Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 5/17

MEET STATS: 167 - 452 / $940.30 (+$36.30)

BEST BETS: 23 - 46 / $72.30 (-$19.70)

Best Bet: REDBANK BLAZE A (6th)

Spot Play: BETTOR THAN SPRING (3rd)

Race 1: $20,000-$25,000 Claiming Handicap Pace

(2) ROCK THE NITE was sluggish at the back of the pack last week but the start prior he came up huge in defeat after being hounded every step of the way. Move back inside makes the Devita trainee the one to beat. (5) CHANGE STRIDE N raced pretty well in his first start for new connections. (1) TIME OUT I'M TIRED ships north from Delaware and moves into a local trainer's barn. From the innermost post he can hang around for a share.

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Race 2: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(3) TWIN B SPEEDO faltered on the front end last week but it certainly wouldn't be characterized as a "bad effort"; he moves to the Lance Hudson barn off the claim and will have every chance to make amends. (6) CHRISTEN ME N got hung every step last start but was still only two lengths off at the finish; 13-year-old still has a motor. (7) ROCK ON LINE missed a week off a sick scratch and is now outside though he faces softer and is a certified closer.

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Race 3: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) BETTOR THAN SPRING has been facing tougher in all recent but the class relief here seems to be just what the doctor ordered. (6) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A lost a head last start at the bottom level but that mile went in 1:51 3/5; he's got more than enough back class to be competitive here. (2) ELWELL makes his first start coming off an extended break and he's a quality animal; I don't expect him to win but he can certainly land a piece underneath.

Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(6) ALBERGO HANOVER was empty on the rim last week when he pulled into a rated pace but he was a nice winner at this level the start prior. Burke trainee should be a good price in a tough race to figure. (2) OUR CORELLI N closed well for second last week for a barn that also had a winner on the card. (1) LYONS WILLIAM was much the best off the Gillis claim and he hikes up in price but draws best.

Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN N saved ground, slipped out and finished willingly last week; veteran import usually comes up with a quality effort when drawn well. (7) BLANK STARE put in a solid effort in defeat upon arrival; only problem for the 4-year-old here is the post. (1) MOHAWK WARRIOR may have finished second last out but he stumbled late and went offstride. He draws the rail again and should be part of the action.

Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) REDBANK BLAZE A took the field down the road last start when dropped to this level but he could not last, getting nipped by a neck. He's landed the inside post again and should be controlling these looking to make it to the wire this time. (3) HIGHLAND TARTAN missed time off a sick scratch but there doesn't seem to be much speed to his outside so he should be away in good order. (6) TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY loses Stratton tonight but he's raced well in his last few.

Race 7: Open Handicap Pace

(8) HESA KINGSLAYER N makes his local return off a solid second at Pocono to Western Joe and Dave Miller is listed to drive. I have to assume this guy won't be getting away last. (5) LEONIDAS A makes his first start since the Borgata final (where he had no chance); how short a price do we take on him? (4) TWIN B TUFFENUFF is in a more realistic spot to show some of that gate speed.

Race 8: Winners Over $20,000 Handicap Pace

(6) LETS HAVE ANOTHER raced well enough to win last week but was nipped by a good rival; expect him to be heading to the front again and he can take these the distance. (2) GALANTE A graduated to this level but had an awful trip; with smoother sailing this 4-year-old seems capable of going with these. We'll see. (3) TYGA HANOVER was a well-meant winner last week versus NW20000 types; Harris trainee did have some decent outings in the Borgata series.

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Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) SHADOW CAT had absolutely no chance from the eight hole last week but he blasted down the road in his prior two starts facing a bit lesser. He moves all the way inside and should be prominent throughout. (2) I’M SOME GRADUATE likely needed last week's start and the Burke-trained veteran should be better tonight. (4) GROOVY JOE was a winner here last month and picked up a check recently in the Graduate at The Meadowlands; 4-year-old was Bartlett's choice.

Race 10: NW20800 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) THE REAL ONE has probably made 200 starts at Yonkers and I don't think I cashed on a single race that he was in….with that said he faces softer than he's been accustomed to and the cagey veteran should find a way to win this. (2) FINE DIAMOND went an insane trip last week and still emerged victorious; Stafford trainee is razor-sharp. (4) HEAVEN'S GAIT has won his last two at this NW20000 level.

Race 11: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) HOT DEUCE was empty on the rim last week but that's not this freelegged pacer's style; Bongiorno may try to wire these tonight, like he did two back. (4) PICARD A was super in his first start off the Milici claim; he faces better here but deserves a look. (1) POINTOMYGRANSON has flashed good speed in his last two and now moves all the way inside; pocket trip again?