by Al CImaglia
May 1, 2026
Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 6, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)
4-Strutsville (3-1)-Has been in the deep end of the pool in the last 4 starts and now drops to a comfortable level. Its last win was back on 2-20 and that was a step up from this condition. Hasn't shown any gate speed in the last 2 races but George Brennan should provide an aggressive steer against this kind.
6-Staywiththewind (2-1)-Exits the UM Series and in those races didn't do better than a 4th place finish. Jason Bartlett drives for Doug Dilloian and those 2 combine for 39% winners. This is 1st time Bartlett as well and could be ready for the 1st win in 2026.
Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)
1-Tachyon (3-1)-Tried 4 times to qualify and finally put in a flat mile on 4-24. Bartlett steered in the last 2 races and now he sticks here despite breaking issues. This will be the 1st race since 2-27 and hopefully won't be over bet. Will use against this crew and when Bartlett and the Bucci barn combine they win 24% of their races.
2-Energy King (7/2)-Camera shy 6-year-old drops to a spot where a win could happen. Jordon Stratton is at the controls, at this level he could look to get on the engine and not look back.
5-Cactustotheclouds (5-1)-Dropped to this level in last and showed improvement. Did finish 3rd, the 2 that were ahead aren't in this field, and will use in a race without a standout.
Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)
4-Sunday Shoes (9/5)-Comes off an easy win as an odds-on choice and now bumps up. Mohawk shipper has won 2 of 3 at YR and took 8 pictures last year. This is a competitive 4-year-old and will string along despite facing tougher.
6-Scudo Hanover (6-1)-Dropped to face this kind in last and wasn't handled aggressively when the wings folded. Fits, but will look for a more alert start and to be in play down the lane.
Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)
4-Over The Horizon (4-1)-Won 2 and 3 back versus this kind, then moved up and was a sick scratch on 4-2. Last raced on 4-22 at this level, faded to finish 2nd and was off a month between starts. Scott Zeron gets the call and will look for a bounce back effort.
5-Full Support (6-1)-Has gotten the job done, is 0-11 this year but has showed some life in the last 3 starts. Doesn't like to take pictures but should be no worse than 2nd around the 1st turn and could be overlooked.
6-Smooth Lou (5/2)-Beaten 8/5 chalk got the services of Bartlett in last and did improve to come 2nd. Will look for an even better effort and is another who should be forwardly placed.
$1 Late Pick 4
4,6/1,2,5/4,6/4,5,6
Total Bet=$36
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