Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 4/30

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

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

Best Bet: DANCIN DRAGON (7th)

Spot Play: GRAND MASTER (3rd)

Race 1: $12,500-$15,000 Claiming Handicap Pace

(7) PEMBROKE JOEY was very sharp first out for new connections despite missing time off a sick scratch; the outside post could potentially spell trouble but if Kakaley can get him away in good order he seems good enough to get the best of these and the price should be right. (1) CINNABAR DRAGON didn't fire at all last week but I have to believe he's better than that. (4) STATESMAN N returns locally and the 14-year-old warhorse has been solid this season.

[DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card]

Race 2: $15,000-$20,000 Claiming Handicap Pace

(4) KINGSTONS BAD BOY shipped in from Northfield, took all the money but just didn't fire; he was claimed out of that race by Ruiz (who recently had success with the 1st race top choice), stays at the same level and can make amends. (1) BLACKTREE arrives from Monticello where he has 6 wins and 5 seconds in 13 seasonal starts; sharp sort should be a player here. (3) ZOEEZ BOY HENRY paced steadily in his first start for new connections and he should lands another good piece tonight.

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

Race 3: $12,500 Claiming Pace

(1) GRAND MASTER returns from Monticello and he's now in the Jenn Bongiorno barn after being under Blumenfeld's care seemingly forever. 13-year-old draws best in a soft field and can pay instant dividends (LOL at 12/1 morning line). (8) PLAY THE FIELD was certainly well-meant last week but was stubbornly worn down; he lands the eight hole again but was able to blast to the front last time, so why not again? (4) THEREISAPACEFORUS loses Bongiorno to the top choice but picks up Holland and is a steady performer at this level.

Race 4: Preferred Handicap Trot

(4) SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN has generally been good since returning to the east coast and he returns to Yonkers off a game win at Philly. Early speed should set him up nicely. (3) WINNERUP has disappointed a bit in recent local tries but the Burke trainee still needs to be respected. (1) THE LAST CHAPTER has speed, is well-mannered and draws best. He can hang around for a share.

Race 5: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) KASEY JOHN A raced decently going a long trip last out at Philly for his new barn and the Harris trainee returns to Yonkers finding a pretty soft spot; worth a try if he's close to his 9/2 morning line. (2) WESTERN HILL also returns to face lesser and is drawn well but beware he's just 1 for 39 over the past two seasons. (4) SOMWHERENBROOKLN N paced just evenly last week but could have a bit more to offer here to land a piece.

Race 6: Open Handicap Trot

This has been a tough class to gauge all year. (4) NOWS THE MOMENT should have an easier time of it making the front this week and he can take these the distance. (1) FULL RIGHTS was last week's upset winner and the Schnittker trainee has really blossomed nicely. (6) ARABELLA'S CADET went a big trip in defeat last week and we'll see if the Jenn Bongiorno trainee can handle starting from the outside post.

Race 7: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) DANCIN DRAGON was clearly knocking on the door before last week's gritty victory and he's classy enough to take another facing a bit better. (3) MARINER SEELSTER paced a big back half last out and ended up second best after towing the winner into the race; Brennan's driving tonight for Scott D. (2) IDEAL WHEEL beat similar two back and has a live chance here.

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

Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) BEERTHIRTY K has transitioned nicely from the age-restricted events with a third and a second facing more seasoned foes; he seems capable here with a smooth trip in this wide-open race. (1) AFTER ALL PAUL didn't fire at all last week when uncovered into a quick back half but he should get away in good order here and has a legit chance. (8) EYE OFA TIGER AS is arguably best but is stuck all the way outside; big price looming if you believe in him.

Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) SOHO CHELSEA A needs a sensible steer from his regular pilot Jeff Dauplaise but the veteran fits perfectly with this type and he shouldn't be too short of a price. (2) MISTER REBBILY A moves from the age-restricted events into this arguably softer spot and this barn has done well here this year; Stratton's back driving. (3) SANTAFE'S COACH could not get past the stubborn winner last week but the Lachance trainee should be in line for a good trip and should be included.