by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

In my last attempt at the Yonkers Pick-5 on October 6th, I invested $36 and had four short priced winners. I now stand at 1 for 24 for the meet and show a -$479.30 ledger.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, October 20, 2016

$.50 play: 147/124/27/4/15 = $18

Analysis

Race 7: (7) Kamwood Laughter N was claimed while in razor sharp form last time and has speed to overcome outside draw. (1) Luck Be A Lindy returns from Plainridge off a strong win from post eight. The 4-year-old mare was facing far tougher here this past summer and appears to have a big shot from the rail. (4) Dune In Red looks to offer some value here returning to the level of two strong speed tries prior to an even effort against better in latest. Not out of it but will need best.

Race 8: (2) Totally Dreamy was short off the bench chasing 1:49.4 mile at Pocono in first start since June. The 5-year-old has chased sub 1:50 miles in a number of 2016 starts and a number of different tracks. Should be tighter off last and finds a good spot. (1) Gypsy Leather rugged 6-year-old was claimed last time by barn that seems to always do well with its claims and has speed to be a major player from the rail. (4) Backup A is another that was claimed last time and who scored a game win at this level back in September pacing a snappy 1:52.2 mile.

Race 9: In a race loaded with early speed, (2) Idealbach Hanover drops another notch and figures to get ground saving trip from this spot. (7) Artist Night draws a tough spot but is razor sharp and has speed to leave for a trip.

Race 10: (4)Sports Bettor had 8-hole last time chasing 1:51.4 mile from impossible fourth over spot, finished in :28.1. Two back was a game uncovered try pacing a wicked 1:23.2 final three-quarters holding on to show. The 4-year-old continues to race in sharp form, gets a better post and will be my single at hopefully a decent price.

Race 11: (5)Rock Absorber took a lifetime mark last time in second try for new barn, defeating a field of sharp mares in the process. Steps up and is the choice to repeat. (1) Emperor Montana N had no shot chasing a sparkling 1:48.4 Pocono mile from post seven last time. Returns to the half-miler and should go big from the rail.

Good Luck!