Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 2/26

MEET STATS: 54 - 159 / $298.50 (-$19.50)
BEST BETS: 10 - 16 / $34.70 (+$2.70)
Best Bet: FASHION CREDITOR (2nd)
Spot Play: TOM ME GUN N (5th)

Race 1: $12,500 Claiming Pace

(7) BLAYDE HANOVER could not fire trying to make a second move last week and though he's stuck outside again I’m inclined to give him another chance, considering the price should be decent. (4) SEELEY MAN regressed in a big way last out but he had been rock-solid in all prior efforts; if he makes the lead he could be tough. (3) MATT MAJOR was much-improved last out with a good speed try.

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Race 2: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot

(1) FASHION CREDITOR just got nipped at the wire last week and the classy veteran was second best to the runaway odds-on winner the start prior; Fanning trainee has been knocking on the door for quite a while now and this clearly feels like the winning spot tonight. (4) LIFETIME ROYALTY has come back from the holiday layoff sharp for Stafford and he bumps up the ladder for the third consecutive start; Dube should have him on the move early. (3) MAGICAL JOURNEY moves in a few spots and he'll be close-up throughout.

[DRF BETS: Wager on tonight's Yonkers card at DRF Bets.com!]

Race 3: $12,500/$15,000 Claiming Handicap Pace

(5) IN THE HUDDLE was weakly hung in his debut for new connections but without a ton of early speed to his inside tonight he may be able to make the top; this barn has done well here this season with other starters. (1) HIGHVIEW CONALL N should be in line for a live trip from the inside post and could land a nice piece. (8) CONTROL TOWER found a soft spot last out and jogged; he's all the way outside tonight but is sharp enough to make noise if not used too hard entering contention.

Race 4: NW20750 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) BROADWAY ATHENA rallied nicely in his 2021 debut but could not get involved last week from the eight hole; mare takes a needed drop from the Open ranks and she could grind her way to victory here. (4) SWANSEA was hammered down to 1/5 last start and took care of business; talented gelding can certainly repeat. (6) AFTER ALL PAUL will likely be too far back to reach the top two spots but he could rally for a smaller share.

Race 5: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) TOM ME GUN N has been pacing just evenly of late but if you look back to a start in November he just missed to the very classy Lucan Hanover; I would love to see some aggressiveness off the gate. (4) MASTERSON was Kakaley's choice and is always capable with a smooth trip. (1) MILLIONDOLLAR WAVE tried it uncovered last week and was quickly turned away; perhaps with a different trip the results could be better.

Race 6: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(7) I'M BENICIO A clearly has ability but he just doesn't function with his owner in the bike; tonight he gets the catch-driving Tyler Buter listed and is definitely worth a look, especially if shows any signs of life in the wagering. (4) AIR FORCE HANOVER took some money in his first start for Shane Tritton (and first start overall in five months). He never got involved but showed a charted last quarter of 27 seconds; big player and likely favorite. (2) BUDDY HILL should benefit from the good inside post. (3) BELTANE A qualified decently for Lance Hudson.

Race 7: Open Handicap Trot

(7) STORMY KROMER absolutely jogged last week but he's had some trouble lately with outside posts (where he's assigned tonight). I'll take the gamble that he'll be able to clear the front tonight. (4) HOMER HALL has been knocking on the door since ascending to the top class and the Shane Tritton trainee will score sooner rather than later. (3) LINDSEY'S PRIDE was ambitiously handled when bumped back to the Open and got leg-weary late; he'll be at his best a level or two down.

Race 8: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) OURLITTLEGENERAL A has never been the most reliable sort but his best effort should be enough to handle these. (3) JM'S DELIGHT hasn’t been able to fill the win column in quite some time but the Greg Merton trainee seems to fit with these. (8) BLATANTLY BEST was a solid second versus better two back and now drops to meet a softer field but he gets stuck in post eight; classy veteran still needs to be seriously considered.

[DRF BETS: Wager on tonight's Yonkers card at DRF Bets.com!]

Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) DENVER SEELSTER pulled pocket to challenge last start and was outfinished late, finishing third for the fourth consecutive start; Stratton trainee has been overdue for some time and he does deserve top billing, though he's starting to run out of excuses. (5) CAPTAIN CASH has been pretty consistent in all recent starts and the post improvement will help; Schnittker trainee has Kakaley driving again and can offer some value at his 10/1 listed morning line. (2) TAP TAP TAP figures to be close to the top one throughout and can land a piece.

Race 10: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) KEY ADVISOR is back from a decent stint in Delaware and he was a winner versus NW5000's when last seen at Yonkers; Harris trainee may trip out behind (5) YANKEE ROLLER A. The latter is up in class again going for three straight and he figures to make his way to the lead and have to be caught. (3) EPIC ACE should be saving ground midpack and can emerge late with a piece.