Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 10/14

2024 MEET STATS: 369 - 1206 / $1,989.30 (-$422.70)

BEST BETS: 52 - 105 / $183.70 (-$26.30)

BEST BET: SEMI TOUGH (6^th)

SPOT PLAY: AROUND MIDNIGHT (4^th)

Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(4) PRETTY HANDSOME failed to mount a serious threat last week when trying to get involved from the outermost post but two back he was able to work out a pocket trip and just missed; he's just 2 for 29 on the season but is in a legit spot here to get it done. (1) THEFLYINGROCK was second best recently to a streaking rival and looms the one to beat from the rail for Bartlett/Engblom. (2) KOUNT BLASTER hasn't put in a bad effort in recent memory and should be right up close from this spot.

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

Race 2: 3-5YO $30,000 Claiming Pace

(1) CAPTAIN T HANOVER has been on a big form spree recently and the oft-claimed pacer has done well for multiple barns; he's back to Devita, stays at a winning level and lands the rail. (2) CAUGHTINALANDSLIDE was too far back to threaten first start out off the Bongiorno claim but now he gets serious post relief and Joe B picks up the lines. (4) SOUTH POINT hasn't been a major player since being claimed by these connections back in August but this is actually the best post he's seen through those five starts with DiDomenico; upset chance in otherwise chalky-looking race.

Race 3: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) NONE BETTOR A has really responded positively since Napolitano took over the driving and he returns off those confidence-boosting races at Pocono; 11YO still has the class to get it done. (4) FUNATTHEBEACH N is another classmaster and he steps up again looking for three straight. (1) KINGSVILLE hasn't won in ages but is always good for a piece; he does drop in class to a better level but unfortunately has to contend with the top two choices.

Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(3) AROUND MIDNIGHT was close two back and picked up a game win in his most recent for a barn that's been pretty good all season. From a similar spot he can take another. (4) JUST ENUFF STUFF seems to have a case of 'seconditis' as he's been the runner-up 12 times this year with only four wins. He gets an improved post here which should keep him closer to the action. (2) IM A POWERPLAY A has good early speed which will most likely be on display for Bongiorno, though he failed to hold sway at odds-on in latest.

Race 5: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(4) MIND HUNTER has been on a major roll recently as he's moved up the class ladder for the Adamczyk barn. He currently seems a bit faster than these as he goes for four straight. (2) CENTURY ENDEAVOR has been a little on the dull side recently but he takes a drop from the $60/$75K claiming level to the $50's and draws well again; veteran seems eligible for a wakeup call. (3) BECHERS BROOK A finally steps up a class off a claim after playing "rent a horse" at the $40K level for months. Now in the Alexander barn he picks up Kakaley and gets significant post relief.

Race 6: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) SEMI TOUGH drops to the lowest level he's seen in ages at Yonkers and the Burke trainee really has little excuse to fail. (1) SHINE A LIGHT successfully dropped and popped last out and now draws best stepping back up a notch. (5) IKE'S DREAM is also up a level in class off a series of losses but he does have good early speed for Bartlett. If #4 isn't active in the early going maybe he can get on or near the lead early at a price.

Race 7: NW20891 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) LEONIDAS A raced well from the pocket in behind a rated pace in his return to the races; hard to believe he's just 1 for 19 on the season but the wins will hopefully come soon, maybe even tonight at a fair price. (1) PEACE OUT POSSE is on a major roll for Bongiorno and looks like the deserving favorite going for a fourth straight. (5) KEYTANG KAMIKAZE A picks up Bartlett in his second start off a six-plus month break for the Shane Tritton barn.

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

Race 8: Invitational Pace

(2) ROCKNROLL RUNA A is winless since his huge upset in the McKee on Hambletonian day but he lands a favorable inside post in this mostly open draw and gets Mark MacDonald back in the bike. Facing non-stakes foes again may propel him back to the winner's circle. (4) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR has raced well in his two starts at this top level and now moves inside a few slots; Stafford trainee looks like he fits here and figures to be a square price. (5) BIRTHDAY shifts from the age-restricted Open to this Invitational event but he has good speed and Brennan may be able to make the top with this Burke trainee.

Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) ITALIAN LAD N takes a plunge from the $50K claiming level where he was probably a bit outclassed to this softer conditioned event. He may need a bit of help from this spot but should be a decent price. (4) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK has always has the speed but not necessarily the staying power; should be able to make the front if Mark MacD chooses. (2) MIDNIGHT THUNDER just missed a couple of months back from a similar spot and Kakaley picks up the drive tonight.