by Catskill Steve Terjanian

Catskill Steve offers his picks for the guaranteed $10,000 Pick-5 pool at Yonkers Raceway on September 16, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-5, Races 5-9, Monday, September 16, 2013.

$.50 play: 2356/48/456/17/45 = $48

Analysis:

Race 5: (3) Flowing James was uncovered in first start off short layoff at mile & a sixteenth distance. Drops and figures to be tougher tonight. (2) Touchdown Franco moves inside with speed to take them a long way. (5) Bank President hasn’t raced since March at The Meadowlands. Qualified in fast mile at Pocono and starts at a greatly reduced level for barn that returns them ready. (6) The Pearl also takes a key drop out of some fast miles and has speed to leave for a trip. Not out of it.

Race 6: (4) Diligent Prospect doesn’t have much small track experience and has just 1 career victory but that was on the tough Kentucky Sire Stakes trail where he went in 1:52.2. Looks to be best in this leg. (8) Fiyonce Jersey bred has also been sampling stakes company in her brief career. Draws 8-hole and gets Brennan for the always sharp Burke barn and cannot be ruled out with any kind of trip.

Race 7: (4) Power Of A Moment had 8-hole in blistering mile last time after chasing :56.1 final half overland two back and a game uncovered effort through :56.4 final half three back all against tougher. Gets a needed class break here and could perk up. (6) Bondy N is hard to gauge in current form but also takes a key drop and should show improvement. (5) Corky Baran was a good second against weaker in Yonkers return two back then had an impossible 9-hole trip in mile that went in 1:50.3 at The Pocono Speedway. Veteran has tons of back class and wouldn’t be a surprise if he popped here.

Race 8: (7) Mississippi Hippy has raced consistently well at this level in recent and now rejoins barn and pilot who won with him back in early August. (1) Oriental Carpet just failed from the pocket two back then had good pace finishing from tough spot in latest. Major player from the rail.

Race 9: (4) Wellthereyougo and (5) Electrofire are both in razor sharp form and although the latter comes off a lame scratch, he qualified back in strong fashion and will likely be set for big mile. Either can take it.