Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 5/15
2023 MEET STATS: 157 - 428 / $738.70 (-$117.30)
BEST BETS: 25 - 40 / $82.00 (+$2.00)
BEST BET: TWIN B HEARTTHROB (2nd)
SPOT PLAY: MICKY GEE N (10th)
Race 1: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) IGNATIOUS A has a decent local history and Lachance has catch-driven him in the past with some success; he looks like he has a class edge on these. (2) ESCAPETOTHEBEACH gets needed post relief after a string of outside draws and he’s always active when drawn inside. (4) MOTIVE HANOVER could not sustain two moves last week; prior Yonkers efforts have been good.
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Race 2: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) TWIN B HEARTTHROB dominated last week and gets a free ride at this level as he meets the NW9 races lifetime condition; we’re looking at a potential 1/9 shot here and while he’s not the biggest lock of all time he can be keyed in the top spot with confidence. (6) GREAT SOMEWHERE was a $75K claim a couple of months back and while he hasn’t been a big earner since it’s not like he's been bad; if Holland can get him involved early he'll have a chance to complete the exacta. (3) PRETTY HANDSOME was second best two back to the streaking Wichita Lineman first out for Laterza and finished belatedly last week.
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Race 3: NW11401 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) ALEX TYE has always been one of my favorites so whenever he's in a legit spot I tend to lean in his direction; veteran fits with this type and moves back inside after finishing well last week. (5) JAY BRACKEN A was a solid second in his local return for top connections and he projects as a major player tonight. (2) MACHEASY A draws better and should be in the top flight of horses.
Race 4: $15,000 Claiming Pace
(4) CHANGE STRIDE N draws a bit better in his second start off the Daguet claim and he's proven with this type; he'll also offer some value here as #3 figures to take all the money. (3) JOJO'S PLACE dropped back to this level last week and was a sharp winner; clearly capable of repeating. (1) SHARK PLAY has regressed recently; maybe it’s time for a class drop.
Race 5: 3-5YO $50,000 Claiming Pace
(4) COALITION HANOVER was put on the front end off the Cory Stratton claim last start and dominated these; he's dropped in for the same tag and figures to be aggressively handled again to top this competitive field. (3) COPPER TEEN makes his third seasonal start and can sit the trip again to be second best. (5) STRIKING IMPACT was claimed out of his last start and goes for Bako now; interesting.
Race 6: NW21001 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) NANDOLO N was written into a reduced level two back and he paid $2.10. Tonight the same thing basically happens again, as he’s got $21,000 in earnings but the condition now reads NW21001. Bottom line is the certified grinder/closer should get the job done from this spot. (5) SHINE A LIGHT was third best in last week's Open and won convincingly when last at this level; Kakaley picks up the drive. (3) ON ACCIDENT steps up to face better but has been sharp.
Race 7: NW12301 in last 5 starts Pace
(6) ROCK DIAMONDS N is loaded with class and is working his way up the ladder for his new connections; Bongiorno trainee can utilize his early speed to overcome the outside post. (2) BALLERAT BOOMERANG never got involved last week when bet down to 5/2 but he does land an improved post. (5) BETTOR SUN makes his second start in the Engblom barn and could show improvement.
Race 8: Open Handicap Pace; Post 1 assigned, 2-6 drawn
(3) HELLABALOU makes his first start back after his shocking Borgata win and he has a post edge on a couple of rivals from that series; Gingras is back listed to drive and he assumingly has tactical options from this spot. (2) MOONSHINE KISSES is in raging form which could be enough to beat a tougher class of horses than he's seen recently. (5) LEONIDAS A also starts for the first time after the Borgata final, where he was flying home to make it close.
Race 9: Open Handicap Pace; Post 1 assigned, 2-7 drawn
(5) PRICELESS BEACH was sent to the lead last week and was nipped by Covered Bridge; looks like he'll be back to off-the-pace tactics and can mow down the speed. (3) SEMI TOUGH didn't fire last week but charged home the start prior. (4) NONE BETTOR A beat softer last start on the engine and is a speed threat again.
Race 10: NW16473 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) MICKY GEE N looked like the 'Micky' of old last week when he absolutely flew home from nowhere; veteran will be coming from the back again but you never know, maybe he sweeps them. (4) VESPA N had no realistic chance last week up in class and moving outside but he finished with sneaky pace. Erv Miller trainee moves in a few spots. (1) WINDSUN RICKY takes a needed drop in class and lands the rail again.
Race 11: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) CERTIFIABLE sat the pocket to None Bettor A last week and stayed close; he figures to be forwardly placed again by Gingras on the return drive. (2) WICHITA LINEMAN has been a terror at the $50K claiming level for multiple barns and now he finally steps up looking to keep the good times rolling. (1) DEAN B HANOVER walked around the track to beat lesser last week, just his third win over the last two seasons. To me, he's a toss for the top spot as the morning-line favorite.