by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the $10,000 Pick-5 at Yonkers Raceway on Sept. 1, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Last Thursday, I made an $18 investment and wasn’t close. I now stand 1 for 18 for the meet and show a -$324.30 ledger.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 7-11, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016

50-cent play: 24/27/36/35/25 = $16

Analysis:

Race 7: (2) Devious Man seems to be getting better as the year goes on and colt has taken three of five on the NYSS trail including his last two in strong fashion. (4) Zack’s Zoomer has had problems over smaller ovals but flashed strong late trot to just miss in one of these at Tioga last time, racing with trotting hobbles for the first time and may give top one a battle for one of the top barns in the sport.

Race 8: (7) Frost Damage Blues and (2) Motu Moonbeam N are both in raging form with the former pacing in 1:49.4 at The Meadowlands last time.

Race 9: (6) Artist Night set a quick clip and just failed to hold on in first start for new barn. The 6-year-old faces tougher off that effort which may be a good sign considering he won a qualifier in 1:52 before that effort, faster than these have gone in a while, and may be a bit reserved from this spot in race that should produce a quick pace. (3) Sportskeeper has been pacing some fast miles while retaining sharp form in recent, goes out first time for new barn off claim and figures to be well placed.

Race 10: (5) Stonebridge Tonic has raced well despite tough trips against faster in all recent starts, drops and can roll by late. (3) Real Flight had pace on both ends of quick mile last time, 11-time seasonal winner draws a nice spot to showcase his speed and is a threat to control it.

Race 11: (2) Swishnflick is a classy mare that just failed to hold on at Tioga last time after chasing the top older trotter in the sport, Hannelore Hanover, at The Meadowlands and Tioga prior. Mare appears better over smaller oval and finds a good spot. (5) Auspicious Hanover wired lesser from eight-hole at Harrah’s Philadelphia in latest after some competitive tries here at this level prior. Should give top one a battle.

Good luck!