by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian
‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on July 17, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.
Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Tuesday, July 17, 2012
On Tuesday (July 17), Yonkers Raceway will offer a $25,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4.
$1 play: 136/347/4/57 = $18
Analysis:
Race 7: Three horses caught my eye when handicapping the start of tonight’s Pick-4. (1) Sectionlinecruiser endured a long uncovered trip last time, pacing a :56.2 final half and didn’t tire badly. Pacer gets the rail after three straight tries from five hole and will likely be at or near the front end where he seems to race best. (3) Honeys Dragon isn’t exactly a win machine but finished with even pace, chasing a :55.3 final half while trying to close off a slow pace. Takes a meaningful drop to a level he seems more consistent at and may offer some value. (6) Artic Stretch had some late pace rallying from impossible spot in local return. This one put in a nice try at the Meadowlands three back, leaving for position from seven hole and finishing evenly for show in a sparkling 1:50 mile; not bad for $15G claimers. Gets Brennan and looks to have a big shot on or from off the pace.
Race 8: (4) Mosee Terror was claimed out of last after getting brutally parked past a :55.4 half and 1:24 three-quarters, somehow missed by less than four lengths in monster effort. Two back showed closing ability by charging home with a :56.1 final half to gain place. Looks well placed to either leave or rally and seems set to end 2012 drought for new barn. (3) Magnus Deo continues to race in sharp form but has had trouble winning at this level. Finds another good spot, gets Brennan back and tonight could be the night he handles this level. (7) Lucky Land put in a solid first over try in 1:53.2 returning to the small track. Draws seven hole for strong barn but wouldn’t be surprised to see “Cat Man” blasting with pacer who took lifetime best 1:51.3 score at the Meadowlands three back. Could be “live” at a price. (5) Mattador D hasn’t done much against slightly lesser at Saratoga but this one put in some huge efforts at the Meadowlands earlier in the year and is certainly capable of a big mile with Stratton handling the lines.
Race 9: (4) Good Bet might not be a short price and maybe not to single in the Pick-4 but this one unleashed a :28.1 third quarter brush before being interfered with on the final turn in local debut. Don’t know if he would have won but he did gather momentum in mid-stretch and was closing. He certainly seems the fastest of these in recent and I’ll take a chance.
Race 10: Hopefully we’re alive in the final leg and either (5) Hi Ho Steverino or (7) Arctic Escape should take it. Both are speedy types who will likely be following each other around the track and between the two of them, they have had their pictures snapped 27 times in the past year and a half. Add Brennan and Sears and it looks pretty safe. (2) Tiger Williams is razor sharp and could be in good stalking position from this spot.