Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 7/8

Matt Rose|Jul 06, 2022

MEET STATS: 209 - 646 / $1,066.90 (-$225.10)

BEST BETS: 33 - 59 / $136.30 (+$18.30)

Best Bet: LETTUCERIPRITA A (3rd)

Spot Play: ITSMYCHECK GB (2nd)

Race 1: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) MACH DORO A ran well enough to win last week on the big drop from claimers but was held at bay by a sharp rival; he lands in a similar spot tonight and should be able to get over the hump. (1) MARTY MONKHOUSER A tried going down the road as expected last week but faltered late and was caught. Oldtimer draws best and returns to Stratton. (4) PRINCE MCARDLE N has been a serious underachiever but note his one win this year was against $75K claimers so obviously the ability is there.

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Race 2: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(8) ITSMYCHECK GB hasn't picked up a penny in his last five starts but prior to this dry spell he was a two-time winner facing $50K claimers; Jordan is back driving for Cory facing a blank field and is worth a look despite the eight hole. (1) GINGER TREE PETE hasn't been functioning all that well for an otherwise live barn; drop, move inside and return to Kakaley will help his cause. (4) WAR DAN DELIGHT N raced willingly in the back half last start to pass tired horses and Bartlett gets the drive again.

[DRF BETS: Wager on tonight's Yonkers card at DRF Bets.com!]

Race 3: $15,000 Claiming Pace

(4) LETTUCERIPRITA A is back in the Gillis barn via reclaim, back to Stratton driving, and likely back to the winner's circle. (2) ASTON HILL DAVE suddenly got good for a struggling barn and was claimed by an equally struggling barn; Bartlett gets the call from a good spot. (1) CASHNCAM woke up out of nowhere last week and he lands the rail again; repeat effort or bounce?

Race 4: NW15000 in last 5 starts Trot

(3) LADY ANN NO raced very well two back when a catch-driver drove the Smedhsammer trainee and tonight Kakaley hops in the bike. Class and post relief are important as well. (6) LEAN HANOVER is a legit Open-caliber trotter when on his game. He should well with this type. (2) COLONIAL AS IT was a solid winner out of the eight hole two back, then disappointed last week. Which version shows up?

Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(4) MARINER SEELSTER faltered on the front end in back-to-back races but last week Brennan had him off the pace and he converted at 5/1. Kakaley is back driving and this veteran may elect to sit a trip again, likely behind (2) BLUEBIRD RECON. The latter has found his stride for the Dowse barn and he's back in for a tag going for three straight. (7) LITTLE POWER arrived rather quietly at Yonkers and has since taken five straight while climbing the class ladder. He'll be a big price here from the outside post with an unproven local driver.

Race 6: NW24371 in last 5 starts Trot

(4) SKY CASTLES has been on a roll recently, and the venue, driver or trainer changes haven't seemed to stop him. Bartlett gets the drive tonight going for five straight. (2) NEW HEAVEN always gives a good accounting of himself when drawn well. (3) KINDA LUCKY LINDY figures to be saving ground most of the way and can kick home for a share, but we've also seen him grind. Either way he can hit the ticket.

Race 7: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(7) B LIKE CRUISER has been claimed multiple times recently despite not having a ton of success on the racetrack. He's back with Dowse though and he teamed up with Bartlett for a win back in May. (1) GIVENUPDREAMING has shown improvement since moving to the Devita barn. (5) BENJI'S BEST powered off to a 1:51 1/5 win last week…wow! Is he overbet now?

Race 8: Open Handicap Trot

(4) AMIGO VOLO had too far to come in his last local try but was a good winner the week prior and he should have a tactical edge on some of his major opponents. (5) EUROBOND was left alone to rate on the front end in his last start and he drew off easily. Obviously this Alexander trainee has a big chance to repeat. (3) MELADY'S MONET projects to be a big price here as technically he moves up off a no-factor trip and regular local driver Bartlett stayed with the top choice but you can never count out the double-millionaire.

Race 9: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) R MADDY BLUE CHIP has obviously had some problems over the last few months but last week's qualifier was eye-catching with that sharp final quarter. Leading driver Bartlett driving for a high-percentage barn gets the call in the finale. (4) GLENGARRY KNIGHT N was competitive with much better than these not too long ago. (5) ROCK N TONY is another underachiever in here who was claimed for $30K by these connections a few months ago and is looking to awaken at the bottom level.