Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 7/17/26

2026 MEET STATS: 189 - 575 / $1,048.70 (-$101.30)

BEST BETS: 35 - 60 / $117.92 (-$2.08)

BEST BET: HOT FLASH KIMMY (6^th)

SPOT PLAY: WORKLIFEBALANCE (8^th)

Race 1: NW7500 in last 5 starts Trot

(6) CACTUSTOTHECLOUDS hasn't been racing all that badly at the $40K claiming level and he gets to drop to a softer spot tonight; Holland's choice over one he drives regularly. (2) PC FREE WHEELING returns to Stratton in the bike and figures to be close up throughout. (3) NOVEL also drops in class and draws well enough to make an impact at a price.

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

Race 2: NW5281 in last 5 starts Trot

(4) THE LAST CHAPTER returns to a catch driver after an extended stay in the Amateur ranks; veteran has clearly seen better days but his early speed has always been his best attribute and Stratton can have him forwardly placed here. (6) WARRIOR ONE is another oldtimer who hasn't done much recently but the former Open winner faces the softest field he's probably ever seen. (2) BE DIFFERENT had no chance from the eight hole in his local return but gets major post relief tonight.

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

(3) STRUTSVILLE returns to Yonkers in a softer spot after facing some tough ones recently at Philly and Pocono and she does have a local win this season at the NW15000 level; I can see her being a factor from this live post. (6) ISLAND BOUHINIA A was outfinished by fresher foes in her local debut but it wasn't a bad try; tough post but she's got sufficient early speed and will likely be a decent price. (5) LYDEO set a quick pressured clip last week and gave way; classy mare is better than her 0 for 14 record indicates.

Race 4: NW17151 in last 5 starts Trot

(3) BJM'S LIL MAN flattened after a two-move try last week but he gets a friendlier draw inside of his main rivals and that may be enough to get him over the top. (5) BLOCKCHAIN broke leaving in his local return. Burke trainee was odds-on in that race and will be a much better price tonight. (7) MISSISSIPPI STORM is still a legit player at his advancing age and has the early speed to get into play.

Race 5: F&M NW7551 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) COACHELLABOUND N finally picked up that long-awaited win last week and did it in impressive style; she's classy enough to string a few together as she makes her way back up the ladder. (5) MISS DOTTIE MAE returns from The Meadowlands where she's been racing well, culminating with a win in her last race; Vallee trainee has missed some time, however. (1) SURVIVIN FIRE has gotten progressively better in her three starts for the DiDomenico barn and she may be ready to win.

Race 6: NW12621 in last 5 starts Trot

(1) HOT FLASH KIMMY is by far the biggest money earner of these in 2026 and that's due to her being competitive with better than these. Stratton trainee drops in class again and moves from the eight hole to the rail. (5) ZENMEISTER S was a respectable second last week, his second start with Lasix added. Engblom trainee has Kelly again and should be a player. (2) SIR MAVERICK broke before the start in his local debut but did race okay from there and picked off a couple late; chance for a board spot if he minds his manners.

Race 7: F&M NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) ELEKTRA A is just 1 for 6 on the season but that win came the last time Stratton drove and he's in the bike tonight. Mare draws much better tonight and can be more involved at a decent price. (5) SILK CLOUD A is back at Yonkers at a reduced level after a decent try in a needed race at Pocono. (6) COASTAL BABE N is already a $250K earner this year and drops from the Invite. Only concern is drawing outside her main competition.

Race 8: F&M Invitational Pace

(1) WORKLIFEBALANCE gets a major class test tonight but the 4YO Noel Daley trainee is so sharp that with her rail assignment she may be able to not only compete here but actually win. (5) BATH BOMB has finished second five times in eight races this year and she returns locally off a needed race at Philly. Engblom trainee could be firing to the front. (2) SEASIDE DIVA hasn't been involved in her last couple but gets major post relief tonight.

[DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter]

Race 9: F&M NW15741 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) LOOKLIKEDIAMONDS A gets the class relief she needs and draws well. Tritton trainee won two straight from similar spots a couple of months back. (4) ULTIMATE SPEED stepped up in class last week off the Alexander reclaim and picked up a small piece; she drops a level and with her early speed can work out a nice trip up close. (3) DW'S DARLENE has been okay for these connections after they stepped her up off the claim and she can pick up another minor award here.

Race 10: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) LAMANDIER A had the eight hole in his local debut and never got close but finished decently; recent addition to the Devita barn now gets major post relief with an opportunity to show he can compete with these. (5) FEELIN WESTERN also lands a more favorable spot and gets a driver change to Holland, who may try a more aggressive approach. (3) ORLANDO BLUE A has been a disaster since that $40K claim a couple of months ago but he moves into a new barn in hopes of awakening.