Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 7/31/26
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2026 MEET STATS: 189 - 575 / $1,048.70 (-$101.30)
BEST BETS: 35 - 60 / $117.92 (-$2.08)
BEST BET: KILDARE KING (6th)
SPOT PLAY: SILK CLOUD A (4th)
Race 1: NW7500 in last 5 starts Trot
(2) SONGS IN THE WIND returns to Yonkers after two rugged efforts at Pocono and he was in tougher spots when last seen here. Barn doesn't have the best stats but did have a winner the other day. (1) SENSI AMNESIA also was facing better when we last saw her and she's been the most consistent in here. (6) CACTUSTOTHECLOUDS set a quick clip last start but fizzled out; speed makes him dangerous.
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Race 2: F&M NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) QUICK MENU was a winner when last at this NW5000 level and this is a brutal field with little form; Trainer Michael Seddon double? Certainly not impossible. (3) HURRIKANE MARIGOLD was an okay third vs $20K claimers last week. (2) DISCOVERINGTHEHUNT was caught up in fast miles in her last couple. Hails from a live barn from a good post.
Race 3: F&M NW7605 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) LAURIE LEE was second best last start at Saratoga when she reverted to speed tactics; classy mare makes no sense tonight at 20/1 ML but nobody else excites me and we know she can beat better than these when on her game. (1) BECKONING YANKEE broke leaving in her first start for the Hudson barn after arriving from Ohio. That was from the eight hole at a big price, now she's on the rail. (2) SHEZ THE REASON A is more than capable of sitting close up and picking up a share.
Race 4: F&M Invitational Pace
(2) SILK CLOUD A picks up Marohn tonight and the Pete Tritton trainee is always dangerous with her early speed. Having a post edge on most of these helps. (6) FRANCENT N starts her North American career at the Invite level, though this isn't the strongest field. Lachance import looks ready for action off those qualifiers. (4) SWEETNIKKILOU A exploded home last week to make it three straight and four of five.
Race 5: F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) LYDEO is still searching for that first seasonal win but the Dilloian, Jr trainee is talented and a good fit with these. Legit threat to take these down the road. (6) COACHELLABOUND N is back on top of her game as she climbs her way back up to the top levels. New driver tonight as Siegelman gets the call. (4) ULTIMATE SPEED finished close from a similar spot two back and she can add value to the exotics.
Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot
(3) KILDARE KING dominated at Philly in his debut for the Engblom barn after arriving from Ohio and he looks like a good fit here. (2) BJM'S LIL MAN always finishes close but can never seem to polish it off. 4YO is a contender but I'll use underneath. (1) K J TITLE landed the eight hole upon arrival from Monti and was going nowhere. From the rail tonight we'll be able to see if this mare belongs.
Race 7: NW10000 in last 5 starts Trot
(2) DIPLOMACY returns from Pocono and does have a win here this season, and that was against better than he faces tonight. Engblom trotter gets a timid call. (4) THE HAZELTON broke in his last Yonkers race but he does have plenty of local experience. Burke trainee gets some class relief in his local return. (3) I'M OUT drops and draws decently; he could be first one to the lead.
Race 8: F&M NW15911 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) MILLWOOD BLISS N was very sharp earlier in the season and will appreciate the class relief here; from this improved post I expect her to be handled aggressively. (2) RASPALIA N is also a very classy mare and despite not winning in her last five starts she still sports an impressive record at 10 for 18; Holland drives and she's the one to beat. (3) TIME TO STRIKE gave way under pressure last week and I would be shocked if she was on the front end again; she can save ground midpack and pick up a share
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Race 9: F&M NW24316 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) ELEKTRA A has been competitive against some tough ones recently and I think she's in sneaky good form; only concern is the trip from this midpack post. (1) WAITFOREVER N may be the controlling speed from the rail. (2) ANNA LOVES BANANAS has been handled well by Ginsburg in her last couple and he's listed again; she gets more of a class test tonight.
Race 10: NW5000 in last 5 starts Trot
(8) WARRAWEE YANG returns to Yonkers off a dominating win at The Meadows where he paid $2.10. Only thing keeping the Burke trainee from being a lock is the eight hole. (3) SPANISH ROOM gets significant post relief in his second try for these connections. (6) WARRIOR ONE lays over these class-wise but he's clearly not the same horse anymore. With that said the 10YO is still a player at this lower-conditioned level.