by Matt Rose

Matt Rose offers his picks for the $15,000 Pick 4 at Yonkers Raceway on April 25, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

Yonkers Raceway Pick 4, Races 7-10, Monday, April 25, 2011

The play: 2/148/1347/1348 = $48

Analysis:

Race 7: (2) Wayne The Lefty bobbled at the start and trailed, picked up live cover, loomed large into the stretch but was outbattled by a classy rival in a solid try last week. He draws much better tonight and arguably faces softer. I’m going to take a shot and key him here as the chalk, so I can go deeper in the later races.

Race 8: (4) Wynsum Magic was forced to settle in a three hole last out, then came uncovered and battled with a stubborn pacesetter before being outfinished by the trip-sitters. The gelding still appears sharp and seems very logical from this spot. (1) Lolas Cruiser makes his third local start for Burke, and last week’s effort was much-improved. Gingras should work out a live trip from the rail. (8) Jazz Band is stuck in post eight with some speedsters inside of him, but he proved two back that he’s capable from off the pace, and the driver/trainer tandem is impossible to ignore.

Race 9: (3) Full Circle Spirit is back down in class tonight after showing some sneaky late pace versus better last out. Bartlett should be handling the gelding aggressively from the gate. (7) Iwannabesedated has looked positively super in his last two races, both wire-to-wire efforts. The veteran bumps up another notch tonight and the game plan should be the same. (1) Mayflowermoonshine split rivals last out and snapped second at a big price. Jody Riedel trainee is a proven commodity with these. (4) Allamerican Major has been empty in all recent outings, but there’s a barn change tonight to take note of.

Race 10: (1) Terrys Star Dragon has jogged in two straight since the Lou Pena claim. He would appear to be logical selecting, but the gelding is unproven at this level, and he faces some legitimate rivals. (3) Most Happy Keene had no realistic chance in his first off the claim. This is obviously a better spot. (4) Lombo Powershot A gives his all week in and week out. New barn and pilot tonight. (8) Vesuvio Grande took money from the outside post last out and rallied with a ton of pace. If Sears can leave and tuck early over a couple of rivals, he may be close enough to strike.