Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 10/21

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

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

BEST BET: THE IDEAL DANCER A (5^th)

SPOT PLAY: GENIUS MAN (1^st)

Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(2) GENIUS MAN has raced very well in his last few without a victory to show for it. Now with a post edge on his main rivals he can get over the hump as the second or third choice. (5) MEMPHISTENNESSEE N has also been knocking on the door and he's back in for the DiDomenico barn via reclaim; missed a nose from a similar spot last time in this barn. (3) SAN DOMINO A gamely prevailed first off the claim for these connections; obvious chance for this veteran to repeat.

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Race 2: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(3) MIND HUNTER goes for five straight and overall has been on fire for an extended period of time starting at the NW5000 level. Can he get a :58 half again? (5) BECHERS BROOK A bumped up to the $50K level off the Alexander claim and was second to the top choice, his fourth runner-up finish in a row. Needs an alert start again from Kakaley. (2) GENTLE GIANT gets major post relief and it's not too long ago he was a winner out of the eight hole; threat.

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Race 3: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(1) MAXIMUS RED A shocked out of the eight hole for Bongiorno last out when returning to the $40K claiming level and he stays in the winning class looking to win again. Only problem here is the lack of value as he's likely the favorite now. (5) BIG DREAM FELLA was third best to the top choice last out off the Laterza claim and a similar effort puts him close again. Looks like a crapshoot for the rest...maybe (7) OZONE BLUE CHIP can sneak into the number as he's classy and a proven winner with this type.

Race 4: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

Tough to guess who's leaving here but it seems like the pocket trip to likely pacesetter #1 is the place to be. (6) TICKERTAPE HANOVER was 2/1 last out but never threatened; he lands in a similar post but he's flashed speed in the past so maybe Stratton gets more aggressive here. (1) SEMI TOUGH remains the one to beat despite failing to convert last week at 25 cents on the dollar. (4) GINGRAS BEACH gets some class and post relief and will be more involved.

Race 5: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) THE IDEAL DANCER A had been dull for a few starts but dropped to NW7500 and blew the field away from the eight hole in 1:50 3/5. Steps back up a notch but faces nothing all that threatening. (1) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK has always had the speed but needs to improve his late action. Touch to have on top but a live one to use underneath. (4) BENHOPE RULZ N was second best to the top choice last out at even money; much-improved price now.

Race 6: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(4) BIG GULP moves from conditioned events into claimers hoping to awaken. I think this is a good spot for the Engblom trainee. (1) SHAKESPEARE is back with the Daguet barn via $50K reclaim and moves back to the rail. I always seem to guess wrong with this guy but he's a clear contender here. (2) TAKE A CLOSER LOOK has taken three straight at the $30K level so I don't blame the connections with moving him up to protect him. Good post gives him a good chance for a good share.

Race 7: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) CARABAO A looked good winning his last local start and the Lance Hudson trainer returns from Pocono facing legit talent but seemingly in a live spot; may offer some value as well. (3) HEMSWORTH N is better than he's shown in his last few but he's held his own versus the big boys and should appreciate the class relief. (1) SHAZAM BLUE CHIP is in good form and gets major post relief for good connections.

Race 8: Invitational Pace

(4) AMERICAN DEALER N gets a much better draw tonight and is always a major player from the inner half of the gate; Toscano trainee seems to make the most sense here. (5) HELLABALOU took a couple of weeks off and now returns to the overnight wars; 2x Borgata champ figures to be put in play. (8) HIMSELF N was assigned post eight last week and still almost got it done; can he get into the action again from this brutal spot?

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Race 9: 3-5 YO $30,000 Claiming Pace

(1) J B GRAM wired similar from the rail last start and the strategy figures to be the same here as the likely chalk. (6) CAPTAIN T HANOVER was reclaimed again by the Watson barn and he's been a good second twice for these connections. (3) TO THE HUNT is another oft-claimed pacer who consistently puts in good efforts.

Race 10: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) YOROKOBI N has been camera-shy lately but he drops to a more reasonable level and moves back inside. Pete Tritton trainee is back with Stratton looking to trip out in the finale. (6) SOUTHWIND PETYR is stepping up a notch but that shouldn't be a problem as this gelding has beaten better than these in the past; just missed his last two tries with Bartlett driving. (5) SAMHARA N looks for two straight for A. Nap/Hudson, a live pairing. Props to (3) THE REAL ONE who is winding down a fantastic career and he can still compete with these; class and post relief makes him a must-use somewhere in the top four.