Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 1/31

Matt Rose|Jan 28, 2022

MEET STATS: 13 - 54 / $68.10 (-$39.90)

BEST BETS: 3 - 5 / $9.60 (-$0.40)

Best Bet: GINGER TREE PETE (1st)

Spot Play: ALEX TYE (7th)

Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(4) GINGER TREE PETE was a sharp winner last week for a sharp barn and he lands in a similar spot tonight. (5) TONY TOO TALL had plenty of pace last start but shook free from the pocket just a tad too late; I'm not sure I love the fact that he was claimed and goes out for another barn tonight, but he does stay at the same level. (2) IN SPADES wired a softer field last week, now bumps up and faces stronger; he does draw well again, however.

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

Race 2: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) BIG SIR was solid in defeat two back then had no chance last out from the eight hole and finished last, though beaten less than four lengths. Bucci trainee plunges from claimers and moves all the way inside. (3) WESTERN FAME hasn't worked out for his new connections yet but he's impossible not to consider from this spot. (5) BENHOPE RULZ N just missed two back then had the eight hole in a race with a 1/9 winner; he looks best of the rest.

Race 3: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) GROOVY JOE arrives from the Meadowlands off a sub-1:50 second-place effort and the Cullipher trainee has plenty of class; short price looming. (2) AINTNOBETTOR A freshened up with a qualifier last week as the Bako trainee looks to get back on the right track. (1) ESCAPETOTHEBEACH gets needed class relief and even more needed post relief.

Race 4: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(3) MARK WITHA K faltered in the late stages in his first start off the Travis Alexander claim but it had been a long time since he had seen the front end. He's back in for a $50K tag and may prefer a stalking trip. (5) BELTANE A hasn't picked up a check in either of his 2022 starts but this is definitely a better spot tonight. (7) VELOCITY KOMODO took advantage of a hot early pace and quitting leaders to post the mild upset last week; he'll need a similar scenario tonight to repeat but he can still rally for a smaller share.

Race 5: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) BRAEVIEW BONDI A was a bit outclassed at the Open level but two back he was a solid front-end winner versus similar to what he faces tonight. With a bit of luck he can take this, at what should be a decent price. (2) JESSE DUKE N didn't get involved from a tough spot last week; he'll be back cutting the mile tonight. (4) MIKE'S Z TAM has good early speed in his arsenal and that can help him set up a nice trip, possibly right behind the leader.

Race 6: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(5) REGAL SON goes from one live barn to another one via claim so maintaining his form shouldn't be a problem; 11-year-old has a legit chance to wire these. (6) MAGRITTE did beat the top one last week to amazingly make it six straight wins but from this post he may be giving up too much of a tactical edge. (2) PROVEN DESIRE has been okay in his two seasonal starts and he moves back inside; small share?

Race 7: $100,000 Claiming Pace

(4) ALEX TYE almost overcame a horrible shuffle two back, then finished willingly from a tough spot last week. Gelding seems razor-sharp now and can score with a smoother trip. (1) JOESSTAR OF MIA A just missed last week and he figures to be the controlling speed here. (3) LYONS KING paced a nice back half in that qualifier at Freehold after being off a couple of months. Maybe the break in action did him some good.

Race 8: Open Handicap Pace

(5) LEONIDAS A surprised me by not being the favorite, but it came as no surprise that he won easily. I think he can come right back and win again. (7) SAN DOMINO A is back in the Open after being claimed by Burke for $100K; veteran gets the worst of the draw but does have speed to compensate. (2) SPEED MAN N blasted last week from post seven, now lands inside.

Race 9: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(3) THISJETSABOOKIN was conservatively handled in his second 2022 start and never got involved; this feels like a spot where Stratton can be more aggressive. (1) FOX VALLEY INFERNO was off in a tangle at odds-on last week and was claimed out of that race; he stays at the same level and now draws best. (2) JIMS PERFECT TEN rallied well in his last two starts and now gets some post relief.

Race 10: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) GENIUS MAN was 97/1 making his first start in over a month but he closed very willingly and almost ran third. Lots to like here with this now 5-year-old Bucci trainee. (2) GLENGARRY KNIGHT N was clearly second best to a tough winner last week; player. (5) HERRICKROOSEVELT N can be a closing threat with a decent enough trip.

Race 11: $75,000 Claiming Pace

(1) MACH DORO A clearly needed last week's start and he didn't race badly from a no-chance spot. He had tailed off at the end of last season after a nice run but maybe the time off did him good. (2) LOU'S SWEETREVENGE was just short two back and now moves back inside. (4) WEONA SIZZLER A brushed over a quitting leader last out, opened up daylight but faltered late and ended up off the board. It was an improved effort, however, and it would be no surprise if he won.

Race 12: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(1) MARINER SEELSTER can still bring it at age 13 and he was reclaimed last out by the Alexander barn; veteran should be calling the shots here. (4) CHANGE STRIDE N finds a more reasonable spot and should be put in play. (3) SWAGASAURUSREX gets a mention on the barn change to Devita.