by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the guaranteed $10,000 Pick-5 pool at Yonkers Raceway on July 22, 2013, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Monday, July 22, 2013

$.50 play: 125/58/34/38/2 = $12

Analysis:

Race 5: (1) Status Warrior ships to Yonkers and the smaller oval which she seems to prefer following a series of tough posts at Pocono. Gets the rail and should show speed. (2) Windsun Kenda may have disliked the slop at Pocono last time and made a break here two back, but rallied strongly to just miss in Yonkers debut three back and showed sharp form in the Sunshine State prior. Dangerous if new trainer can figure her out. (5) Somekindamonster was exactly that last time, breaking maiden at Pocono with powerful stretch run. Filly lacks half-mile experience and will likely be plowed at the windows but may continue to move forward for 25 percent barn and looks like the one to hold off if she can negotiate the turns.

Race 6: (5) Aprilshowers moves inside after showing speed from eight-hole in last three starts, can take them down the road. (8) Nowerland Firebird trotted a :57.3 final half chasing runaway winner home for place; post only knock.

Race 7: (4) Naughty Marietta made a sharp brush to the top at Pocono, chased a :28.2 third panel and gave way grudgingly. Filly was chasing NY breds in stakes events prior and looks to have the most ability of any in here. (3) Hurrikane Schmumma has missed close to two months after scoring an impressive victory here back in May. Qualified back for barn that returns them ready and can give top one trouble.

Race 8: (3) Susie’s Delight is a gutsy filly that has grinded uncovered in a number of recent starts including her last one against NY breds in Excelsior Stakes over slow Goshen surface, pushing :29.1 third quarter and holding well to miss by less than three lengths. Filly also sports a nice second in tough NYSS event at Buffalo in mile that went in 1:56.2. Finds good spot and looks set to move forward. (8) Glowing Fashion had even pace in race she probably needed shipping down from Canada. Filly was nine-for-nine in the money as a freshman but has been slow to find that form in 2013. Knows her way around the half-miler, switches to “The White Knight” and looks to be the best shot at a price from eight-hole.

Race 9: (2) Aquavella was overmatched in Mistletoe Shalee at the Meadowlands last time and Lynch eliminations at Pocono two back but filly returns to reality and showed a most powerful kick in her first two starts as a sophomore. Gets Brennan and a spot that should set up her brush.

Good luck.