by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on Aug. 20, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013

$.50 play: 257/25/5/134/1234 = $36

Analysis:

Race 5: (2) Rocketpedia had strong trot rallying for place over sloppy track in local debut. (5) Explosive Fashion finished five lengths behind top one in even try first time around smaller oval. Figures to be tighter this time. (7) Swiss Lightning is a speedy 4-year-old that tries the half-miler and may carry his speed a long way with clean trip.

Race 6: (2) Sand Hickory never got involved from eight hole at 75-1 in Yonkers debut. The 3-year-old took a lifetime mark at The Meadows two back and shows a 1:56.1 win over Northfield half-miler back in May, the last time he raced around four turns before that no shot try last time. (5) Pan Of Outsiders debuts for new barn off two powerful qualifiers in The Catskills. Colt doesn’t look like much but lone win was in 1:53.4 at Philadelphia and those qualifiers are encouraging.

Race 7: (5) Rocks N Bonds has been chasing tougher at the Meadowlands including NJ breds in New Jersey Classic elimination last time. Well bred sophomore won in 1:56 (which included a :56 final half) when last seen at Yonkers and followed that mile up with a place finish at the Meadowlands in sparkling 1:50.1 mile, a time these wouldn’t come close to.

Race 8: (1) Comicbook Hero gets the rail off much improved try and can show speed. (3) Highland Terrific had displayed a nice brush over the big tracks, picks up “The Catman” and is dangerous if anywhere near the top turning for home. (4) Meetbehindthebarn was overmatched in Pennsylvania Sire Stake last time after holding on gamely to wire similar field in fast mile here two back.

Race 9: (4) Rocky Mountain Guy scored for us at a most generous $30.80 mutuel last time, changing tactics and rallying for the win in local debut. Youngster seems to have plenty of upside and may even be better on the front end. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him go off at a square price facing tougher tonight. (3) Ideal Carver paced some fast miles here in early summer and looks like the one to beat. (1) To Beach His Own and (2) He Rocks The Moon are both dangerous when they bring their ‘A’ game and both figure to be well spotted here.

Good luck.