by Bob Pandolfo

Pandy’s Picks by Bob Pandolfo,

Yonkers Raceway, Monday, April 18, 2011

$15,000 Guaranteed Pick-4

Races 7-10

The play:

135/124/34/138 = $54.00

I hit the Pick 4 at Balmoral last night. A $30 investment returned $243.40. Last week I hit a $456 Pick 4 at Balmoral so that has been my best track. Friday night at Northfield I didn’t hit the Pick 4, missed one race, but my picks were good and I had some good prices. So far I’m doing much better in the cheaper races than at Yonkers, where they have fast horses. Tonight I’m using three horses in three legs and two in the other, no singles. If I were going to single a horse I’d probably use Fox Valey Tyrese in the 9th as a single.

A competitive guaranteed Pick 4 at Yonkers tonight.

7th Race: CUTTY SHARK moves in for a tag here, and although it’s a lateral move on purse, I think this field may be softer than what he faced last start. JAZZ BAND steps up off a game win from post 8 and you can’t leave 32% trainer Lou Pena out. ERAGON beat weaker in his first start off the Josh Green claim and fits well here.

8th Race: DOLLARS BROMAC N missed by a head against tougher two back then rallied in a fast race. SYNSUM MAGIC was 2nd to a strong winner at this level in last. KDK BELLAGIO has a shot at a price as he gets a better post and picks up the leading driver; he shows a recent win at this level. If I wanted a budget ticket I’d stick with the 1-2 here.

9th Race: FOX VALLEY TYRESE raced well for $75,000 then plunged to this level in last and was claimed for $40,000. he did falter in that race but this is his first start for the Pena barn. I’m sure some players will single this one. ULTIMATE DESIRE has been racing well since claimed by sharp horsewoman Jody Riedel; solid contender.

10th Race: LOMBO POWERSHOT A is a classy 10 year old dropping for recently hot Larry Stalbaum. He is a threat from on or off the pace. MY TERRY FRA is the sharp Pena/Brennan horse and should be tough to beat off the drop; another one that some will use a single here. JO PA’S ARTIST won the last two times he had the rail, including one at this level.

Here is how I rank the contenders.

7th Race: 3-5-1

8th Race: 1-2-4

9th Race: 4-3-6

10th Race: 8-3-1-5