Yonkers Raceway has a 12-race card featuring the Messenger Pace Final and the Yonkers Trot Final. The first jewel of the pacing triple crown has a $225,000 purse and is carded as Race 7. In Race 8 the first jewel of the trotting triple crown rolls and it has a $300,000 purse. The 0.50 Pick 5 starts in Race 5, it has a $75,000 guaranteed pool, and will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 5 (8:20 PM EST)

1-Favorite Beach (3-1)-Exits the Per Engblom barn after an efficient win at this level and is now a Travis Alexander trainee. Slides in 3 slots, comes back against the same kind, and will respect chances of doubling up.
2-McAngel (9/2)-Recent races have been dull but has been facing much better. This will be the 2nd start on Lasix, gets post relief, and could take command when the wings fold. This looks like a wake-up spot, but it is a competitive race and can't fully trust.
3-Pure Silky (7/2)-Posted a win in its 1st start for the Bako barn. Does have the gate speed to get the jump on others. This should be a more difficult test but well within reach due to a tactical advantage.
4-Dragons Lucky Lady (5/2)-Not loving at the morning line price as recent form hasn't been much. But raced better last time than the line looked. Came the back half in a quick 55.2, passed a couple down the lane for a change but the fractions were soft. Should get a lively pace here and may finish best of all.

Race 6 (8:40 PM EST)

1-Miss Dottie Mae (7/2)-This will be the 3rd start after a sick scratch and Dottie should have enough jump to protect the rail. Is only 2 for 17 this year but should be forwardly placed and could offer a square price.
3-Mighthavtime N (5-1)-Qualified well on 6-21 and had been idle since 4-19. Will look for the New Zealand bred mare to fire hot in her US debut.
4-Super Girl (3-1)-Doesn't start quickly but can finish in a hurry. Has come 2nd in the last 2 starts and now gets post relief. Should be closer to the leader turning for the wire this time.

Race 7 (9:20 PM EST)

1-Armada Hanover (4-1)-Looked good last week in its Yonkers debut and came with a sharp rally to finish a close 2nd behind the one below. Paced the 2nd half in 55.2 and exploded through the last turn. Tim Tetrick should be on the point early on and could post a win with a pocket ride.
4-Howlenthehills (2-1)-Lost considerable ground in the Elimination on the first turn because of interference due to a breaker. Got the lead anyway and didn't look back. The Alexander pupil was 0-8 as a freshman and is a perfect 6 for 6 this year. Should get an early lead and the race will likely go through the American Ideal colt.

Race 8 (9:40 PM EST)

3-Bargain (10-1)-The Nancy Takter pupil races well on the Yonkers oval (3-2-1-0) but does have breaking issues. Had a very good outing in the Elimination. Took the lead and was looked in the eye but wouldn't be passed. Yannick Gingras knows how to leave and could be on the point or in the pocket on the 1st turn. Should be a player at a price, if minds its manners.
8-Situationship (3-1)-Willing to take a swing here and will fade #1 the 3/2 program chalk who hasn't raced at Yonkers. The Svanstedt pupil is sharp and is looking for its 3rd straight. The 8-post is a challenge but has big gate speed and if gets the top it could be taillights for the rest.

Race 9 (10:00 PM EST)

1-Brave By Design (9/5)-Went gate to wire in last and now bumps up. Fits with this crew and should be in line for a similar trip.
5-P L Oscar (5/2)-Does have good gate speed and that's an advantage but hasn't been finishing off miles. Goes without trotting hopples and that may help. Using because of tactical speed, and this isn't a deep group. Will trust the connections and look for improvement.

0.50 Pick 5

1,2,3,4/1,3,4/1,4/3,8/1,5
Total Bet=$48

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