Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 12/5
MEET STATS: 427 - 1217 / $2,122.20 (-$311.80)
BEST BETS: 68 - 117 / $249.10 (+$15.10)
Best Bet: BARBADOS (3rd)
Spot Play: QUATRAIN BLUE CHIP (9th)
Race 1: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) PRETTY HANDSOME has been second best in his last two tries at this level and he's been a solid participant in pretty much all of his local races this season; top billing from the rail. (4) BRONX SEELSTER returns from an extended stay in Pennsylvania where he's been facing similar for the most part. Bartlett picks up the drive with the barn's regular driver Brennan not here tonight and he may be looking to leave the gate. (2) TJ'S INDY PACER was favored at the NW20000 level upon arrival from Hoosier but he never got close. New addition to the Alexander barn figures to be more involved tonight.
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Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(3) ARRHYTHMIC SURGE has missed a few months of action but he qualified decently enough and was racing well versus $50K claimers the last time we saw him. He's in a good spot here if he's ready to fire. (1) GENTLEMANJIM II IE also drops from $50K and picks up a driver change to the much more aggressive Gingras. (7) BALLARAT BOOMERANG tired in his first start for the Engblom barn after escaping in the great Dowse dispersal of 2022. He also drops, does have speed, but it's hard to know what to expect here.
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Race 3: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(1) BARBADOS awakened with the recent class drop and switch to Gingras; nine-time winner this year is in a prime spot to return to the winner's circle. (4) PURPLE POET was a big price from the eight hole in his first start for new connections but he managed to pass a few and pick up a check. Rising star candidate Braxton Boyd drives again and figures to be more involved with the post improvement. (5) OSTRO HANOVER takes a meaningful drop from the $75's to the $50K level and is capable of better.
Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(1) BRACKLEY BEACH has grinded his way to three straight wins since the claim by the Adamczyk barn and he faces much of the same tonight. Razor-sharp gelding can take another with Boyd. (3) MISTER SPOT A has raced well for Tirella considering he was claimed for only $25K. He drops a notch from the 50's and has the looks of a legit player. (2) DARK ENERGY N is another veteran in here who has been going well and draws inside.
Race 5: $75,000 Claiming Pace **$10,000 Gtd. Pick-5 Pool**
(3) SETH HANOVER drops in for a tag for the first time after climbing his way up the conditioned ranks and last week he was boxed in facing some tough ones. Perhaps he can land the trip behind favored (1) OZONE BLUE CHIP and sneak by at a price. The latter has rolled down the road in his last three and will undoubtedly be controlling the action again at odds-on. (5) THE REGULATOR has improved with the class relief and addition of Lasix. He's also back in for a tag and gets the leading driver in the bike.
Race 6: NW30476 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) SONNY WEAVER N has had a big season for the Cullipher barn and he ships back in riding a two-race winning streak. Gelding should be a nice fit with this type. (4) NANDOLO N keeps chugging along making money but he doesn't seem to win as often as he should; last week was a neck loss at even money. (1) FAMILY RECIPE departs from the rail and I imagine Holland will aggressively be trying to hold his position.
Race 7: Open Handicap Pace
(6) BUDDY HILL is one of the few in here that have had success at this level and he does have good speed off the gate, which he hasn't utilized in his last couple of starts. With a good getaway he can be a major player at a decent price. (3) OAKWOODNITTOWINIT IR gave way to harsh pressure last start but just missed the start prior from the pocket. He figures to be setting up shop pretty close to the front and can land a nice piece. (5) NO LOU ZING returns locally in another new barn (Drennan) and Bartlett picks up the drive. He generally tends to be overbet.
Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) WALKINSHAW N has grinded his way to $134K earned on the season by giving an honest effort week after week. Veteran hasn't won in a while but is always capable from inside posts. (3) DIAMONDBEACH faces softer than he's accustomed to and he could be the controlling speed. (4) STOP STARING has looked good in two starts after moving to the Alexander barn and he's up in class again; 4-year-old could be talented enough.
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Race 9: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) QUATRAIN BLUE CHIP is in the midst of a big form spree and he should be looking at a live trip from the rail; maybe. (4) UPTOWN FUNK has also been going very well but he does enter a new barn via clainm after a long run with his prior connections; that tends to make me a bit nervous sometimes, especially at a short price. (2) MONGOLIAN HERO N seems like he's been around forever but he's only nine; Pelling trainee is making just his seventh start of the season but he's been good recently.
Race 10: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N missed just half a length in his second try after arriving from Australia and it was a big try considering they walked to the half; Lance Hudson trainee faces a few droppers in here but I'll stick with him. (4) SHAKE IT is a 3-year-old facing more established rivals but he picks up Braxton Boyd in his local return, who has a knack for being in the right places at the right times. (3) WHITECOOKIE has clearly tailed off of late but he drops and gets Gingras in the bike.