by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on Oct. 27, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last week, I invested $18 and had three winners and two place finishers. Included in the picks were three exactas ($32.00, $29.20 and $12.40) along with a $59.50 trifecta. I now stand at 1 for 25 for the meet and show a -$497.30 ledger.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016

50-cent play: 124/45/58/57/245 = $36

Analysis:

Race 7: (1) Macho Chick takes a key drop and gets first decent post since defeating tougher here back in early September. Seems likely to improve from this spot. (2) Kamwood Laughter N is a razor sharp mare that had two-race win streak snapped but not before making two moves from post seven and holding gamely for show in 1:54.2. Finds a better spot to use her speed and has paced some very fast miles in recent weeks. (4) Truth And Liberty returns from Saratoga where she was a strong closing place finisher in Open company, missing by a nose to amazing mare that has won 18 times in 2016 and one she beat earlier this month.

Race 8: (5) Bettor Reason N drops to more competitive level off a tough uncovered try through :55.4 final half. Likely to get a quick pace to close off of and gets the nod. (4) Shadios is a fast but sometimes inconsistent mare who broke on a clear lead two back, then just failed to hold on at 14-1 in latest after carving out a lively clip.

Race 9: (5) We Think Alike finished with :54.4 final half in latest following two good prior seconds. Finds a nice spot to set up his late kick and may be set to handle this level. (8) Chocolate Crackers was in tough last time after taking a lifetime mark in powerful wire-to-wire score against some of these two back. Appears a dangerous foe with post being only drawback.

Race 10: (5) Union Man Hanover drops to best level and figures to be tough on or from off the pace. (7) Idealbeach Hanover has chased torrid fractions in last two, weakening last time after going first up past a 1:23.4 three quarters. Draws outside in second try at reduced level and looks dangerous with better trip.

Race 11: Hopefully, I’ll be alive going into final leg and I’ll use (2) Rock Absorber, (4) Sports Bettor and (5) Fashion Delight to complete the ticket with the 2 and 5 figuring to battle it out on the front and the 4 appearing to be rounding into top form again, capable of picking up the pieces late.

Good luck!