by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the guaranteed $10,000 Pick-5 pool at Yonkers Raceway on August 26, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Monday, August 26, 2013.

$.50 play: 46/56/135/12,3/6 = $18

Analysis:

Race 5: The freshmen class of NYSS filly trotters is always tough to predict and all we can hope for is a clean trip from our picks. (4) Beauty Of Gray has had only two career starts but has stayed trotting in both while showing speed in both taking her last in one of these at Batavia in 2:02.1. (6) Ruby Ruby Who has had three career starts and has also stayed flat in all three, two over small tracks. Comes off a nice uncovered show finish at Batavia last time trotting a solid :59.1 final half.

Race 6: (5) Big Bay Point fast pacer has shown a ton of early speed at Pocono in recent and sports a torrid 1:54.2 qualifying mile over Monticello’s half-miler back in July, as fast a qualifier as has been paced up there in recent years. (6) Smokealittlesmoke is the other Pocono shipper in here who was over matched taking on tough sophomores in 1:48.3 mile last time. Takes on older foes switching to the half-miler but has ability and may actually fit better here.

Race 7: (3) Oriental Carpet was used twice from 7-hole and gamely held show in fast paced mile. 5-year-old has had trouble winning at this level but finds better spot while in sharp form and maybe be ready to handle it. (1) Sky Mesa ships in from Philadelphia for powerful Burke barn, took his seasonal mark at Yonkers earlier in the year and should go well for a tag. (5) Go West Lucky Cam went down the road in second try for Coleman barn to easily handle these, should be tough again.

Race 8: (1) Mississippi Hippy drops and gets the rail in second start for strong horse woman. 4-year-old put in two game tries at this level holding sway in wire to wire score three back then a game uncovered placing two back. (2) Twin B Hollister chased a fast mile from the pocket in first start for new barn; remains sharp and should be well placed. (3) Clem speedy 4-year-old has been a popular item in the claim box over the past month. Steps up in sharp form and will take them as far as he can.

Race 9: (6) Flying Instructor set a lifetime mark at this level two back with a strong brush and crush victory. Drops back to that level off a no shot try against tougher trying to close into :55.4 final half and can rebound.