by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 pool at Yonkers Raceway on Oct. 21, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Monday, Oct. 21, 2013

$.50 play: 126/146/34/24/45 = $36

Analysis:

Race 5: (2) Nowerland Firebird finished strongly in last; moves inside and looks like tough chalk. (1) The Pearl made two moves in 1- 1/16th mile event last time and tired. Draws the rail and can leave for the pocket. I’ll throw in (6) Believable for a price although he’s had trouble staying flat in recent. The 6-year-old put in some good miles at this level over the summer and now picks up Sears.

Race 6: (1) PL Fighter has caught a sloppy track in last two, takes key drop and gets the rail. (4) Mortal Zin hinted at a return to a semblance of form that won him more than $100,000 a year ago, flashing good pace while rallying for place in a wicked mile last time. (6) Avenue Hanover was parked to the top past quick quarter, carved out a lively pace but bottomed out chasing :28.1 third quarter past 1:25.2 three-quarters. Takes a needed drop and looks like a legitimate rival.

Race 7: (4) George Jettison debuts for powerful Casie Coleman barn off a series of good efforts on the tough Ontario Sire Stakes circuit and picks up Brennan. (3) Bruisen N Cruisen was used in hot pace at Pocono last time. Returns to Yonkers where he raced well at this level prior and switches to Sears.

Race 8: (2) Talktomecourage N moves back into DiDomenico barn that had him racing well against better over the summer and comes off a game uncovered try through :55.2 final half. (4) Electrofire left for the pocket, chased a fast pace and rallied gamely to score by a nose; capable of repeat.

Race 9: (4) Show Me Up was used getting to the top past a sparkling :26.4 quarter, carved out lively numbers but weakened late. The 6-year-old has been tough at this level and looks like the one to catch. (5) Bubbie Boy has had a series of tough posts in recent. The 5-year-old takes on slightly lesser from better spot and has a 1:52.1 mark here this year.

Good luck.