by Matt Rose

Matt Rose offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick 4 at Yonkers Raceway on April 18, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick 4, Races 7-10, Monday, April 18, 2011

The play: 1-5/1-2-4/1-3-4/3-4-8 = $54

Race 7: (1) Eragon was able to drop to the basement in his first start off the Josh Green claim, and he predictably jogged. I guess it’s kind of odd that he’s right back in for a tag tonight, but from this spot if Pantaleano can secure a stalking pocket trip he can roll by late. (5) Jazz Band is unproven against $30,000 claimers, but Brennan driving a Pena trainee is almost impossible to ignore and they can be guaranteed to be firing for the front.

Race 8: (2) Wynsum Magic hiked up to this level last week and ran into a killer, but he continued well for second. The gelding has been superb in all recent efforts and is a must-use from this spot. (4) KDK Bellagio finished willingly from a tough spot in his return to the Paul Blumenfeld barn, who had plenty of success with the veteran earlier this year. Sears hops off to drive the Burke trainee, but I think Brennan is a worthy replacement. (1) Dollars Bromac N tried new tactics last week and he rallied well from off the pace. From this spot, Stalbaum may be looking to control the action.

Race 9: (4) Fox Valley Tyrese plunged in class last week, didn’t take much money and was totally flat from the pocket. Tonight he enters the Lou Pena barn via claim and he’s certainly eligible to improve. (1) Dallenbach Hanover is a speedster who’s been stuck with outside posts. From this spot he looks tough to ignore. (3) Ultimate Desire blew up the toteboard two back, then hiked to this level and carved out a quick pace only to fizzle out late. Perhaps a return to off-the-pace tactics will help his cause tonight.

Race 10: (8) Lombo Powershot A finally drew well last week, raced aggressively but succumbed to pressure. He’s back outside again tonight but he’s in a softer class and we all know that Stalbaum is capable of blasting from the gate. (3) Mr Terry Fra is back at the level where he won his last two. He’s the logical and deserving favorite. (4) Lislea Miles offered no resistance on the front end in his first start for Burke. He’s back at the level of the claim and from this spot he may be able to work out a live cover trip.