Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 4/16

MEET STATS: 114 - 309 / $598.70 (-$19.30)

BEST BETS: 15 - 31 / $49.60 (-$12.40)

Best Bet: WAVES OF FIRE A (1st)

Spot Play: TIGER BARON (4th)

Race 1: $12,500 Claiming Pace

(2) WAVES OF FIRE A hasn't won a race in well over a year but he's definitely been knocking on the door of late and he lands in a very soft spot tonight. (3) THEREISAPACEFORUS lost contact in his last start when claimed but he qualified right back and seems good to go. (7) CINNABAR DRAGON drops back to the basement claiming level coming off a clunker; missed time and outside post are a problem here but perhaps he can pass a few to add some value to the bottom of the ticket.

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Race 2: NW20000 in last 5 starts Trot

(3) KINDA LUCKY LINDY weakened from the three hole in last week's Open that went in 1:54 2/5 but prior to that race he had three solid runner-up efforts. Trotter lands midpack in this evenly-matched event and he shouldn't be too far back at any point. (1) LEAN HANOVER hasn't been at his best recently but he moves all the way inside and will undoubtedly be more involved. (6) OBRIGADO returns from Freehold where he blew away their top class and the old guy's still got what it takes. Dube may be able to clear the field into the first turn.

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

Race 3: $15,000 Claiming Pace

Tough race here where half the field is debuting for new barns off claims. (1) VICTORIAS MAVERICK jogged in a very soft spot last week and now bumps up to face better for new trainer Nicholas Devita; he draws best and this barn has been hot for ages. (4) BLAYDE HANOVER has been one of the sharpest claimers around and he goes for five straight overall. (2) MAJOR BUCKS has been just okay since the Jenn Bongiorno claim. He moves back inside and is reunited with brother Joe in the bike.

Race 4: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) TIGER BARON has had an unbelievable run of bad luck at the post draw and he doesn't get the best starting spot tonight but he does face softer than he has been recently and can get it done with a favorable trip. (2) GIVENUPDREAMING was stubborn on the front end last week but was nipped on the wire; veteran is way overdue. (1) SOHO LEVIATHAN A moves all the way inside after back-to-back eight holes and should be in line for a live trip.

Race 5: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) LACHIE MAGUIRE N hasn't offered up much recently out of town but he's had plenty of success here in the past facing much better than these and maybe the local return will help to wake him up. (1) IDEAL COWBOY has been lacking a bit since returning this season for Jenn Bongirono but he still remains a solid player from this spot. (2) ZIGGY SKY woke up with a much better effort last week.

Race 6: Open Handicap Trot

(4) SWANSEA never got involved last week from the tough outside post but he moves inside a few slots tonight and could have a tactical edge on his main rivals. (5) MISSISSIPPI STORM did just that by storming home in his last two; threat to take all if Brennan can keep him closer to the pace. (7) STORMY KROMER was a "jogburger" last week and now is back to being assigned the outside; obviously if he can make the lead he's a threat to go all the way.

Race 7: NW7800 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) PERFECTLY CLOSE never got close in his last two from outside posts but his prior efforts were good; veteran is capable with this type and should offer a decent price. (1) MAROMA BEACH was done in by post eight facing better last week but he just missed versus similar the start prior and he looms the one to beat here. (7) AMERICAN BOY N returns off a win at Philly and he does have some speed; does Bartlett take a swing from the gate?

Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot

(1) WITHOUT A DOUBT was unable to muster a rally last week while a distant uncovered; prior start she made a big move to clear before breaking. Garcia-Herrera trainee obviously has some talent and she can work out a favorable trip from the innermost post. (3) THE LAST CHAPTER was an easy second last week and he should be heading to the front. (4) PATRIARCH HANOVER added Lasix for his last start at The Meadowlands and raced well; Burke trainee had some good local efforts last year as a three-year-old.

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Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) VELOCITY KOMODO finished well in his last two starts after ground-saving trips; I suspect from this spot Brennan will get more aggressive with the DiDomenico trainee. (4) IDEAL WHEEL returns from Pocono and just missed at this level four back. (5) BELTANE A gets some post relief and a new pilot in Stratton (with Marohn opting to #2); Lance Hudson trainee could be a closing threat.