by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on July 24, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Tuesday, July 24, 2012

On Tuesday (July 24), Yonkers Raceway will offer a $25,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4.

$1 play: 236/13/18/34 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: Plenty of speed to start tonight’s Pick-4. (6) Cheyenne Moishe broke his maiden with a sharp wire-to-wire score in a 1:55.3 mile two back. Draws the worst of the trio of what I think will be out front but may opt for the pocket and the colt has certainly shown improvement as well as pacing faster than any in here over the half-miler. (3) Camp Counselor lacked a rally in just his fourth start of the year and first at Yonkers against what appears a slightly better group. Prior was a good two-move try from the eight hole at Saratoga in fast mile. May be rounding into form and will likely offer some value. (2) Clem has looked much improved, winning last two after appearing overmatched against state breds in stakes company prior. That :27.4 final panel at Goshen two back is an eye catcher to be sure and a position edge on his main rivals could make him a factor.

Race 8: (3) Twincreeks Jack has never been off the board in six career starts and has finished powerfully in both Yonkers starts, his only two around four turns. Two back he paced a :57 middle half, recovering from an early miscue and still finished in :28.3. Last time he exploded home with a :56.4 final half despite being impeded turning for home. Add these efforts to a wire-to-wire 1:54.3 score from the eight hole over Philadelphia’s five-eighths oval three back in just his fourth career start and this one seems the logical one that can beat the likely favorite in here if he can mind his manners. (1) Gable Blue Chip disappointed last time at 2-5, lacking any type of rally. Gelding has been chasing NYSS sophomores most of the year and was second here in 1:52 mile on May 21 and second in 1:52.3 mile at Monticello on June 6, both against stakes company. Adds lasix and gets the rail.

Race 9: Two claimed horses out of their last races get my attention here. (1) Mixed Media finished alertly against faster two back then somehow wound up third over from the two hole last time, finishing evenly in 1:53.2 mile. Moves out of barn that’s 0 for 17 into barn that’s winning at 29 percent, gets the rail and picks up “The White Knight.” (8) Lislea Miles on the other hand goes from a 23 percent barn to a slumping barn. Draws the eight hole but things to like are his back class (close to $500,000 on his resume), a 1:52.3 win earlier in the year at Yonkers (a career best) and “The Bomber” getting into the bike who’s been adept at popping with longshots.

Race 10: (3) Andy Baran and (4) Steuben N have a combined 0 for 33 slate in 2012 but both have raced gamely in most recent tries at this level and both seem close to a win. Add the fact that this field is looking to get beat and hopefully we will be alive heading into this final leg.

Good luck.