Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card, and the $1.00 Pick 5 starts in Race 5. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 5 (8:05PM EDT)
1-Sweet Beach Life (2-1)-This is a fast horse that doesn't connect enough and has gotten camera shy this year (7-0-3-0). Has been close at this level on the Hilltop but hasn't converted. Drawing the 1-hole could change that outcome. Has done well at YR (6-2-3-0) and could return to its winning ways here.
3-Speaker Of Peace (5-1)-Draws the right post to score and has been tossing hints since stepping up after a win 2 back. Raced better last time than the line looked. Paced the back half in 55.3 to miss by less than 2 lengths. The half went in a tepid .58 and shouldn't be paced compromise this time and did win the last start from this post.
Race 6 (8:25PM EDT)
1-Diego N (5/2)-Raced with the Invites in the last 3 starts and that was tough sledding. Gets class and post relief, and this looks like a good spot for a picture. Jordan Stratton should get on the engine and not look back.
Race 7 (8:45PM EDT)
1-Howlenthehills (3-1)-Had been facing tough foes up North and now lands in a spot to shine. Faces 3-6-year-old pacers and went gate to wire against this kind on 4-14. Matt Kakaley should be looking to follow the same script, but taking a pocket ride could be a ticket for success too.
6-Dunkin' (5/2)-Ships back to YR and has been in fine form. George Brennan has big gate speed to use and could look to fire out. Should be tough to tackle if gets the lead without much strain. But needs to mind matters, has had breaking issues as the wings fold.
Race 8 (9:05PM EDT)
2-Rolling With Sam (4-1)-Gets a new set of hands in Tyler Buter who has been clicking of late. Does best racing near the top of the stack and that trip could happen with this draw. The last line is better than it looks, went the back half in .55 but faced a well-meant winner.
4-Gingras Beach (4-1)-Comes off a no-move mile leaving from post 8. Now, gets post and class relief plus Jason Bartlett sticks. When Bartlett and the Bucci barn team up they post 30% winners.
6-Brutallyhandsome A (5-1)-The 7-year-old has lost some off his fast ball but meets a group with issues. Gets some post relief which should be enough for Stratton to have in play. The gate speed is there at times and could land on top or in the pocket if the pedal is pushed down.
Race 9 (9:25PM EDT)
1-Vici (5/2)-Leaving from post 1 could make the winning difference at this level. Won 2 and 3 back, then faced $60k claimers and rallied from the backfield to come a close 3rd. Meets the same, and this should be "go" time as a claim could be coming.
4-Smiffy's Terror N (8-1)-Drops to a level where a win is possible and draws well. Needs a trip, and if Austin Siegelman can get off the gate to grab a close-up seat good things could happen at a price.
5-Heza Charttopper A (2-1)-Also takes a good drop and posted 2 straight wins back on 2-24 and 3-3 when last in versus this kind. Bartlett gets the call, and when teamed with trainer Scott Blackler they post 29% winners.
$1 Pick 5
1,3/1/1,6/2,4,6/1,4,5
Total Bet=$36
.svg){kind=logo}
