by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on July 30, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Monday, July 30, 2012

On Monday (July 30), Yonkers Raceway will offer a $20,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4.

$1 play: 6/57/125/346 = $18

Analysis:

Race 7: I’m starting tonight’s Pick-4 with a single in (6) Lady’s Art who has paced personally faster in each of her three Yonkers starts, the latest a 1:54.2 effort against far tougher stakes fillies and two back in 1:55.2, closing strongly off a modest opening half in one of these. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Manzi leave in field that lacks early speed.

Race 8: (5) Art For Arts Sake returns off some solid tries from tough posts at the Meadowlands, chasing 1:49.2, 1:51.2 and 1:51.1 miles from posts eight, eight and 10. Paced in 1:51.4 against tougher here in last visit on May 12 and seems to have a class edge here. (7) E Street Plan returns from Tioga off a brutal trip from nine hole, three-wide past a :26.2 opening quarter to the top then carving out the pace past a 1:22.2 three-quarters; did well to gamely hold place in Tompkins-Geers Stakes against fast sophomores. Returns to Yonkers in career best form for “The Rifleman” and is the obvious one to catch.

Race 9: Third leg is wide open and I’m spreading it out. (1) Western Cole had even pace in local debut after wiring his fields at Maywood in 1:53.4 and 1:53.3 prior (although on evenings that posted 93 and 77 degree temperatures). As I stated last week, I follow the Chicago circuit regularly and thought this one had some ability. Low percentage barn doesn’t exude enthusiasm but Brennan sticking from the rail does. (2) Kid Courageous A has obviously had some issues, having raced only four times since 2010 and twice over the past 16 months but this one has paced 1:54.4 miles in both recent starts, the latest uncovered through :55.3 final half before weakening. Finds a good spot and could be set for barn that returns them ready. (5) Dear Mac is hard to gauge in current form but takes on lesser in first try for new barn; won close to $115,000 a year ago and may perk up.

Race 10: Tough wrap up to tonight’s gimmick and I’ll spread it out to three horses that make either first or second starts for new barns. (3) Hi Ho Steverino was claimed while in raging form by Casie Coleman who always does well with new acquisitions. Faces tougher but is a major player. (4) NY Ice makes first start for the high percentage Buter connections after showing speed against Open company at Saratoga. Some back class here. (6) Salevster Stallion makes second start for 23 percent barn and second in a 30-day span. Paced a game uncovered final half and held his ground late through :56.3 final half on July 16 and looks to have a longshot chance off what could be a live cover trip here.

Good luck!