Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 4/11
MEET STATS: 102 - 318 / $514.10 (-$121.90)
BEST BETS: 19 - 29 / $66.90 (+$8.90)
Best Bet: LEONIDAS A (9th)
Spot Play: WESTERN HILL (12th)
Race 1: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(5) OZONE BLUE CHIP has been solid in practically every start for an extended period of time, and for a variety of trainers. Last week he grinded and almost caught the free-wheeling leader, but he's also got gate speed, which can set him up with a winning trip. (6) CHANGE STRIDE N has also been good for ages and he overcame the eight hole first out off the Bongiorno claim. If the top one doesn't leave hard, this guy can. (2) KINNDER JACKSON goes for five straight and stays at a winning level off the Burke claim; Brennan may seat everyone early or two-move for control, but can he last? Ozone Blue Chip almost got him last out.
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Race 2: 2022 Borgata Pacing Series Open FFA Leg #4
(2) NANDOLO N put in his usual strong effort last week but was nipped on the wire by a big longshot. We've never seen this versatile gelding on the lead before, but is tonight the night? From this spot Bartlett can let the speed settle and make an early move to the front. Either way, the Shane Tritton trainee is the one to beat. (1) THIS IS THE PLAN has been very disappointing in his last two, but it's nice to see him right back in, and he does need the points. Never count him out. (3) IM SIR BLAKE A has finished strongly in all three legs and he shouldn't have too much ground to make up. Does (6) SPLASH BROTHER take a shot firing off the gate? Wouldn't surprise me.
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Race 3: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) BIG SIR was able to make one big move last week to power by a classy rival and win easily. He steps back up in class but meets no standouts and could be sharp enough to repeat. (4) MYKINDACHIP returns locally off a couple of decent efforts at Pocono and the classy oldtimer figures to be heading for the front. (1) SOHO WALLSTREET A has been poor off the Andrew Harris claim for $40K but he does face softer and gets major post relief. Wakeup call?
Race 4: $75,000 Claiming Pace
(1) VELOCITY KIMODO has been right there in all five starts since Burke claimed him and bumped him to this level. From this post Brennan has plenty of options and he deserves top billing. (5) ELWELL didn't fire off cover in his last start, his first poor effort in ages. He's classy enough to bounce back. (4) RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN N goes to the Dowse barn off the claim after a long run with Dilloian; can the speedy import maintain his form?
Race 5: 2022 Borgata Pacing Series Open FFA Leg #4 **$10K Gtd. Pick-5 Pool**
(2) TATTOO ARTIST probably should have won last week, but it took a vicious rally from Posiedon Seelster to nail him. Ryder trainee has been shut out of the win column so far this year but this just feels like the right spot. (1) AMERICAN HISTORY went down in flames at 1/5 last start when he stopped badly turning for home. Is he better chasing? It will be interesting to see who's cutting this mile. (3) TOWN GOSSIP was much better last week and the Jenn Bongiorno-trained 4-year-old has a legit chance.
Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) WINDSUN RICKY shipped to Freehold and found a winning spot; he returns locally to face better but he does have plenty of class, as evidenced by the almost $140K earned last season. Dexter Dunn gets the call as Siegelman opted off and he's worthy of a try if the price is right. (3) MYSWEETBOYMAX has looked super in all recent Yonkers starts and he now faces a bit better looking to win again. (6) I'M SOME GRADUATE has disappointed for Dowse after getting taken for $75K five starts back; this is his second try since dropping out of claimers.
Race 7: 2022 Borgata Pacing Series Open FFA Leg #4
(3) SEMI TOUGH woke up in a huge way last week when Gingras took over the drive and a repeat of that effort will make him tough. (6) POSIEDON SEELSTER unleashed a spectacular late rally to nail Tattoo Artist last start. Does the outside draw have Brennan thinking about reverting to speed tactics? (1) AMERICAN DEALER N took all the money two back and delivered on the front end after rating kindly but he could not muster a rally last week when the pace was faster; mixed feelings here.
Race 8: Open Handicap Pace
(5) BRONX SEELSTER came up just shy trying to wire the Open field last week and he lands inside of the main speed tonight, which probably gives Brennan thoughts about employing the same tactics. (1) ROCK CANDY was right there three back then failed to get involved in his last two; he gets post relief with the inside assignment and more importantly Bartlett chose him over two other legit rivals. (7) JOESSTAR OF MIA A has been a terror this year and already has over $100K banked but this is the toughest spot he's seen in a while and he loses Bartlett; consider underneath tonight.
Race 9: 2022 Borgata Pacing Series Open FFA Leg #4
(2) LEONIDAS A missed leg two of the series but he picked up right where he left off with last week's decisive victory. Landing inside his main rivals makes him the one to beat again at a short price. (3) WESTERN JOE was stuck in the three hole behind a gapper last week and finished well once clear. Dunn is back driving and he may be out and grinding again, which led to a round-one win. (7) COVERED BRIDGE will be a big price due to the outside draw but he is capable with these. Maybe Gingras can try hustling him out of the gate to find a seat.
Race 10: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(4) OUR CORELLI N will have a clear path to the front and may be able to wire these, like he did three back. (5) TONY TOO TALL was claimed again last week, going to his fourth barn in as many starts. Early speed is his best weapon and it seems possible the top two could line up here. (3) JIMS PERFECT TEN has been decent since being claimed for $30K by the Auciello barn; he can save ground midpack hoping to escape with late pace.
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Race 11: $75,000 Claiming Pace
(5) MACH DORO A has won his last two at this level at nice prices and he may be ignored again in the wagering with a couple of solid rivals to his inside; Garcia-Herrera trainee can win this with a good trip. (2) BELTANE A was on his way to the lead when he broke last week; he goes now for the Camilleri barn looking to rebound. (4) LYONS KING was closing ground late last start to make it close at the wire; Bongiorno trainee is a steady earner at this level and should come away with a nice piece again.
Race 12: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(2) WESTERN HILL was just okay in his last three starts but he takes an important drop back to the $40K claiming level and draws well; Cory Stratton trainee is the one to beat. (1) ROLL WITH JR gets tested for class tonight but he looked very sharp winning last week. (6) ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP ships in from The Meadowlands for Team Bongiorno where he was a close second in his last two.
Race 13: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) REVELRY was razor-sharp in his first two starts off the Dowse claim then raced well off cover in his last couple when bumped to this level; Bartlett can hopefully work out a live trip and gun down the speed late. (1) ALWAYS AND AGAIN faces better but draws best and will probably be cutting the mile. (8) BUDDY HILL gets needed class relief after being at the Open level in his three 2022 starts and his last effort was very good, just coming up short. Obviously the post presents a major problem but he'll be a juicy price.