Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 2/6
2023 MEET STATS: 26 - 60 / $122.50 (+$2.50)
BEST BETS: 5 - 6 / $14.40 (+$2.40)
Best Bet: OZONE BLUE CHIP (7th)
Spot Play: PYRO (6th)
Race 1: NW20931 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) FUNATTHEBEACH N was able to score quite comfortably in his last start and he basically gets a free ride at this level from the same post. Gelding is simply better than these and is a deserving favorite. (5) SMOKIN BY N was good in defeat last week and he looms a big player underneath. (4) EUPHORIA N raced willingly in his initial two U.S. starts at Freehold and he was a nice earner Down-under last year.
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Race 2: NW35041 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) PRICELESS BEACH picked up right where he left off at the end of last year as he finished with strong late pace to make it close at the wire. Bako trainee now gets an improved post and may offer a bit of value considering #2 will take plenty of money. (2) AMERICAN DEALER N was in a tough spot in his local return and he too finished with pace. He drops from the Open and moves inside. (1) ITALIAN LAD N faces much better tonight but he was so good in victory last week that he deserves serious consideration here.
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Race 3: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(4) ELWELL served notice that he's ready for a return to the winner's circle with that solid pocket-sitting effort last start, and the drop from the $40's to the $30's certainly will help the cause. (2) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES was dull on the rim last week after a string of big efforts and he was claimed out of that start; he can set up a nice trip from this spot for his new connections. (6) BETTER B SWIFT looked like he was shot from a cannon in the late stages last week; Gingras drives tonight from a similar spot.
Race 4: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) DIAMONDBEACH recovered well from a break in his last pari-mutuel start and had to qualify after jumping in two consecutive races but that pre-race session was fine and he should be good to go here. Boyd drove him in that qualifier and gets the call again. (2) MR DS ROCK was no match for the top two last week but he drops and this race doesn't figure to go as fast as that one. (6) IDEALSOMEMAGIC A was a complete jogburger in his last two but he steps up to face better and moves towards the outer part of the gate.
Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace - $10K Gtd. Pick 5 Pool
(4) CAPTIVATE HANOVER was both lucky and good last start as he challenged gamely and benefitted when the leader broke deep stretch. Burke trainee has quickly proven that he belongs with this type. (2) TIN ROOF RAIDER A was also a winner at this level last out and he figures to be a big threat again. (3) FLOW WITH JOE lands post three after two consecutive eight holes to start his season. That fact obviously makes him worthy of consideration.
Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) PYRO should be tighter making his second start of the season and despite not having the greatest record from outside posts this may be the softest field he's ever seen at Yonkers. Garcia-Herrera trainee seems like a must-use. (1) MARLBANK ROAD was much-improved in his second 2023 start though he did most of his stretch running inside the pylons; Holland picks up the drive tonight from the innermost post. (5) MOONLIGHT SHADOW is a neck and a head shy of a three-race winning streak and though he does jump in class he's sharp enough to consider.
Race 7: $50,000/$75,000 Claiming Handicap Pace
(5) OZONE BLUE CHIP came back fresh for his seasonal debut and he blasted down the road. Tonight he faces a softer group of foes in this claiming handicap and he did well with the outer draw. Bako trainee looks like a Pick-5 single to me. (2) LONG WEEKEND A gave it a good try last week but was run down by the razor-sharp $50K claimer Barbados. He figures to be sitting close up, perhaps in the pocket to the top choice. (4) DELIGHTFUL TERROR enters claimers and has been decent in most recent races; Stratton gets the drive.
Race 8: Open Handicap Pace
Only five horses in here but they all have a legitimate chance. (4) OAKWOODNITTOWNIT IR just missed in last week's Open after having solid speed at both ends at almost 30/1. Kakaley is back driving and he could be tough if he can clear the front without too much trouble. (3) SEMI TOUGH has changed tactics in recent times as he's been leaving the gate and he's become a front-running presence; I'm not sure if he can hold off the top choice, however. (5) NANDOLO N has been on fire for the Shane Tritton barn but he likely trails in this spot and would need a fast pace in front of him.
Race 9: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) EHRMANTRAUT lacks the class of some others in here but he projects to get a good trip and the Daguet barn has been hot. (3) FEELIN WESTERN figures to respond to the class drop and was a winner from a similar spot two back. (5) GENIUS MAN also is back at a more competitive level after not firing at 72/1 in the Open last week.
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Race 10: NW7861 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) I DRAINTHESWAMP A has been caught up in fast miles his last couple at the 'swamp' and has held pretty well for smaller shares; this feels like a much better spot for the Erv Miller trainee. (7) WESTERN JOE is clearly the class of the contest but it's hard to say how aggressive he'll be from this outside post. (1) JK's CHAMP could have a little more to offer making his second start for Tritton.
Race 11: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) TWIN B HEART THROB has looked very sharp for the Cullipher barn since arriving locally and despite a bump in class he may get involved at an overlay price; Dave Miller is listed to drive. (4) BENHOPE RULZ N is generally accustomed to facing better than these and he's making his way back up the class ladder going for two straight. (1) JAHAN HANOVER was a pocket-sitting winner in his last two at nice prices; he's also up in class looking for the hat trick and another two-hole trip could be in the cards.