by Bill Eichenberger

Bill Eichenberger offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on May 21, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Monday, May 21, 2012

On Monday (May 21), Yonkers Raceway will offer a $20,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4.

$1 play: 3/1236/34/123 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: The fourth division of the $339,040 Hugh Grant Pace is (3) Escape The News’ to win or lose. The 3-year-old by Artiscape out of Ideal News is a 7-5 morning line favorite, having won four of 11 starts in 2011 including a stretch of five races paced between 1:50.3 and 1:51.3. Has only gone 1:54 in two starts this season. (6) Dynamic Youth has two recent wins at Pocono and a disappointing third in a New York Sire Stakes pace on May 12. Should be ready if Escape The News still has any rust. (2) Sing for Me George is also capable in this group.

Race 8: (1) To Tell The Truth has two breaks in her last four starts and still is the morning line favorite at 8-5. Paced a 1:53.4 at the Big M in April, an effort that would paste this field. (6) I Got Skills does, and should be able to use them if To Tell The Truth goes offstride. A very reliable pacer if not at all flashy. Given To Tell The Truth’s recent penchant for breaking, this might be a race to play a little deeper in the hopes of getting a price.

Race 9: (6) Apeachtoremember has early speed to burn but has tired in three straight to give up the lead coming home. (3) I’m A Sakra is the morning line favorite at 3-1 but by no means is a lock here. The 9-year-old gelding has yet to win in 2012 or even come close, really. In his best finish, a show, he was 12 lengths behind the winner. (4) Konchie has been in better form the past month than I’m A Sakra. Should get a slightly better price and be there at the finish.

Race 10: (1) China King has been solid though less than sensational in 2012 (14-1-2-2) but his season and lifetime best 1:53 on April 17 pegs him the 8-5 morning line favorite in this field. (3) Life Up Front roared to the lead in his last and went gate-to-wire for a win in 1:53.4 with a speed rating of 91. (2) Taylorlane Cruiser was a sick scratch last week and so something of a wild card, but his recent times and speed ratings (1:53.2 and 90) prove he belongs.