by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on June 23rd, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last week, after missing the first leg, I tabbed the final four legs -$48.00. For the meet, I’m 1 for 9 and stand at -$110.30.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, June 23, 2016

$.50 play: 126/125/35/25/46 = $36

Analysis

Race 7: The favorites should decide the opening leg with two of the three coming off lifetime marks. (1) Shadios was a powerful 1:53.2 wire to wire winner at Harah’s last time, gets the rail and knows his way around the Yonkers oval. (2) Its A Good Thing is razor sharp having taken three of his last four here and figures to give the top one company near the front end. (6) So Bad Im Good returns from Pocono where he was a brush and crush winner in last. The five-year-old is the last horse to beat the former and looks like the best value with a likely quick pace to close off of.

Race 8: (1) Royal Knockout was a sick scratch last time following a game uncovered placing at The Meadowlands in 1:50.3 mile. Returns to Yonkers against tougher but gets the rail and should be well placed. (2) Kamwood Laughter N has had tough posts in first two starts off short layoff. The nine-year-old finished with :56.3 final half here last time and :56.2 final half at Pocono two back following a strong 1:54.2 qualifier here back in May. Is likely faster than form and looks to have a big shot moving inside. (5) Art Ideal had even pace through :55.3 final half in race she likely needed. Makes second start since March and her best puts her right in the thick of this.

Race 9: (5) Ohoka Texas N stout finisher paced a 1:23.3 final three quarters in latest but had too far to come. Gets a slightly better spot here and figures to be charging late. (3) Roethblissberger always gives his best and remarkably conistent veteran as usual is the one to catch.

Race 10: (5) Piece Of The Rock ships in sharp from Pocono and has enjoyed a solid first half of the year. Gets a slight edge over (2) Stonebridge Tonic who lacked a rally last time but who has raced extremely well at this level in recent months and deserves another shot.

Race 11: (6) Tober took a lifetime mark at Pocono two back then was first up against tougher through quick third panel before weakening. Returns to Yonkers at reduced level and the classy 8-year-old looks sharp enough to take it. (4) Swishnflick is another with plenty of back class who returns to Yonkers off an improved try at Pocono and who could be a handful from this spot.

Good Luck!