by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on May 26, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Thursday, I tabbed a very predictable Pick-5 with all odds on favorites scoring easy wins. After two scratches in Leg two my $18 investment cashed three times on the 50 cent bet and brought in $68.70. After seven weeks, I’m 1 for 7 and showing a loss of $50.30.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, May 26, 2016

$.50 play: 234/28/15/48/1 = $12

Analysis

Race 7: Two pacers coming off lifetime best miles look set to battle it out. (2) Carlota Blue Chip off a game two move score in 1:52.2 mile at Pocono last time following a game uncovered placing here against slightly weaker two back and (4) Royal Knockout who scored a 1:51.2 mile at The Meadowlands with a perfect steer by Dave Miller in her latest following some competitive tries at Yonkers prior. I will also throw in (3) Baby Remind Me who paced a :56.1 middle half before weakening from tough spot in first try for top barn. Faces weaker, moves inside and has speed to be a major player.

Race 8: (8) Envious Hanover was a sick scratch last week as one of my picks and now draws eight hole after missing three weeks. Mare has been in tough in all recent starts and this winner of over $102,000 last year is more than capable of improvement at this level. (2) Northern Beauty returns to Yonkers following an even try at Harrington from post seven last time and a no shot try chasing a 1:53.3 Harrah’s mile two back. Mare is winless on the year but raced competitively in the tough Petticoat Series back in March and should fit with these from good spot tonight.

Race 9: (5) Magic Manny weakened late but did well to hold show after chasing a wicked pace from the pocket. His tactical speed should work out better for him with more favorable early fractions. (1) Jd’s Caleb Man wired tougher from similar spot three back and has tailed off since. Takes a suspicious drops but gets the rail and must be included.

Race 10: I actually gave (4) Pasadena Star a shot at beating the hottest trotter on the grounds last week off two strong wins from 8-hole here against weaker prior (something not often done by a trotter from post 8). He trotted evenly to the wire trying to close into stepped up final half and never threatened. I’ll give him another shot with Brennan getting back in the bike and no real sharpies this time. (8) Bourbon Bay returns from The Meadowlands where he endured some tough trips recently. The 5-year-old has some back class and lone win was at Yonkers this past winter against tougher. A major player if Dube can clear early.

Race 11: In a tough finale, I am going to single (1) Tipitina who returns to more competitive level, gets the pole and is driver’s choice over two others in here.

Good Luck!