by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on Aug. 13, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013

$.50 play: 1567/36/136/34/2 = $24

Analysis:

Race 5: (1) Major Merlo held place gamely after pacing :56.2 middle half on long uncovered grind. (5) Claremont Hanover broke maiden with strong brush and crush score after chasing fast miles prior. Can continue to move forward. (6) If It Rains is 0 for 18 career wise but ships down off some solid tries in Canada, moves into strong barn and adds lasix. (7) Big Art was dead last turning for home, uncorked a bold stretch rally to nail show after breaking two back. Draws outside but has shown some speed in the past and may be gunned.

Race 6: (3) Fox Valley Wyatt has shown improvement in recent over five-eighths tracks. Ships to Yonkers for powerful barn and gets major post relief. (6) I Dreamed A Dream finished alertly from tough spot in first start since April. Youngster showed speed in two useful Meadowlands qualifiers prior and may be heading towards the front here in second Yonkers try.

Race 7: (1) Clint Westwood returns to the level off strong wire-to-wire score two back and gets the rail. (3) Cowboy Terror had tough spot in last after reeling off three straight including one at this level two back. Finds a better spot and can leave for position. (6) Rocky Mountain Guy is dangerous shipping to Yonkers off strong qualifier at the Meadowlands. Well bred sophomore won in basically wire-to-wire fashion at the Meadowlands on June 15 in mile that went in 1:51.2. Plenty to like about this one and certainly a major player if he handles the tight turns.

Race 8: (3) Or drops another notch and has been recording some fast final quarters against tougher. (4) Eagle Jolt was chasing better when last seen at Yonkers and now returns after pushing a :27.3 third quarter uncovered at Pocono in last and a monster place finish two back which saw him leave for the top in :26.4, make second move first up past a 1:22.4 three-quarters and gamely hold place in 1:52 mile.

Race 9: Down to the final leg of tonight’s Pick-5 and to cut costs I’ll single (2) Visa Viper and you all know how my singles have done over the past weeks. This one seems to have the most ability having won in 1:54.2 here last year but has developed a breaking habit with four miscues in his last seven starts including two at Yonkers, the first in the Rooney elims. Gets an inside post and “The Minister Of Speed” at the controls and seems worth a shot to wrap it up.

Good luck.