Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 10/2

MEET STATS: 171 - 509 / $884.70 (-$133.30)
BEST BETS: 29 - 49 / $96.90 (-$1.10)
Best Bet: AMERICAN MERCURY (9th)
Spot Play: PAT STANLEY N (5th)

Race 1: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) SEAFARER returned locally last week for Erv Miller and was a nice pocket winner in a speedy 1:52 4/5. I'm not thrilled about the low morning line but I like his chances to repeat. (1) GRAND PRIORITY has looked good recently and the inside draw will set him up nicely with a live trip; contender. (4) PEPPER GUY paced evenly last week in behind a couple of classy rivals. The Ceraso/Stafford barn has been having a pretty good season; don't ignore him.

Race 2: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot

(4) LINDSEY'S PRIDE finished third last week in behind Nows The Moment and Obrigado; tonight he gets the class relief he needs to get him back over the top looking to complete the Erv Miller/Brent Holland daily double. (8) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN flew home last start to make it close at the end and that's consecutive sharp efforts for this classy Bucci trainee; post obviously hurts but he's got a big chance if Brennan can get him in play. (1) SHOWMEYOURGUNS is at his best a level or two down but he can save ground from this spot and land a share.

Race 3: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) MISTER SPOT A ships back in from Pennsylvania to join the Shane Tritton barn and he looks like a good fit at this level; import seems like automatic selecting from this spot. (6) ITALIAN DELIGHT N has been close recently at The Meadowlands and was facing better when last seen locally; Cassar trainee looks like the main threat. (2) WAR DAN DELIGHT N gets much-needed post relief and promises to be more involved.

Race 4: Open Handicap Trot

(6) STORMY KROMER was stuck in an impossible spot last week and can be excused for not firing; trotter clearly deserves another chance tonight. (4) MELADY'S MONET faced a bit softer last out and got the job done at odds-on; landing inside his main competiton here gives him a legit shot to set up a winning trip. (5) NOWS THE MOMENT was the ultimate pocket rocket last week rolling right past Obrigado and he's in razor-sharp form.

Race 5: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) PAT STANLEY N banked close to $50K in just eight starts this year Down-Under and he certainly seems ready to go for Shane Tritton off that 1:54 2/5 qualifier; Stratton's choice over the returning Pacing Major N. (2) MARK WITH A K took all the money last week and delivered with a strong uncovered win; Ken Koch trainee has been rock-solid in all of his recent starts and he can emerge with a big piece again. (5) SOMEBADDUDE was stuck uncovered chasing a rated pace last start and could not dent the margin; not sure what type of trip he's in for from this spot but he should make his presence felt at some point.

Race 6: Open Handicap Pace

(3) DANCIN DRAGON has put in two rock-solid efforts since returning to Yonkers, including holding firm as Micky Gee N sailed by. He gets the best of the midpack draw and deserves a long look here. (7) MICKY GEE N got Brennan in the bike last week but it didn't matter as he swept the field with his customary powerful late strides; Stratton's back driving and they are stuck outside again but we know what the deal is…leave him out at your own risk. (4) MAC’S JACKPOT hasn't had the best of trips recently and he may be part of the early pace here.

Race 7: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) SAN DOMINO N changes hands here as the owners moved this gelding from Harris to Shane Tritton; class and past relief should make his the one to beat, despite Stratton sticking with Anthem N (who he co-owns). (3) CROCKETS CULLEN N misbehaved last start and has missed a couple of weeks but he wired similar two back for Stalbaum. (4) ROLLWITHPAPAJOE was completely empty last start; hard to guess which version shows up tonight.

Race 8: NW20000 in last 5 starts Trot

(6) VAINQUEUR R P NO ships back from Canada for Nancy Takter and the recent import gives the half-mile a try. Clearly the talent is there as he's got two North American tallies in five starts and over $400K banked overall. (2) MISSISSIPPI STORM has a win and a near-miss in his last two at Philly facing good stock and he fits well with this type. (4) CASH ME OUT found an easy spot to convert last week; a win may be less likely facing better tonight but he will offer much more value.

Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) AMERICAN MERCURY was jammed in stretch traffic last week unable to escape the pocket until too late while facing Open foes; Pelling trainee is starting to run out of excuses but the class drop clearly makes him the one to beat. (4) CAVIART LUCA seemed a bit cold on the board last out and raced accordingly; veteran is capable of much better. (3) GENTLEMANJIM II IE put in a solid uncovered effort to be second best upon arrival.