Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 5/17

2024 MEET STATS: 134 - 445 / $732.30 (-$157.70)

BEST BETS: 20 - 38 / $72.40 (-$3.60)

BEST BET: BARRY BLACK (3^rd)

SPOT PLAY: SILK CLOUD A (7^th)

Race 1: F&M NW8251 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) OUR LADY LARA A makes her third start since the move to the Engblom barn and she gets much-needed post relief. I would be surprised if she wasn't a serious player here. (7) MAN DONTFORGET ME drops to the lowest level in recent memory but lands the worst post. I finally jump ship here, so she's probably a lock. (1) BETTER WATCH IT gets big post relief like the top choice and that was a nice effort in defeat last out.

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Race 2: F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) HONEY LOVE always flashes good speed but doesn't always finish. Does the 4YO gets a bit of a class test here and maybe different tactics are in the plans. Price should be fair. (1) A GIRL THAT TWIRLS looks like the one to beat on paper but she's just 1 for 13 on the season with six runner-up finishes. (4) CREME DELIGHT faces the softest field she has seen since arriving from Northfield.

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Race 3: NW10601 in last 5 starts Trot

(1) BARRY BLACK drops back to a more suitable level and also moves all the way back inside. This field isn't particularly strong for this class and this 13YO vet knows how to win. (2) BLUEBIRD BISHOP rolled home to score on last week's drop and the Engblom trainee has a big chance to repeat. (4) CASSIUS HANOVER broke last week but the Lachance trainee hit the board in all but one of her other 2024 starts.

Race 4: F&M NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) BLUEBIRD GRAF is a Garcia-Herrera claim that has not worked out so far, but she does land her best post in ages and should be in line for a live trip, perhaps right in behind the favorite. (4) JAVA has Freehold form that seems to make her competitive and she should be a big price. (1) CHILLIN BYTHE POOL will be looking to head down the road with Holland driving but doesn't seem worth the expected low price.

Race 5: NW5000 in last 5 starts Trot

(3) IN MY DREAMS seems too classy to be struggling of late but maybe the improved post and switch back to Stratton helps him out. (7) FULL RIGHTS is a great fit at this level and does have early speed. If he can make it close to the front he'll be trouble. (6) VOYAGE TO PARIS does have two win this year and can also leave the gate.

Race 6: F&M NW10801 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) DELITFULCATHERIN N has not been in good form recently but she's not that far removed from the Matchmaker final and she's tough to pass on at this level. (6) MISS DOTTY MAE just missed last week and is a great fit in this class; only problem is the potential speed inside of her. (1) PERFECT QUEEN has been very sharp out of town, picks up Stratton.

Race 7: F&M Invitational Pace

(4) SILK CLOUD A is a nose shy of back-to-back Invitational wins and the import lands a reasonable post in the 3 thru 8 draw, giving regular driver Stratton options. (1) KARMA SEELSTER brushed and crushed from an easier spot last week but she's a legit Open talent and must be used from her very generous post. (6) LIT DE ROSE prevailed by a nose over #4 in that spine-tingling four-horse affair last week. Lachance trainee has banked over $260K already this year.

Race 8: F&M NW20421 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) ULTIMATE SPEED stepped up to this level and finished a close fourth, home in :27 2/5. Alexander trainee has six wins and four seconds from 15 starts this year and should be a reasonable price in this wide-open affair. (2) DRAGONS LUCKY LADY gets Stratton in the bike subbing for Bartlett and the Engblom trainee drops and draws better; looks like she has a bit of a class edge on these. (5) HELLO YES HI was a bit short on the front end last week and after two speed efforts maybe the Burke trainee will try it off the pace from this spot.

Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) GREAT SOMEWHERE drops in class, returns to Holland and the Stafford barn has been hot. (4) BILL HALEY N returns locally off a win at Pocono and he's got plenty of local experience. (7) SPLASH BROTHER hasn't been a player of late but he can leave the gate and should be a price.

Race 10: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot

(6) MISSISSIPPI STORM has yet to win this year in six tries but last week's effort was encouraging as he closed well to be second. I'm sure the aggressive Holland doesn't want to be sitting last with the veteran. (4) GAELHILL tired again on the front end last out but it was a pretty quick clip; maybe he's better off stalking. (3) MYCROWNMYKINGDOM comes from the previously mentioned hot Stafford barn and he'll be a good price.

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Race 11: F&M NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) NO WIN NO FEED A doesn't win all that often but she's a cash machine every week. Mark Macdonald gets the catch drive tonight and could be ignored a little in the wagering. (1) MY AUGUST MOON A took the money in her U.S. debut but didn't factor. Shane Tritton trainee now moves inside and will also offer value with Lauren driving. (7) JIVE DANCING A gets Holland, which makes her a potential speed threat from the outside.

Race 12: NW8751 in last 5 starts Trot

Maybe I'm using the 'hot barn' angle too much but (1) CREATIVE VENTURE gets class and post relief for the Stafford outfit while facing a camera-shy field. Maybe he trips out in the finale. (3) FIX A DRINK was first-time Lasix last start and held ground late in a fast mile. He figures to be the one to catch. (4) DRACO S drops from $40K claimers and draws a bit better for the Stratton brothers.