Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 11/13

2023 MEET STATS: 414 - 1161 / $2,162.70 (-$159.30)

BEST BETS: 61 - 108 / $201.90 (-$14.10)

BEST BET: REAL PEACE (6^th)

SPOT PLAY: TUGGIN ON MY HEART (1^st)

Race 1: 3-5YO $50,000 Claiming Pace

(7) TUGGIN ON MY HEART has been a solid fit at this level for the Jenn Bongiorno barn and he’s got the early speed to overcome the post; Buter picks up the catch drive and he gets top billing. (4) POUND FOR POUND takes a big step up in price upon arrival from Pocono but he definitely looks fast enough to compete here. (1) SETH HANOVER will be sitting close up, could land a share.

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Race 2: NW21751 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) HEMSWORTH N hasn’t won since back in early September but with the overall class and post relief this is probably the best spot he’s seen since then. (4) NANDOLO N could be considered a disappointment by some this season but still banked $170K; regular driver Bartlett is aboard again and like the top choice this is a much better spot. (2) GROOVY JOE and (6) EL’S ROCKER are two to consider underneath.

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

(2) ONE CRAZY GUY just missed from a very similar spot two back and four back he wired he field; Devita trainee gets top billing. (5) SHUFFLE UP HANOVER has been a solid earner for Engblom, now goes to Forte off last week’s claim; if he maintains his form he’ll be tough. (4) PEPPERMINT MAN seemed fine in that recent qualifier after stopping in his prior start. Will he be used hard this time around?

Race 4: Open Handicap 1-3,4-8 drawn Pace

(5) HELLABALOU is back at Yonkers after touring the Midwest for Burke and the 5YO has had a ‘hellava’ season; don’t forget he was the Borgata champ. Post draw makes him the tone to beat. (4) MOONSHINE KISSES is back at the Open level and speed is his biggest asset. Brennan can be first to the front. #6,7,8 are all legit but may be done in by the post draw; which one will have the biggest late impact?

Race 5: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(7) DESPERATE MAN added Lasix last week, came out of the seven hole and dominated a class below this one. Razor-sharp sort gets the call to repeat. (8) THIS IS THE PLAN gets a major mention on class and reputation, and he has still got the early speed to get into play. Chance for a price on the $3M earner. (1) JAHAN HANOVER lands the rail for top connections but has something to prove at this level.

Race 6: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(3) REAL PEACE was a well-rated winner last out for Bartlett/Engblom and he has a post edge here on his man competition which gives him top billing. (5) NOME HANOVER was in a good spot upon arrival and took advantage with a sharp win, now goes for new connections off the $40K claim and picks up Stratton. (4) HUDSON PHIL wasn’t awful last week up in class after getting claimed and Gingras drives again; another who can be forwardly placed.

Race 7: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

Look at the posts (4) SPEED MAN N had his last three starts, so landing the four hole must feel like paradise. He’s loaded with back class and drops to the lowest level he’s seen in ages. (2) ROCK DIAMONDS N has been picking up checks with solid on-the-board finishes lately; Bongiorno veteran has a big shot here. (6) COACHES CORNER is a perfect 4 for 4 since moving to the Engblom barn and he gets a strong test tonight. I’ll be impressed if he can win another.

Race 8: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) OZONE BLUE CHIP hasn’t found the winner’s circle in quite some time but he was a solid second last week and now gets to drop another level. Needs an alert getaway to sit a trip and he can do it at a decent price. (4) LAYTON HANOVER seems to need a bit more in the late stages but he too faces a bit softer. (3) WALKINSHAW N is wrapping up another workmanlike season with $117K banked and he does his best work in spots like this; is he first to the front?

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Race 9: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(1) BALLERAT BOOMERANG didn’t get involved in his first start back in the Laterza barn but three back was a winner for these connections; Brennan can take this field down the road. (8) ALOTBETTOR N has been a solid performer all year for Ruiz; obviously the eight hole is a killer but if new driver Kakaley can get him into play then watch out! (4) PEDRO HANOVER is unattractive at his low morning line as he drops back in to claimers, but he should be a contender.

Race 10: 3-5YO $50,000 Claiming Pace

(1) GENTLE GIANT hasn’t been a major factor from the rail in his last two starts here but he was facing some tougher foes than he sees here; I think the William Mann trainee will be a live player tonight. (3) KOOTENAY SANTANNA saved and rallied well in return to this class and he could work out a live trip. (5) TOPVILLE SOMROCKET picks up Bartlett tonight; maybe the fresh set of hands helps.