Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 5/20

2024 MEET STATS: 134 - 445 / $732.30 (-$157.70)

BEST BETS: 20 - 38 / $72.40 (-$3.60)

BEST BET: SEVEN YEAR ITCH (3^rd)

SPOT PLAY: SLING SHOCK (10^th)

Race 1: NY Excelsior A 3YO Filly Trot

(4) COMMUNION MONEY was a NYSS finalist as a freshman and so far this season raced commendably in the Weiss at Pocono; Bako trainee is clearly the most accomplished of these. (6) TWILIGHT DEO has gotten progressively better through her first three starts of the year while racing from outside posts at Saratoga. She seems to be sure-gaited and will offer a price. (1) CENTRAL PARK has a decent start over this surface two back; good connections in play here.

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Race 2: NY Excelsior A 3YO Filly Trot

Looks like so far so good for (2) NYMERIA as she makes her stakes debut for the Alexander barn coming off two consecutive wins. (3) SHIV won here two back and looks live from this spot; Todd McCarthy is listed to drive. (4) BULLVILLES WINNER gets Bartlett and does looked improved over her freshman campaign.

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Race 3: NYSS 3YO Filly Trot

(3) SEVEN YEAR ITCH has had three tighteners in overnight races before returning to the NYSS wars and last week’s effort was a blowout at Vernon in 1:54 2/5 after moving to the NY-based Okusko barn. (1A) HONORABLE WAY was a 1:55 1/5 winner in a morning trial at The Meadowlands and the Svanstedt barn always have them ready to go. (4) ERIN gets the catch-driving Dexter Dunn back in the bike for Dan Daley and this barn is always well represented in NY-sired events.

Race 4: Invitational Pace

(3) NANDOLO N has Bartlett back in the bike tonight and he shouldn’t get away too far back. As long as he’s not too short of a price I’ll hope he can grind them down. (6) DESPERATE MAN returns off a short vacation after getting torched in the Borgata final. I’ll assume he’ll be put in play early from his outside post assignment. (1) CAPTIVATE HANOVER kept up reasonably well in last week’s 1:50 mile. Rail position helps keep him close throughout.

Race 5: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(2) YS DO IT RIGHT never got involved last week and just passed a couple of tired ones. From this improved post Brennan can have him on or near the front, close enough to strike. (1) ARTIST BEST had been knocking on the door for some time and got that long-awaited win last week - now is in a new barn via claim and stays at the same level. (4) BIG DREAM FELLA shifts to straight claimers and goes for three straight.

Race 6: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) LEONIDAS A was stuck in the pocket last week bringing the 2024 losing streak to 12 straight. We know he’s capable so I’ll hope for a live trip at a healthy price. (3) ANOTHRMASTRPIECE N was never a serious threat last start when reunited with Bartlett but he’ll be more aggressive tonight. (1) ROCKIN JUKEBOX takes on tougher after that well-driven win at the NW20000 level by Joe B.

Race 7: NYSS 3YO Filly Trot

(3) R MELINA had a big 2YO season with over $374K banked over seven wins, and she’s qualified twice in preparation for her 2024 debut. She figures to have a tactical edge on some of her main competitors, but note she did break in her last Yonkers try. (6) DATE NIGHT HANOVER also had a solid season as a freshman and she finished very willingly in that morning trial at The Meadowlands. Post presents a problem. (5) CHAPARMBRO was also good in a Big M qualifier for Smedshammer and he takes the lines for the first time in a pari-mutuel event.

Race 8: 3-6YO $50,000 Claiming Pace

(8) JUST ENUFF STUFF has made the front and rolled down the road in his last two from the six hole. Now he faces similar again but is all the way outside. If the price is fair I’ll take a shot. (6) POUND FOR POUND had a big form reversal three back and has kept it up over his last two starts. Seems like a must-use. (3) GDS THUNDER GB will likely be the first one to the front and whether he stays on the gas or yields he’s sharp enough the hang around to the finish.

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Race 9: NY Excelsior A 3YO Filly Trot

(2) GONE CRAZEE seems well-mannered which is sometimes half the battle. Filly is the most accomplished so far this year. (5) PIZZA BIANCA won in her career debut for very live connections but then broke second time out while chasing a fast mile. The talent is there. (6) SHIRIN was in the NYSS as a 2YO but now looks towards the Excelsior; goes for four straight.

Race 10: NW10736 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) SLING SHOCK has raced well since arriving at Yonkers and moves in a couple of posts; smooth trip can get it done in the finale. (4) DUVAL STREET blitzed NW7500 last out in 1:51 3/5 but does he have another effort like that in him? (3) FORTIFY drops for the fourth consecutive start but the Burke trainee doesn’t have much form.