by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on August 11th, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Thursday, I invested $24.00 and had three winners and a place finishers. For the meet, I’m 1 for 15 and stand at -$246.30.

Yonkers RacewayPick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, August 11, 2016

$.50 play:13/138/156/45/35 = $36

Analysis

Race 7: (3) No Clouds Bluechip was used hardgetting the top, yielded for the pocket then rallied with :26.3 to get up onthe wire to win one of these in a time of 1:51.3 at Vernon. Two back paced a:55 final half rallying boldly from far back to land place over The Westchesteroval also in one of these. (1) Dime A Dance and (1A) Mother Of Art comprise aformidable Burke entry who have both raced well on the New York Sire Stakesthrough their two-year careers. Either can take it.

Race 8: (3) Pappy’s Pal has shown marked improvement since joiningBurke barn racing well in fast miles here and in Pennsylvania where he was asharp winner in latest. The 6-year-old took a mark of 1:53.2 here last year andfigures hard to beat from this spot. (8) Intrepid Hall draws outside but isracing in sharp form and must be considered. (1) Sportskeeper went an improvedmile when dropped to this level last time finishing third behind two sharppacers.

Race 9: (5) Narcian Jewel is hard to gauge incurrent form but takes a key drop and 13-time winner a year ago with earningsover $100G’s will likely improve at this level. (1) Kaitlyn Rae has been ultra-consistentat this level and will be a short price from the pole. (6) Eden Paige N nevergot involved from post eight last time but did pace a 1:24.1 final three-quartersmaking up a ton of ground in first try on lasix. Two back was a game uncoveredtry against tougher. Drops in fourth start on these shores and may have a shotat a price.

Race 10: (4) Real Flight and (5) Roethblissbergerhave both had big years winning 19 times combined and retain their sharpness atthis level, either should take it.

Race 11: (3) Fort Valley As is a smooth gaited 8-year-oldwho has sharpened since sick scratch in early July. Finds a good spot to usehis speed and may try to control it. (5) Trouble Rieu N rolled by this level atmile and a quarter distance last time making second U.S. Start and could wellbe better tonight.

Good Luck!