by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian

‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $25,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on Sept. 18, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012

$1 play: 34/14/457/13 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: (3) Sgt Grit sat the pocket off slow pace, charged home with :28.2 final quarter to score sharp win in Yonkers debut. Impeccably bred colt has four career wins and can continue to move forward in what could well be his last start in the N/W of 2 PM starts. (4) Mach Me Bad has been in tough, chasing Canadian-breds north of the border. Ships down to Yonkers and meets older foes but this one was entered in Sheppard Pace here back in July only to be scratched, gets Brennan and likely has more ability than he has shown to date.

Race 8: (1) Jokerman has looked improved in recent, including latest when he finished with :56.3 final half from tough spot at Batavia to miss by a head against NY breds in stakes event. Gets the rail and may show speed against weak field. (4) Savannah Splendor didn’t seem to like the “off” track last time but was moving nicely when he broke off the clubhouse turn, recovered and did well to miss by less than five lengths. Shows breaks over “good” track at Goshen back in June as well and looks like a dangerous selection with heavy rain in the forecast but this one has paced quicker miles than these over the smaller ovals in recent, finds a good spot and could be live at a price against field begging to be beat.

Race 9: (4) Mixed Media had good pace finishing in fast mile. (5) Dave Panlone ships back from Philadelphia where he’s been used hard chasing fast fractions in last two. Made breaks in last two tries at Yonkers but looks to have a big shot if he is over erratic tendencies. (7) The Midnight Owl N had little through fast mile upon shipping in from Philadelphia last time. Draws tough post but takes key drop and is capable of improvement.

Race 10: (1) Bushwood Z Tam was wiped out two back then broke early in latest, recovered and paced :56 final half in passing three horses and missing by a length and three-quarters. Returns off monster qualifier, gets the rail and should be ready to fire for “The Crocodile Man.” (3) Mccedes has had eight hole in last two after a strong finish in 1:54 mile three back. Drops, moves inside and should take ’em a long way.

Good luck.