Yonkers Raceway begins the week with a solid 11-race card. The popular 0.50 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

1-Flow With Joe (4-1)-Got on the point and gave way late in the mile. Missed a start before the last race but now comes back in sequence and this post draw should help.
6-Brackley Beach (6-1)-Will avoid the program chalks and look to this veteran to run down the leaders. Can grind it out and appears to be getting back into top form.

Race 6

1-Moonlight Shadow (7/2)-Interesting race as there aren't any recent winners at this class. This 6-year-old made every call a winning one from the 5 hole in last and now takes a good step up. Looked good and was in control pacing the back half faster than the first in a 152.4 mile.
2-Smokin By N (4-1)-Comes off a close 3rd place finish, was driven aggressively and has been sharp. Bumps up after travelling 3-wide and was already used to get on the point at the start. The journey should be better and Kakaley could work a pocket ride.
4-Delightful Dude N (7-1)-Has performed well at this level in the last 3 but couldn't connect for a picture. This grinder may get the top prize this time, the pace should be hot and he could close fastest of all.

Race 7

2-Bill Hayley N (4-1)-Has been trying hard and should fit with these. Gets the services of Bartlett and that could make a winning difference. The post shouldn't hurt this veteran's chances and can be a main player if dialed on high.
3-Benhope Rulz N (4-1)-Gingras has more gate speed to use than most in the field and he should land on the point. If that happens without much effort it could be taillights for the others.

Race 8

5-Nowhere Creek A (2-1)-Worked hard to get on the point and then sat a pocket ride. Raced well and missed by a neck. The Yonkers record of 1 win in 25 starts is cause for pause but no one in the field has piled up victories on this oval. Can't fault the last try, falling short to a well-rated winner, and the beaten chalk could make amends here.

Race 9

1-Undrthsouthrnsun N (8/5)-This veteran has only raced at Yonkers 3 times and has recorded 1 second place finish. Has been fading down the lane at M1 but those miles have been sub-150. Joe B will be out and rolling here. He could steal a quarter and be tough to catch.
3-Velocity Komodo (5-1)-Team Stratton entry has won 21% of YR starts and should be forwardly placed. This is the 3rd race after the Holiday break and if the pace is brisk the 7-year-old should be in the hunt at the wire.

0.50 Pick 5

1,6/1,2,4/2,3/5/1,3
Total Bet=$12

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