by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on Oct. 16, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012

$1 play: 127/15/45/12 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (1) All Tricked Out, the likely favorite from the rail, has been a hot item at the claim box, having been claimed on four occasions since mid-summer. Has the most speed of any in here and will likely not be pressured heavily on the engine. (2) Magnus Deo paced a solid uncovered :56.2 final half to beat weaker in latest. Steps up and finds a good spot to stalk and, with sub-:57 final halves in all three starts since moving into new barn, figures to be a factor late. (7) Pointed Victory put in a decent effort from similar spot last time. Has shown speed in all recent starts, three of them from spots similar to tonight’s, and should be gunning for a trip.

Race 8: A real toss-up in second leg. I’ll try (5) Action Brad who took a ton of money in Yonkers debut following four months on the bench, left for a tuck and paced evenly through a 1:55.3 mile. Well bred sophomore missed his entire 2-year-old campaign but started his career with two fast scores at Saratoga back in late spring before facing New York breds in stakes events up to his last start back in June. Obviously is highly thought of by his connections and will get involved tonight. (1) Perfect Terror broke maiden at Pocono in 14th career start and second for barn that improves them. The rail and Brennan make this one a key player.

Race 9: I’m going for a price in Leg 3. (4) Raymond J had troubled trip last time when bothered while on the rim through :28.4 third quarter; had eight-hole at Monticello in Excelsior Stakes final and never got involved two back. Prior efforts were all good tries over all sized tracks, showing speed in almost all of them against better than these. Finds a good spot and can out leave the horses inside of him. (5) Art Of Temptation lacked a rally last time, showing even pace throughout a quick mile. Gelding has had a decent year on the NYSS trail and is capable of upsetting these on best.

Race 10: I’ll stick with the inside speed in the final leg. (1) Windsong Fortune beat lesser with a sparkling 1:52.4 score last time and (2) Manchine will likely track the top one from the pocket and should be a handful down the lane.

Good luck.