Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 7/21

2023 MEET STATS: 257 - 733 / $1,221.20 (-$244.80)

BEST BETS: 42 - 69 / $133.40 (-$4.60)

BEST BET: LUCIANO N (12^th)

SPOT PLAY: DELITFULCATHERIN N (8^th)

Race 1: $25,000 Claiming Pace

(1) DECOY had been racing reasonably well with a couple of recent wins at Pocono and board finishes locally, but he was claimed out of his last race by the Adamczyk barn and stays at the same level where he fits well. In line for a live trip. (4) GOTHIC ROCK is probably best a level or two down but his early speed can make him a major player. (5) ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR dips significantly in price and the Bako trainee picks up Bartlett; he's burned plenty of money in his last four.

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Race 2: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(3) STATEMENT MADE A has been on a major form spree and he's in a good spot here to make it four straight. (1) ARRHYTHMIC SURGE hasn't tasted victory in quite a while and has just four wins over the last 49 starts but he lands the rail with the aggressive Holland driving again looking to improve. (2) DEETZY is back in for a claiming tag and gets post relief with Bartlett back driving.

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Race 3: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(7) LOORIM LAKE A rallied well for a board spot last week and while he's stuck outside again he faces softer and also picks up the leading driver. I have to assume he'll be forwardly placed. (2) GLACIS rarely wins but the Lachance trainee is always live at these lower levels. (8) BALLERAT BOOMERANG is arguably the classiest in here but he's stuck in the eight hole with the favorite directly to his inside. Tough spot.

Race 4: $15,000 Claiming Pace

(4) SMILEANDSAYCHEESE shipped in last week but the Garcia-Herrera trainee never got into the action from the eight hole. Tonight should be a different story as he gets needed post relief and faces some very shaky rivals. (1) LYONS NIGHT HAWK was improved last out for the sharp connections of Gillis and Stratton but he will probably be undervalued on the win end; using underneath. (7) MAJESTIC KIWI N has been dull but he drops and gets Bartlett.

Race 5: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

I keep getting sucked into (3) KEYSTONE DASH and he owes me a ton of money. This week's angle is the fresh set of hands as Marohn takes over the driving duties. (1) CAN B PERFECT tired going a fast pace last week but he looms the one to beat here with the drop and rail draw. (7) SETH HANOVER fits well with these and should be able to make some sort of impact here despite the poor draw.

Race 6: $15,000 Claiming Pace

It's taken some time but the back class of (2) MACH DORO A is finally showing as he's been solid since returning from a layoff and he stays at a winning level looking for his third straight. (1) TOATSMYGOATS has controlling speed and lands the rail in his local return; Stratton picks up the drive and he's the clear main threat to the top choice. (8) MISSILE SEELSTER dropped back to the $15K level last week and was claimed. He's got early speed at his disposal and will be a big price. Maybe he sneaks into the top three or four.

Race 7: Can You Go The Distance Final - 1 1/4 mile Trot

(2) BARRY BLACK pops up with a big effort now and again, and he's been doing that for years. This added-distance race may work to his advantage as he figures to be saving ground off the leaders and could prove freshest late. (6) JULA MUSCLE PACK has been going well lately, including last week's late surge for the win. Trotter is one of the original Engblom trainees before his barn exploded in size and he should be a serious player with these. (5) GREY has loads of class and he's already over the $100K mark in seasonal earnings; Mare may be cutting the pace.

Race 8: F&M Open Handicap Pace 1-5 drawn, 6 assigned

(1) DELITFULCATHERIN N hit a rough patch in June but she took some time off and last week's race was fine. Now she's right back in the box and is more than capable of bouncing back with a sharp effort. (6) LIT DE ROSE makes money week after week and though she may end up with too much to do to get there for the win she'll be right there. (2) MCMARKLE SPARKLE looks like she's back in top form, which makes her a legit Open contender.

Race 9: F&M NW24358 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) IN THE SPOTLIGHT N meets a solid field but she's been ultra-consistent and could offer a bit of value starting from post six. (4) CHERYLS SHADOW has plenty of early speed but some of her better efforts have come from a bit off the pace; Bartlett picks up the drive with Brennan opting to the top choice. (2) LADY NEWTON hasn't done much since moving to the Gillis barn but she does get post relief and Stratton is back driving.

Race 10: F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) TECHY'S ANGEL A made an uncharacteristic break last out but if we just ignore that line this mare stacks up very nicely with these and Siegelman has some tactical options. (5) TONY'S MOM has been coming up a little short lately but the Engblom trainee is still an obvious contender here. (1) MISS CHANTILLY N flew home two back then didn't fire last week. Marohn is back driving.

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Race 11: $20,000 Claiming Pace

(7) OURRHYTHMNBLUES N came up just shy in his last two and overall has hit the board in his last six races; early gate speed always makes him dangerous. (1) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES drops a class and moves all the way from the eight hole to the rail; big chance. (2) SEAFARER didn't fire last out at odds-on and was claimed out of that race by Bako, who leaves him at the same level. Geldling is capable of bouncing back.

Race 12: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) LUCIANO N has kind of just been going through the motions recently but he gets a needed drop in class to the lowest level, draws a decent post and gets Bartlett in the bike. To the front. (7) HEART OF DIXIE closed well in his local return and maybe Siegelman tries to leave hard to find a seat. Otherwise he's in a tough spot. (1) HE'S GONNA GETYA figures to be more involved moving all the way to the rail but he's never shown any speed off the gate. He can threaten if tracking close enough to the leader.