Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 10/9

MEET STATS: 171 - 509 / $884.70 (-$133.30)
BEST BETS: 29 - 49 / $96.90 (-$1.10)
Best Bet: SLICK MICK (3rd)
Spot Play: NEW HEAVEN (2nd)

Race 1: $12,500 Claiming Pace

(5) SEELEY MAN seems to have tailed off a bit but he's traditionally done well locally for this barn and he should be pointed to the front. (1) ARMCANBOOTSCOOTA A is a nose shy of a two-race winning streak and now he moves all the way inside. (2) GOLD RUSH beat 20's last start but now he plunges in price and has missed a month; red flags?

Race 2: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot

(3) NEW HEAVEN gets some needed class relief tonight and a new pilot in Holland; classy trotter seems overdue to awaken. (1) TOP FLIGHT ANGEL hiked to this level last out and didn't fire his best but he’s more than capable with a smooth trip. (4) VAINQUEUR R P NO had little to offer upon arrival facing better but the Nancy Takter trainee should still garner some respect; maybe the trip over the track helped.

Race 3: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) SLICK MICK was gunned down in his return effort by a rival who was also invading with class relief; a similar effort here should be enough to handle these. (1) ABERDEEN HANOVER is not a prolific winner but is usually around for a share; from the best post he can definitely be included. (4) GUNPOWDER N hasn't done much in five starts this season but that qualifier was effective enough and the Tritton trainee will call on his back class soon.

Race 4: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) SWEET N FAST N arrived from Canada to join the Shane Tritton barn and didn't do much in his first two local starts but he drops again tonight, faces a pretty blank field with the exception of (1) REDBANK BLAZE A and I foresee a big effort coming. The latter also gets needed class relief and the best post in what may very well be a two-horse affair. (7) ROCK ON PRECIOUS has raced well in his last three at this level and the Ken Koch trainee looks best of the rest, despite the poor post.

Race 5: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(8) ZIGGY SKY starts from the worst post for a low-percentage barn but he certainly fits with this type and has been going well lately; he would be one of the favorites if drawn inside, now you get a healthy price. Can Holland get him in play? (1) THESPYWHOLOVEDME was a good second here a couple of months ago and returns locally into a live spot. (6) MACHIAVELLI figures to awaken with the drop in class.

Race 6: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) MACH N CHEESE has been all over the classification map this season and has had very little success; Choate trainee has proven talent which could shine through tonight from this spot. (6) BATTLE STRONG is also searching for a better spot and he's had moderate success facing tougher; Bartlett’s back driving for Harris. (4) LINKJACK HANOVER responded to last week's drop in class with a decent second-place showing.

Race 7: Open Handicap Trot

(4) MELADY’S MONET was just nipped from a post four start last week as the favorite and ends up with a very generous spot again tonight, which makes this ultra-classy gelding the one to beat again. (8) STORMY KROMER has taken two of his last three from well off the pace, showing a new dimension to his game. Trotter remains in career form and cannot be overlooked. (6) WARRIOR ONE raced decently last week in a needed start and can show more tonight.

Race 8: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) ORILLIA JOE steps up a touch off a win and a close second; he's got the class to keep this form cycle going and take another. (1) MACH TIME N sat the winner's pocket last week and chased willingly; he may be set up with the same stalking trip again. (2) VAGUE TRACES has been a local underachiever; only consider on top if the price is right.

Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) ASTON HILL DAVE was in tough spots in his last couple and certainly didn't race badly; he gets a bit of post relief and should offer some value in this competitive finale. (1) MCARDLES LIGHTNING has tailed off while facing better; drop in class and move back inside can help his cause. (8) GHOST DANCE blew away cheaper in his local return and Bartett drives again for Blackler; I suspect they will be firing from the gate.