Yonkers Raceway begins the week with a 12-race card. The 0.50 Pick 5 rolls in Race 5, and the sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 9, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9 (9:40 PM EST)

1-Thunder Hunter Joe (6-1)-This 4-yr old has been off since Oct 27, and then was a sick scratch on Nov 9 before being put away. Qualified and was handled conservatively in the first 2 legs of the Borgata. Pilot Tim Tetrick is back for his 2nd straight steer and if Joe is going to make some noise in this series it needs to start tonight. Using at this price and hoping he is able to bring a top effort.
3-Desperate Man 8/5-This is clearly the one to beat. Should be on the point or in the pocket behind Joe when the wings fold. Winner of 2 in a row is sharp as a tack.

Race 10 (10:00 PM EST)

4-Deetzy (6-1)-Gets post relief plus usual driver Brent Holland is back in the bike and both should help. The Stafford barn is clicking, and this looks like go-time for the 12-year-old.
5-All Alone (8/5)-Has been in a good form and Jason Bartlett should be blasting out. Can land on the point and may be in charge every step of the way. Does good work at Yonkers, has hit the board in 10 of 13 and has taken 4 pictures.

Race 11 (10:20 PM EST)

2-Al Always (5/2)-Drops and lands in a good spot to get a close-up seat and seal the deal at the wire. Yannick Gingras should be able to provide the right trip, and this looks like a drop and pop opportunity.
4-Tuffenuftowearpink (6-1)-Comes off a no move mile in the 1st start after an injured scratch. Should be a healthy price and if brings a big try it could lead to a juicy payout.
6-Motive Hanover (9/2)-Comes off a sharp win, wired the field from post 3 and has been in sharp form since mid-February. The start will be key but could be tough to tackle if gets the top without much strain.

Race 12 (10:40 PM EST)

1-Artist Best (9/2)-Needs to be racing near the lead at the 3/4's pole and George Brennan has some options from the rail. Should offer a nice price with an 0-9 record and could be heard from versus this group.
5-Uriel Blue Chip (8/5)-Was off a month before the last start and appeared to need the race. Should be a major player this week if dialed on high.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

1,3/4,5/2,4,6/1,5
Total Bet=$24

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