by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on Sept. 24, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012

Ended three week losing streak on Tuesday, not in a big way but at least putting some more money in the account. With the scratch of a horse on the original $24 investment, total cost came down to $16. Ticket was worth $58.50, keeping us in the black for $191.50. I now stand at 25 percent, hitting on five of my 20 Pick-4 Strategic Wagering tickets.

$1 play: 25/126/135/4 = $18

Analysis:

Race 7: (2) Willie Boots was a bit short in first try in close to eight weeks, chasing fast mile against tougher; did well to miss by just 3-1/4 lengths. The 4-year-old scored here in 1:52.3 back in May and figures to be tougher tonight facing weaker and reuniting with Jimmy “Pants” who was aboard in an easy qualifying win at Freehold two back. (5) Cigar Hall tired badly against Open company at Saratoga in last two following a no shot try from eight-hole here prior and an even mile from the rail back in August, both against better. Picks up Hall of Fame pilot in Yonkers return and note that nice closing place finish at this level back in July when he uncorked a :55.4 final half.

Race 8: This one is up for grabs to say the least. (1) Very Upset Richie shoots for fifth straight and I honestly don’t know if he can handle the steep hike up in class, but the amazing (32 percent) Coleman barn plunked down $25,000 last time and that’s good enough for me to include him on the ticket. (2) Roadside Delight showed improved speed off a month on the bench and with addition of lasix. The 4-year-old shows some solid lines against far tougher here back in mid-summer, finds good spot to track the top one and may be ready to fire in second start on lasix. (6) Bettor Design had steady rally from eight-hole last time in first try at this reduced level. Veteran was in Open company here back in June and certainly has a shot with these, especially with a fast early pace to set up his late kick.

Race 9: Much as I don’t like to, I have to go three-deep again here. (1) Recent News, a Philadelphia invader, was claimed off a giant win last time against lesser, gets Brennan and the rail and should be tough. The interesting horse in here is (3) Lost Jewels (12-1) on the morning line. This one took a lifetime mark at Scioto two back, then showed some speed from seven-hole against top Midwest pacer St Elmo Hero in Indiana Sire Stakes final for older pacers last time, fading late but not losing all that much ground in 1:50.4 mile (:54.1 final half). The 4-year-old moves into the always sharp Harmon barn, gets a good spot, Hall of Fame pilot and note the eye-opening move he made at Northfield’s half-miler back in July. Appears to be definite price factor here. (5) Dragon Ridge has put up some wicked speed numbers in recent Philadelphia tries, winning two and tiring in latest. Ships to Yonkers and moves into barn that does well with its new acquisitions.

Race 10: (4) Oscar Oscar has been 18 times first or second from 26 starts on the year, mostly against faster than these and has chased sub-1:50 miles in five of his last six. Draws “The Orange Crush” to town and looks hard to beat.

Good luck!