Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 11/4
MEET STATS: 391 - 1107 / $1,936.70 (-$277.30)
BEST BETS: 62 - 105 / $230.20 (+$20.20)
Best Bet: ALEX TYE (1st)
Spot Play: LETTUCERIPRITA A (6th)
Race 1: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) ALEX TYE has fallen on hard times but he drops to the lowest level and this seems like a 'now or never' spot. (1) NOAHS MILL also finds a better spot and his effort three back indicates that he can be a player here. (7) BETTER UP stalled badly after enjoying an easy trip last week but he still looks better than the rest in here; he's got some early speed to help overcome the outside post.
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Race 2: Open Handicap Trot
(1) SMOKING JET arrived from Ohio for Burke to take part in the Invitational on Int'l trot day but he made a break off the gate and lost all chance. Assuming he minds his manners he can beat these with something in reserve. (3) INCOMMUNICADO was left with too much ground to cover last start but he'll be close throughout tonight in this small field and the Svanstedt trotter has the talent. (5) STORMY KROMER went over the $200K mark for the year with that jogola win last start; he'll probably have to be used harder here if Dube is looking for the front.
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Race 3: $20,000 Claiming Pace
(4) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES has a win and a fast-closing third in his two starts since being claimed by the DiDomenico barn and he meets a very soft field of middle-level claimers here. I'm not running to go bet him but he should be able to handle these. (2) LOVE THE BLUES N broke in his debut for the Cory Stratton barn then was never close from the eight hole last out; post relief can help his cause. Interesting that Jordan Stratton isn't driving despite not being listed on anything else. (3) DIG DANNY DIG has put in some good efforts recently out of town after moving to the Estrada barn.
Race 4: $25,000 Claiming Pace
(5) FLOW WITH JOE hasn't done much recently but neither have most of these; just taking a shot here in a race that's hard to get excited about. (1) SWAGASAURUSREX usually races as well as he draws which means he'll be right there starting from the pole position. (8) AWESOMENESS reminds me of myself as he needs constant prodding to get motivated but once he gets going he does his job well. He's been digging in gamely late despite awful trips.
Race 5: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) QUALITY BUD was compromised a bit at the start as a longshot rival next to him left in his face, making him work hard to get the lead. Once there he faced relentless pressure and only gave way late in a big effort. Veteran is overdue. (1) MULLINAX has been battling but coming up a bit short recently. He lands another good post and figures to take plenty of money. (4) LUCIANO N gets needed class and post relief which should make him a player here. 11-year-old has plenty of back class.
Race 6: $15,000 Claiming Pace
(5) LETTUCERIPRITA A didn't function for the Annunziata barn but he was claimed out of last week's start and maybe he can awaken with Holland at the controls. (3) HAPPY TRIO tired chasing a fast pace last out and he figures to be close to the front again. (6) JESSICAS BEACH BOY isn't much but maybe he can sneak into the number at a price.
Race 7: NW30000 in last 5 starts Trot
(5) TIMESTORM never got involved when he hiked to the Open level and was stuck outside. His effort two back at this level was super, as he overcame losing the lead after a bobble and then raced parked the rest of the way but still got up. (1) STREET GOSSIP returns from vacation now in a new barn and he qualified well. (3) WARRIOR ONE is back up in class after an easy wire-to-wire win and the Burke trainee can definitely go with these.
Race 8: $25,000 Claiming Pace
(6) TWIN B SPEED DIAL has been razor-sharp with three wins and three seconds in his last six races. He steps up a notch but doesn't seem to face much tougher and Holland will likely have him on the move early. (1) CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL was good last week and should loom large from the rail. (3) UPTOWN FUNK has live moves but hasn't been finishing off his miles as he's been noticeably tired late; use caution.
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Race 9: NW15881 in last 5 starts Trot
(1) JOXTER has been very sharp upstate for Dan Daley, who makes a rare appearance with an overnight horse. Trotter may be fast enough to beat these. (3) HIGHLAND MOWGLI was scratched sick out of his last start otherwise the Burke trainee would be the clear top choice. (4) HOOLIE N HECTOR was a solid second last week to the odds-on winner; does Holland work out another pocket trip tonight?
Race 10: $15,000 Claiming Pace
(2) CAROLINA MAGIC was a sharp two-move winner from the eight hole last week and he looks primed to repeat. (6) KEPT UNDER WRAPS A offered little in his local return but he drops a bit here and the veteran has back class; Braxton drives. (4) WINDSONG JACK was a bit overmatched at the $20K level; he drops back to the level of his last win and Holland returns.