by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 pool at Yonkers Raceway on Nov. 19, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013

$.50 play: 3456/24/123/48/7 = $24

Analysis:

Race 5: (4) Scratch Off has missed three months but took the hobbles off and showed speed in Harrah’s Philadelphia qualifier prepping for return and won here last year. Upset call. (3) Believable has had a series of tough posts in recent, moves inside and is a wake-up threat. (6) Ivana Hanover was a game uncovered winner in first try in new barn. Remains at same level and figures to be a major player. (5) Credit Limit has been racing conistently well at this level in recent and won back in August. Gets Brennan back and will likely be put in position early.

Race 6: (4) K Lees Shakenbake is a Harrah’s Philadelphia shipper that had little here two back, then exploded past three-quarters and blew out non-winners of one group with sparkling 1:51.1 mile in second start for Cassar barn. Sophomore is bred for speed on both sides and has already won seven races in his career with 13 out of 14 in the money finishes, mainly on the Iowa Fair Circuit. (2) Major Merlo has been racing in sharp form without winning; camera-shy 3-year-old finds another good spot and figures to be in the pocket behind top one.

Race 7: (1) Danish Diligence is a Harrah’s Philadelphia invader that had tough spot in last following two sharp come from behind efforts; gets the rail and should be able to work out a trip. (3) Cowboy Terrier moves into 22 percent barn and has shown some ability in the past; big chance with Brennan at the controls. (2) Dancing In Terror couldn’t hold off much the best winner after sitting the pocket last time. No such foes tonight and a likely similar trip.

Race 8: (4) Twin B Famous is a recent $33,000 purchase at Harrisburg Sale. This is a Canadian bred who has been facing tougher north of the border. Ships to Yonkers, finds good spot and should go well at this level. (8) Muscle Beachboy had wide trip from tough spot, finished in :28.3. Gets an even tougher slot tonight but reunites with Brennan who went down the road to beat this type two back and may try leaving again.

Race 9: To keep costs down I’ll single (7) Fanelli Royal who has retained sharpness since joining powerful Allard stable and has speed to get the top quickly in field lacking much early zip.

Good luck!