Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 12/2
MEET STATS: 427 - 1217 / $2,122.20 (-$311.80)
BEST BETS: 68 - 117 / $249.10 (+$15.10)
Best Bet: DRAGON ROLL (3rd)
Spot Play: TERRITORY (10th)
Race 1: $15,000 Claiming Pace
(5) KIMANI N has taken two of his last three at this level utilizing strong uncovered moves to take command. Veteran lands in a similar spot tonight and is clearly capable of taking another. (3) NEXT BIG THING is an interesting shipper from Northfield and he lands in the live Shane Tritton barn, and has Bartlett driving. Recent form has been shaky but he has banked over $50K on the year so the ability is there. (1) YS SUNSHINE was awful three back, okay two back and much improved in his last start. Boyd and the rail make him a major contender.
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Race 2: $25,000 Claiming Pace
(2) KENRICK N went just evenly last week but he moves to a better post tonight and figures to be a bonafide speed threat from this spot. Five starts back at this level Kakaley took the field coast to coast. (7) SECRECY was a winner two back and just missed at this level last week despite coming off a sick scratch; veteran is sharp and the hot youngster Braxton Boyd drives again. (3) SULLIVAN drops a notch in class, draws well enough and could awaken.
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Race 3: F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) DRAGON ROLL is a legit Open mare with over $210K earned this season and she should have little trouble with these. (6) BELLADONNA GIRL A has looked pretty good since arriving in the States for Tritton and company; this is a tougher test tonight and we'll find out if she's up to it. (1) BETTERB CHEVRON N seems like a must-use on the ticket from this inside post.
Race 4: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) KERFORD ROAD A hasn't done a whole lot for these connections in five starts after being claimed for $50K and in his defense he hasn't drawn all that well. Tonight he drops in class and moves all the way inside; expect an aggressive steer from Brennan. (6) RAUKAPUKA RULER N has been showing his age this year as he's just 1 for 27 but he still pays the bills. One thing he can still do is leave well and I would expect Bartlett to be getting him in play early. (4) REIGNING DEO returns to Yonkers at a reduced level and should be a player.
Race 5: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) IMAGINARY LINE has been knocking on the door lately with three recent on-the-board finishes at The Big M; Jenn Bongiorno trainee draws well and should be a good fit with these. (5) BELTANE A was a fast-closing second from a similar spot three back; Stratton picks up the drive tonight. (6) THEFLYINGROCK wired a softer field easily upon arrival and will have to work harder to repeat; not impossible however with Bartlett on the return drive.
Race 6: F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) DISARONNO HILL almost beat Drama Act three back in a big try at 40/1 and she followed that up with a couple of decent efforts; Virgil Morgan, Jr. trainee gets a bit of class relief and should be good to go from this inside draw. (1) ALTA MADEIRA N almost always races well from good posts and tonight should be no exception. (3) SPORTS FLIX seemed a bit overmatched last week at The Meadowlands but had been racing well here in prior starts.
Race 7: F&M NW25491 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) FADE OUT was a strong winner in her first two starts upon arrival from Canada and the recent addition to the Cullipher barn can be excused for her last race where she didn't have much of a chance to gain into the rated pace. Bartlett picks up the drive tonight looking to resume winning ways. (1) MAN DONTFORGET ME was a good second last week when taking a trip across the river and this classy mare is a good fit here facing a bit softer. (6) BEST HEAD WEST is a legit top-level mare and she has a win and a close third in her last two despite not being at the top of her game.
Race 8: F&M Open Handicap Pace
(2) LIT DE ROSE works her way back up to the top level on the strength of her two straight easy wins versus lesser and she's allowed to draw for the two inside posts; Lachance trainee gets top billing. (7) DELITFULCATHERIN N is back from a stint at Mohawk and she was the Queen of the Open when we last saw her. Outside post presents some problems but helps the price. (4) UPTOWN HANOVER has a win and a close second in her last two races; Cullipher trainee is an obvious contender.
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Race 9: $20,000 Claiming Pace
(1) AWESOMENESS has proven to be an erratic sort but he drops in class, draws inside and meets a field without much current form. (3) DAAMERICANSKY arrives from Pocono and may be helped by the chance in scenery. (4) ROCK N TONY finished second last start after getting way from three consecutive eight holes.
Race 10: $15,000 Claiming Pace
(1) TERRITORY hasn't won in a while but has gotten checks in all of his recent starts. Stratton is back driving for his brother and figures to be on or near the lead. (2) CAROLINA MAGIC has burned some money in his last couple but still figures to be one of the main players in here. (6) THIRD POWER arrives from Pocono for Devita and gets Bartlett to drive; interesting to see how this 3-year-old fits with these more seasoned rivals.