Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 3/6
2023 MEET STATS: 48 - 134 / $213.40 (-$54.60)
BEST BETS: 9 - 13 / $26.50 (+$0.50)
Best Bet: LEONIDAS A (8th)
Spot Play: TOWNLINE ALL GOOD (4th)
Race 1: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) SPLASH BROTHER left swiftly as expected last week then suffered broken equipment and pulled up. I guess we should just draw a line through that race and focus on tonight, as he drops in class again and gets an enticing driver change to Bartlett. (1) BRACKLEY BEACH also faces softer and has the tactical speed to hold position from the rail. (2) THE DOWNTOWN BUS has been a non-entity recently facing better competition but class and post relief should make him a player here.
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Race 2: NW10051 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) DRAGON SAID reminded us in his last two starts that he still has the talent to be a top-level pacer (and don't forget he won a leg of the Borgata last year). Moderate bump in class shouldn't be a problem if the Bongiorno trainee brings his "A" game. (5) BECKHAMS Z TAM totally turned things around two back, then rallied well at Pocono. Classy veteran gets the leading driver in the bike and should be a player. (1) THE REAL ONE has just been "okay" of late but the 13-year-old must still be considered when at these mid-range levels.
Race 3: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(5) LYONS JOHNNYJNR has been a successful player at this level for an extended period of time and the Alexander trainee looks best again as he tries to go back-to-back as the favorite. (4) PICARD A has hit the board in his last four, including just missing from the pocket in his last try. Sharp sort could offer some value underneath on the bump in class. (1) GINGER TREE PETE was a solid pocket-sitting winner last week and he draws inside again for a barn that's been surprisingly good this year. Logical contender.
Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(7) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD went a huge effort in his first start off the claim by these connections and he's got the speed to overcome the outside post. He should offer some value as well with the two inside rivals figuring to split most of the money. (2) CAPTIVATE HANOVER went a rugged first-over trip from the eight hole in the same race the top choice won; obviously the post relief helps immensely. Interesting to see Stratton driving for Burke, with Gingras not here and Brennan already listed on #5. (1) ELWELL is now 11 years old and he still shows up with 100% effort; classy veteran goes for four straight.
Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) WALKINSHAW N was locked and loaded three back, cruised in an easy spot two back then toured from the seven hole in a paceless race last start. He lands a more favorable post tonight and picks up the catch-driving Bartlett; veteran can be coaxed to the lead without too much trouble. (1) MONGOLIAN HERO N has finished with pace in practically every start since arriving locally, now he's got to show more early interest. (6) BIG SIR dropped in for a tag last start and was grabbed by the Blackler barn for $50K. He's been showing more early speed recently and may be worth a peek at 20/1 on the line.
Race 6: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N shipped over to Pocono last week and added Lasix but never threatened after grinding on the rim; Lance Hudson trainee returns locally at a reduced level and should be a player in a field with no standouts. (2) MARLBANK ROAD was collared late in a solid speed try last week and Holland may try it again on the front end. (4) SOUTHWIND SANDOR has been decent in his two local tries; Bartlett driving for Cullipher must be respected.
Race 7: NW37381 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) COVERED BRIDGE came up just a bit short in that mad scramble to the wire in last week's Open; overall the Gillis trainee has been good and he does fit well with this type, and should offer a square price from this midpack post. (1) LOCHINVAR ART A backed up his reputation with that odds-on score in his first Yonkers start but check out how slow the quarter and half were. Tritton imports gets a bigger test tonight. (2) JACK'S LEGEND N is a legit Open-type pacer and he did qualify twice in preparation for his 2023 debut but he still may need a start or two to hit high gear.
Race 8: Open Pace
To nobody's surprise (1) LEONIDAS A drew away last week in a sparkling 1:51 2/5 as the snow was intensifying. Classy pacer may not have to work that hard here in order to repeat. (5) ANOTHRMASTRPIECE N makes his seasonal debut off a blowout qualifier; this may not be a bad spot for Bartlett to try firing off the gate to set up a trip behind the favorite. (4) FUNATTHEBEACH N won't ever be too far back in this abbreviated field.
Race 9: NW30541 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) BAD TOTHE BONE N was very good three and four back and raced reasonably well in other local starts. From this inside post Kakaley may be looking to take control. (1) ARDEN MESSI N steps up to face tougher but Bartlett sticks with him over a Shane Tritton trainee who he's driven exclusively over his last seven starts. (8) SEMI TOUGH is arguably best in here but post eight is a killer for a horse without a ton of early speed.
Race 10: $50,000/$75,000 Claiming Handicap Pace
(4) LONG WEEKEND A goes for yet another new barn (Bako) off the claim but he's been remarkably consistent of late with five consecutive runner-up finishes. Kakaley may have him pointed towards the front. (5) QUALITY BUD looked good last week rolling past the leader in 1:52 2/5. Hard-knocking veteran lands the best post of those entered for the higher tag and he seems sharp enough to make some noise in here. (2) BALLERAT BOOMERANG has been razor-sharp in his last two winning on the front end and it would be no surprise if he took another.
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Race 11: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) BEE TWO BEE just missed in last week's blanket photo in the Open but the good news is the Burke trainee now fits at this reduced level. From this inside post he should take charge. (3) PYRO steps up again after two jogola wins and the sometimes erratic gelding has been looking good; he's a must-use. (8) ROCKIN WITHELVIS A is one of two recent Down-Under imports in here (along with #6) and he may have trouble reaching but will be a healthy price.
Race 12: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) WINDSUN RICKY attacked the leader with strong strides last week and was able to edge by late for his third straight. Veteran steps up another notch but finds a pretty decent inside spot to go for his fourth win this year, matching all of 2022's total. (3) TIGER BARON gets much-needed post relief and he's facing softer; Joe B is back driving and he gets along well with this gelding. (5) VELOCITY KOMODO woke up in a big way last start and he'll look to keep it going here. Stratton trainee was a big earner last year with almost $175K banked.