by “Catskill” Steve Terjanian

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

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Tuesday, September 10, 2013.

$.50 play: 147/24/568/234/56 = $54

Analysis:

Race 5: (1) Art’s On Fire was victim of a peculiar drive by Bartlett last time following live cover second-over then, for whatever reason, trying to duck in to the pylons sawing off horse sitting fourth and forcing Art to lose his momentum and subsequently get dq’ed to fourth. Two back had good pace finishing from 8-hole. Gets the rail and a switch to Brennan. (4) Sparky takes a key drop after going first up through :56.2 final half and has some back class. (7) Mcardle Park is sharp and has speed from the outside. Dangerous if not used hard early.

Race 6: (4) Charger Blue Chip left for position from 8-hole, made second move first-over pushing a :27.1 third quarter and came up understandably empty in first try in over a month. Gets improved position tonight and should be tough to catch. (2) Big Art had no shot from 7-hole last time, still paced a :55.3 final half. Two back left for the pocket from 7-hole and charged home to score against weaker. Gets first decent post in a while making second start at advanced level and figures to be a major player.

Race 7: (6) Phenomenon returns to Yonkers following some competitive miles on The Kentucky Sire Stakes trail. Colt raced well here at this level prior and may have improved in The Bluegrass State. (5) Conors Concord comes off some huge miles at Pocono and is likely to give top one some problems. (8) Summer Smackdown draws 8-hole but is 2 for 2 since joining powerful Burke barn and Philadelphia invader could make presence felt if pace if fast.

Race 8: (3) Blade Seelster & (4) Boxcar finished first and second against each other at this level last time, the latter in first start shipping in from Ohio. Both should be tough again. (2) Holy Chip hasn’t done much against tougher in recent but takes a key drop, finds a good spot and is capable of waking up and taking all on best.

Race 9: (5) Upfront Ticket Pocono invader has had tough uncovered trips in both starts since joining 25% barn. Switches to the smaller oval and is likely to show speed. (6) Nathan Feelsgood has missed six months since facing faster here. Was overpowering in 1:54 Northfield qualifier and could be dangerous for barn that returns them ready.