Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 2/28

2025 MEET STATS: 45 - 146 / $283.80 (-$8.20)

BEST BETS: 7 - 14 / $22.20 (-$5.80)

BEST BET: COACHELLABOUND N (10^th)

SPOT PLAY: THE LAST CHAPTER (4^th)

Race 1: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot

(8) EMBRACE THE FUTURE is getting tested for class here as she faces more seasoned foes but that perfect record in three starts this year is tough to ignore. Back to Bartlett, will be firing. (2) WINDSONG PIONEER was second best at a price two back from a similar spot for a barn that has woken up big-time. (5) YANKS DUGOUT is back from The Meadowlands for Burke and returns to Gingras but needs to step it up a bit.

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Race 2: NW5561 in last 5 starts Trot

(2) STEALING has done little of late but the horrid posts in his last three had something to do with it. Veteran moves inside in this smaller field and faces some equally bland rivals. (6) RITSON disappointed last out at odds-on but the price is sure to go up tonight. (1) MOHATU AS was a good second two back and also had post issues in his latest; hails from a good trotting barn.

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Race 3: F&M NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) MIGHTHAVTIME N likely needed that start last week at The Meadowlands, her first in over two months. She returns locally and more importantly returns to Bartlett, who has historically been live on Blackler trainees. (4) ULTIMATE SPEED went a big trip to win last out and it would be no surprise to see her repeat. (5) MAN DONTFORGET ME is loaded with back class and is another who could benefit from last week's race.

Race 4: NW5000 in last 5 starts Trot

(5) THE LAST CHAPTER has fallen on hard times recently but he finds a much softer field here and is certainly capable of taking this field wire to wire. (1) MUFASA AS has a second and a third in his last two tries from inside posts at this level; he's obviously logical from this spot. (3) BLACK TIE BASH hasn't fired since returning from Canada for Lachance but we know he's better than that.

Race 5: NW7500 in last 5 starts Trot

(3) GOLDEN COMPASS drops back to the level of his win three back and lands the same post; Alexander trainee should be heading forward off the gate and could sit a trip behind #2. (2) B NICKING just hasn't found a way to finish it off recently but with his speed he always remains a threat. (1) CHULO returns to the States for Engblom and though he has a nice career record I've always felt he's underachieved. Tough to trust.

Race 6: F&M Invitational Pace

(2) TONY'S MOM returns locally from The Meadowlands, where she's been sharp in all recent, and has had plenty of success here in the past. Inside post and early speed gives her a tactical edge on the main contenders and maybe she can pull it off. (7) WALKIN ON SUNSHINE is two for two this year as she's overcome an outside post both times. Pelling trainee is the one to beat again. (6) LLOYD'S LOVES is still winless this season in four tries after scoring 19 times last year, but she's raced well enough to win in all of those recent races. She deserves serious consideration.

Race 7: NW5000 in last 5 starts Trot

I was afraid (1) BARRY BLACK may never see the winner's circle again but tonight the 14YO French import lands the rail in a dull field and picks up the leading driver; gets it done. (5) WARRAWEE YANG returns locally for Burke with class relief and returns to Gingras. (2) FULL RIGHTS has shown nothing recently but should be sitting close up and can land a piece.

Race 8: F&M NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) FREESTARFLIGHT drops from the $50K claimers to this NW7500 class; her last win came at the NW20000 level so she's tough to look past despite the less than desirable post. (1) JENDEN STRIKE A has just been okay recently but landing the rail gives Cushing a chance to be much more aggressive. (7) VILLAGE JADE picks up a new set of hands in Holland; worth a look at a price.

Race 9: NW10000 in last 5 starts Trot

(1) EPOS OSTERVANG DK successfully dropped and popped last week and finds a field without a ton of current form; Engblom trotter looks to repeat. (4) BEERTHIRTY K doesn't win often but has speed which sets him up with good trips from time to time. (2) THE HAZELTON gets significant class relief and was second in a NW30000 event the last time Gingras drove.

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Race 10: F&M NW22751 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) COACHELLABOUND N is a legit Open-quality mare who gets to drop to the winning level, and lands the returning Bartlett and the rail to boot. Clearly the one to beat. (3) ALITTLESIDEHUSTL N has raced very well in two starts this year up at Saratoga, picking up where she left off at the end of 2024. Mare picks up Brennan tonight from a spot where she can leave to set up a trip. (4) YS SENSATIONALCITY steps up a bit after winning five of six and she too has solid early speed. Could be interesting early as these mares jockey for position.

Race 11: F&M NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) LADYCORONA showed significant improvement last week when dropped to the basement conditioned level and now the Lachance trainee moves inside. She should be close enough to the leaders and can run them down late. (1) DELITFULCATHERIN N is far and away the class of this field and the former Open and Matchmaker prelim winner draws best off a decent effort. Very likely to be overbet, however. (6) GAITWAY GAL finished third upon arrival from The Big M, her first check in a couple of months. Moves from the rail to the six hole, however, but will be a big price and could spice up the tri or super.