by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013

$.50 play: 578/35/24/15/136 = $36

Analysis:

Race 5: I’ll try to start tonight’s Pick-5 with a price. (8) Corleone Hall has lost 21 straight to begin his career but has shown promising signs in recent, including a steady rally through fast mile from similar spot two back and then an even finish off a slow pace at the extra distance in latest. (7) Striker Ace went down the road to break maiden, shipping down from Canada. Draws outside but this field isn’t much tougher and has a chance to repeat. (5) Winwood Scout is a Michigan bred that put in some decent efforts against stakes company in the Midwest and has hit the board in 22 of 27 career starts. Qualified well at Pocono and now ships to Yonkers for barn that does well with new acquisitions.

Race 6: I liked (5) Shake It Up High in first try on lasix last time and filly was never asked, finishing with :56.2 final half while riding the rail. Switches to “The Minister of Speed” tonight and that 1:55.4 wire-to-wire win against lesser here back in September may be where she’s heading tonight. (3) Swash Hanover is a lightly raced mare that has had tough trips at Harrah’s in last two following an even try in the slop here three back. Finds a nice spot and looks capable of taking it with any kind of improvement.

Race 7: (4) Macjestic Toddy N had little from tough spot when last seen at Yonkers. Returns off three game placings at Harrah’s from posts seven and eight and is likely much improved. (2) Fancy Desire is a 2-year-old that has shown speed and ability in just eight career starts. Ships in off lifetime best at Harrah’s and could carry her speed a long way over the half-miler from this spot despite taking on older.

Race 8: (1) Delco Rocknroll has been nearly unbeatable at this level and now gets the rail. (5) George Jettison rallied boldly to just miss to top one last time after outgaming him two back. Continues rivalry tonight and should give top one a battle once again.

Race 9: (3) Report For Duty N went down the road setting quick pace, got nailed late by strong winner who sat the pocket trip. (1) Wellthereyougo returns to Yonkers at reduced level and gets the rail off a monster two-move try from eight hole at Saratoga; capable of taking this. I’ll throw in (6) Fox Valley Yukon as well. This one hasn’t done much since shipping east but was facing stakes company on the tough Midwest circuit for a good part of the summer and is a wakeup possibility for “The Bomber.”

Good luck.