by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on July 29, 2013, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Although I wasn’t close either last Monday or Tuesday, my losses were cut down with two scratches on Monday, making for an $8 loss and a full $18 loss on Tuesday. I did have a $32.80 winner listed on Tuesday as well as the $125.50 exacta in same race. Although I know it’s the Strategic Wagering on the Pick-5, I have stated before, with the difficulty in hitting the Pick-5 I suggest putting a $2 win bet on the longshots I list and, if you want to dabble in exotics, why not try to hit a smaller gimmick. Good luck tonight as we move into the new week.

$.50 play: 234/57/34/34/3 = $12

Analysis:

Race 5: (2) No Gin had even pace at this distance through fast pace in first start in close to three weeks. Makes second start at this reduced level, finds good spot and picks up Brennan. (3) Stormin Rustler steps up without winning but has been racing in sharp form and has speed to be dangerous. (4) Remus Blue Chip was a bit short off the bench chasing 1:52 mile at Pocono. Ships to Yonkers for the always sharp Teague barn and his trips over Harrington half-miler earlier in the year were decent. Gets Sears and should be well placed.

Race 6: (5) Glass In The Sand has been chasing faster on the Pennsylvania circuit. Ships to Yonkers for strong barn and is another getting Sears first time. (7) Somekindamonster made a strong brush to improve position, making up eight lengths in the slop, chased much the best winner home for place in first local try.

Race 7: (4) Western Trademark made two moves from seven hole in 1:50.2 mile at Tioga, finishing evenly in good try. Faced far tougher in last Yonkers visit and looks tough to beat at this level. (3) Handsome Harry, a former star of the NYSS and one of the better sophomores in his day, has obviously fallen upon hard times, making only three starts in 2013, but 7-year-old showed some of his old spark, albeit back in January, wiring a weaker field from seven hole here in 1:54.2 on a cold Westchester County night and could be formidable if anything close to right.

Race 8: (4) Newbeginning paced a :56.2 middle half, making wide move in last, finished evenly. Had won three straight in prior efforts at this level with Sears and gets the nod for under rated horsewoman in Jody Riedel. (3) Smellthecolornine is winless on the year but put in a powerful closing try from tough spot last time and may be coming around.

Race 9: (3) All Speed Hanover has chased sub-1:50 miles at both the Meadowlands and Mohawk in all his starts this year. Didn’t race last year and is 0 for 7 in 2013, but fast pacer returns to Yonkers and the half-miler to find soft spot with decisive class edge on his foes here.

Good luck.