Yonkers: Analysis for Friday 9/4

MEET STATS: 145 - 419 / $764.90 (-$73.10)
BEST BETS: 22 - 39 / $70.70 (-$7.30)
Best Bet: HOT DEUCE (7th)
Spot Play: NORTHERN SPORTSMAN (3rd)

Race 1 - NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) CHACHING HANOVER could not hold off the strong uncovered winner last out but was game for second; he should offer some improved value tonight and seems worthy of another chance. (2) GRAND PRIORITY improved in a big way upon his return, finishing second in a quick 1:52 1/5, he'll attract plenty of attention off that race. (1) SURREAL ART has behaved himself recently; step in the right direction.

Race 2 - NW17500 in last 5 starts Trot

(4) PAT MATTERS has been in against loads better in recent and the trotting mare will appreciate the class drop. (2) FASHION CREDITOR rallied well last week and now gets significant post relief. (5) NEW HEAVEN hasn't been at his best this season but is still a steady commodity versus this type.

Race 3 - NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) NORTHERN SPORTSMAN could not sustain a move from the back of the pack versus better last week when over 100/1 but the Devita trainee gets class and post relief here which should make him a player. (5) MAROMA BEACH also drops and looms a solid threat for Brennan/DiDomenico. (4) DOCTOR BUTCH put in a much-improved effort upon dropping to this NW5000 level but still couldn't seal the deal.

Race 4 - NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) MACH IT SO hasn't earned a penny in his last five starts but he was facing some tough competition; I have to believe the oldtimer still has some life left in those $2.8 million dollar legs. (5) MAXDADDY BLUE CHIP rallied from off the pace to score at odds-on last week versus cheaper but as previously mentioned consistency isn't his strong suit. (4) ANTHEM N was no match for the winner at crazy-low odds last out but the horse who beat him (Keystone Phoenix) is a legit talent.

Race 5 - NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(7) TECHTOR HANOVER hasn't raced back to his prior abilities in quite some time (when he was a legit "Saturday night horse") but he hinted at life last out, drops to the basement and I have to believe Brennan will be sending him hard. (5) MEADOWBROOK FLASH put in an effort two back that would make him a big player here. (2) HUGH HEFNER N saved ground in his last two to hit the ticket and is in a similar spot to the do the same.

Race 6 - NW17500 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) ELWELL has been good in every start this year for Laterza and just needs a smooth trip to convert versus this evenly-matched field. (3) OHOKA JOHNNY N faces a bit better here but the Shane Tritton import needs to be respected. (6) MOHAWK WARRIOR drops back to the level of his last win but unfortunately he draws outside of his main competition.

Race 7 - NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) HOT DEUCE drops in class and it appears the freelegged pacer found a spot where he can control these on the front end. (1) PICKLED PREACHER is another Laterza trainee who has raced well in all recent starts and he always offers good value; include. (8) MCCLINCHIE N can go with these and we'll see if Holland can get him in play from the eight hole.

Race 8 - NW25000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) CAVIART LUCA was a pocket-rocket winner two back in the Open and now returns locally to face a similar (if not slightly easier) field; Brennan will have him on the lead or in the pocket. (1) HUDSON PHIL went a tough trip in his last local try but he went back to his home base and scored in the feature at Saratoga; big player from this spot. (2) LEONIDAS A paced in 1:48 4/5 in his North American debut at Pocono and he'll attract plenty of attention here coming off that effort.

Race 9 – NW17500 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) KEYSTONE PHOENIX is back up in class off a confidence-building victory and while he doesn't find the ideal spot here he's talented enough to string multiple good efforts together and he should offer value. (5) YAYAS HOT SPOT N likely needed last week's start after missing time with a sick scratch; do I need to mention again how Stratton/Tritton merits automatic respect? (3) SOHO LENNON A held game on the front end last out in returning to the win column; barn-favorite veteran deserves consideration.