by ‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian
‘Catskill’ Steve Terjanian offers his picks for the $20,000 Pick-4 at Yonkers Raceway on August 13, part of the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program.
Yonkers Raceway Pick-4, Races 7-10, Monday, August 13, 2012
$1 play: 168/25/46/45 = $24
Analysis:
Race 7: Not thrilled with anything in this so I will go three deep. (1) Midnight Blue didn’t show much at this level but from tougher spots in last two. Gets the rail and Dube who has been hot recently and took a 1:54.1 mark at Pocono earlier in the year. (6) Kindle Hanover was outpaced at Harrah’s in last two but did show some speed over Harrington half-miler prior and could easily get the top with these. (8) Villagio was a strong two-move winner adding lasix at Saratoga in second career start and first in over a year. Picks up Brennan and post and lack of experience are only knocks.
Race 8: (2) Fameous Western lacked a rally against slightly tougher in last. Adds lasix and should be in good stalking position off what figures to be a hot pace. (5) Sir Melos Z Tam has raced well in five of his last six against NY breds in stakes events, winning four of them. Only dull effort was a no shot mile from eight hole against a group similar to these and in that race he still paced a :55.4 final half, passing three horses. Improving colt should get a live cover trip from this spot and should be charging late.
Race 9: (4) Vlos has a class edge on these and would normally be a single for me but I’m choosing to throw in (6) Strange Hanover who ships in from Harrah’s and makes second start for 23 percent barn after chasing torrid mile from eight hole in latest. The 5-year-old was facing tougher in last visit here back in May and gets Brennan in local return.
Race 10: (4) Roadway uncorked an explosive stretch burst to blow by this level two back in a wicked 1:51.4 mile. Returns to that level tonight after a troubled trip from seven hole against tougher last time and seems likely to rebound. (5) Lambretta had strong late pace, rallying with :55 final half to nail place. Returns to a level he’s most competitive at and has a big shot.
Good luck!