that last mile and has recorded some fast miles over the slower than average half-mile tracks up north. Gets Bartlett and may go well at this level.

Good luck.