by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on July 16, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Monday, July 16, 2012

On Monday (July 16), Yonkers Raceway will offer a $20,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4.

$1 play: 235/34/12/16 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: Tough start to the Pick-4 as the camera shy field of eight has a combined 6 for 120 record in 2012. (3) Current Closer has three of those six wins and is making a return to the level of a nice uncovered score here on April 23 for Hall of Famer Jim Doherty. Former NY Sire Stakes champ some years back for “Sting” Ray Schnittker, (5) New Hampshire Boy has had eight-hole in last two against slightly tougher. Winner of close to $700,000 gets The Bionic Man in the bike and certainly has the class to take this. (2) West River Victory ships to Yonkers after chasing fast miles at the bigger tracks in Pennsylvania. Keys here could be second time lasix for strong barn and a position edge on his main rivals.

Race 8: Competitive field of sophomore fillies and I’m leaning to (3) Swash Hanover who chased a torrid pace from the pocket two back and wound up holding show in 1:54.3 mile. Filly certainly has improved since her Monticello lines (track I cover daily) and Bartlett will likely try to control it from this spot. (4) Sir Sync Z Tam unleashed a bold wide move to win going away, breaking maiden last time. Prior were some decent tries against tougher NY breds. Good spot to set up that brush once again at the same level as the win. The one that scares me most is (2) Hepburn Blue Chip from the powerful Linda Toscano barn. This one is just 1 for 16 lifetime but mostly against tougher NY breds and has hit the board in six of nine starts this year. She may be looking at a first over trip here.

Race 9: In a race that could set up a wicked pace to close off of, the choice is (2) Modern Day Clyde who was 9 for 17 a year ago but just 1 for 10 in 2012. A few things to like about this one are a :28.3 final quarter from six-hole last time after a sizzling :55.4 middle half, a :28.1 final panel two back, facing slightly weaker and finding a spot that could put him in stalking position behind the two speed balls in here. The “Bomber” may strike here. (1) Secluded Island seems to have found The Fountain of Youth as a 9-year-old, qualifying in one of the all-time fastest qualifiers in Monticello history two back, then wiring a field in a sparkling 1:53.2 mile at Saratoga, this after going 1 for his first 14 on the year. Should be interesting as to how far he can go on a hot Yonkers night and if he can hold on. (4) Jazz Band got a :55.2 half and 1:24.2 three-quarters from eight-hole last time before weakening. Pacer won more than $120,000 a year ago and should give top one a battle although likely to secure the pocket early.

Race 10: Extremely fast 10-year-old (1) Real Mystical paced a 1:53.2 mile last autumn at Monticello, a feat not easily accomplished, and has won 18 times in the past 19 months. Gets the rail in second start for new barn and will be tough to catch. (6) Goddess’s Justin was claimed back by Coleman barn off last, an indication this one has a few big miles sitting in the tank; add Brennan and this one has the look of a major player here.