Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 7/12
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2024 MEET STATS: 210 - 710 / $1,160.00 (-$260.00)
BEST BETS: 30 - 61 / $110.60 (-$11.40)
BEST BET: SILK CLOUD A (10th)
SPOT PLAY: MISSISSIPPI STORM (8th)
Race 1: NW7551 in last 5 starts Trot
(1) MUSAFA AS was a solid winner a few days ago at Goshen and prior to that he had been racing at the $40K claiming level stuck with outside posts. From the rail he should be set up nicely on or near the front. (5) HELPOFHESEASON has been competitive recently at Philly and these connections must be respected but note she broke in a start here back in May. (4) LIGHTFOOTEDLEGEND finished third last week in an improved effort.
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Race 2: F&M NW5901 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) TWIN B ALLURE has just one win on the season but she meets an equally camera-shy field and the Bongiorno trainee has controlling speed from the rail. (4) LADY NEWTON perked up in her last couple in low-conditioned races at Pocono and that could carry over here with the talented youngster Brett Beckwith picking up the catch drive. (3) COMMANDER CATHY N tired badly last out in a quick mile; she's 0 for 20 and counting this year and had burned my money along the way but I can't completely let her go.
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Race 3: NW7500 in last 5 starts Trot
(7) THE LAST CHAPTER hasn't shown much in his last few but four back he cruised at this level and we know he's got back class and gate speed. At 20/1 from post seven does the catch-driving Joe Bongiorno take a shot and blast? If he wins I'll look like a genius. (1) EPOS OSTERVANG DK seems way overdue for a win and he may have found the winning spot but won't offer much of a price. (4) DRACO S goes back to Jordan Stratton driving for his brother and prior to last week's start he had hit the board in four straight.
Race 4: NW11961 in last 5 starts Trot
(3) VOYAGE TO PARIS was claimed last out for $40K by the Bongiorno barn and maybe he can tap into some of that back class here to get the job done. (1) BARRY BLACK just missed from a similar spot two back and is always a player when drawn inside. (2) ANGELIKI steps up a notch after just missing in his debut for the Alexander barn.
Race 5: F&M NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) BEE OKAY A didn't get involved in her first start after arriving from Down Under but now she drops a bit and lands an improved post. Same connections scored an upset win last week. (1) ROCKN PHILLY has plenty of back class and is overdue for a win. (6) TWIST LITTLE GIRL N moves from $50K claimers to this conditioned event and has been just okay in three starts since arriving from Canada but maybe shows more with the change to Stratton.
Race 6: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(2) PASSA GRILLE BEACH returns to Yonkers off a nice win over at The Meadowlands and had been racing well there for an extended period of time; gelding does have a couple of wins over the last two seasons at Yonkers in limited tries. (1) GOTHIC ROCK was a good second last out from a similar spot with Steve Smith catch-driving; Mark Macdonald gets the call tonight. (5) WICHITA LINEMAN comes off a break last week and overall has had a lackluster season compared to 2023 when he banked almost $140K. Veteran should be a player at this level.
Race 7: F&M NW7761 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) ATREACHEROUS A returned to Yonkers last week into the Forte barn and was sharp winner from out of the seven hole; I'm going to stick with him as she bumps up a notch looking to repeat. (5) VIBRANCE returns locally for Burke at a reduced level and the 4YO looks like a major player. (1) ROCKNROLL ANNIE figures to be protecting position from the rail and can land a share.
Race 8: NW16821 in last 5 starts Trot
(2) MISSISSIPPI STORM finished well last week at Philly and this veteran has won here numerous times in the past at or just below the Open level; trotter to his inside looks tough but this near millionaire will be a better price. (1) CRAZYLAND has been on a roll for Bartlett/Engblom and he gets a free ride again at this level as he fits the NW9 condition. (4) HOOLIE N HECTOR was a solid winner on last week's dropdown and paid an honest price; sharp sort can land a share.
Race 9: F&M NW15126 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) EASY TO PLEASE tapped into some of that back class last week with a solid score in 1:52 4/5 and she gets to stay at the same level looking to repeat. Tactics likely to change after going down the road from the rail but she may be better coming from behind anyway. (1) MILIEU HANOVER had an outside post in her local return and finished last but was only beaten two lengths; tonight she drops a notch and moves all the way inside. (7) DRAGONS LUCKY LADY has been knocking on the door and is more than capable with this type but may be done in by the poor post.
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Race 10: F&M NW30451 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SILK CLOUD A has been making a good living at the F&M Invite level and now she is able to drop to face a bit easier; class edge and improved post can get her back over the top. (1) UPTOWN HANOVER was well driven to secure the pocket last week then she sailed by Lit De Rose; mare lands the rail again with Beckwith driving tonight. (3) IDEALINFUN has been sharp for weeks now and she steps up in price looking for a second straight.
Race 11: F&M NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) SUGAR BRITCHES isn't fully proven with this type but she's sure been sharp for these connections and is a smooth trip from taking this. (4) CHERYLS SHADOW gets class and post relief; clearly the one to beat. (1) OKINAWA BEACH A missed a head from nowhere last start, figures to be close up from the pylons.
Race 12: NW5000 in last 5 starts Trot
(4) STREET GOSSIP looks to have a significant class edge here and should find a way in the finale. (8) WILLY WALTON was claimed for $40K two back but fits this lowest conditioned level. Now sure what kind of trip he's looking at but I'm sure Brennan doesn't want to get away last. (2) BULLY BOY HILL had competitive efforts four and five starts back in Pennsylvania; recent qualifier was nice too.