Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 5/27

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

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

BEST BET: IMSTAYNALIVE (8^th)

SPOT PLAY: BIG DREAM FELLA (7^th)

Race 1: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) THE REAL ONE drops, lands a better post and the 14YO can still charge home with an easy trip. Let's see him run down the shaky speed. (2) SHAKESPEARE was much better last week and now plunges in class. Realistically he should win this but you can have him at odds-on. (6) KARLOO BRADLEY N was a winner the last time he was at this level; Bako trainee will be a big price and can pick off a few.

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Race 2: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

Here we are with the first of three consecutive five-horse affairs to really get those juices flowing. (2) SAMHARA N was off over a month prior to that start at Pocono, where he was never a serious threat. He returns to Yonkers where he's generally raced well this year while facing better; he was a winner the last time Bartlett drove. (4) DUVAL STREET blew away lesser two back in 1:51 3/5 and followed that up with a good try last week. He figures to be forwardly placed again. (1) METAL MAN was bet down to even money in his last start and finished a flat fifth. Hard to get excited about him in here.

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Race 3: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) REAL WILLEY overcame an early break last start and jogged at odds-on but the Bongiorno trainee has been missing the last couple of weeks so that may be a red flag. I'll assume he's fine and prepared to go down the road. (4) FUNATTHEBEACH N likely needed last week's start after taking some time off after the Borgata series; we know he can beat these on back class alone. (5) SPEED MAN N may be facing an uncertain trip but the classy gelding deserves a look.

Race 4: Invitational Pace

(2) ENERGETIC HANOVER has a win and three seconds since arriving here for Tony Alagna and winning the 2 thru 5 draw should make him the one to beat. (4) BOILING OAR was sent to the front last start and held on for the upset over the top choice. We may see the same tactics again. (3) BIG GULP has been awesome since arriving from Ohio and joining the Engblom barn. He steps up to the top level looking to make it 5 of 6 local wins.

Race 5: NW11141 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) SAILBOAT HANOVER gets important post relief making his second start at this reduced level and he almost definitely will be more involved. (4) SHAZAM BLUE CHIP has been okay for the most part out of town and he's been caught up in some fast miles at The Meadowlands so the Engblom trainee gives Yonkers a try and Bartlett is back driving. (5) CASINO ACTION N is fresh Down-Under stock for Ricky Bucci and he was timed in 1:53 2/5 in that qualifier. These new imports always deserve some attention.

Race 6: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) MOONSHINE KISSES returns locally off a blowout win at his home base at Saratoga and he lands the rail with the class and form to wire these. (2) ROCKNROLL RUNA A also returns to Yonkers and he rolled a few weeks back at Plainridge; obvious main threat. (3) LEONODAS A is getting closer to his first seasonal win and it wouldn't surprise me if he won here at a price.

Race 7: 3-6YO $50,000 Claiming Pace

(3) BIG DREAM FELLA steps up off the Cory Stratton claim but he's looked good winning three straight and figures to be a better price of the contenders (namely #2). (2) POUND FOR POUND moves to Laterza in stellar form and as mentioned in the past this barn has done well with these types. (4) GDS THUNDER GB hasn't won yet for these connections but he's finished second a couple of times.

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Race 8: NW5302 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) IMSTAYNALIVE took some time off after a series of dull performances but the Burke trainee came back this month and promptly won at Pocono in 1:50 1/5. Veteran faces a soft field here and can repeat. (1) HUDSON PHIL hasn't done anything of note this year but he's been facing mostly better; classy gelding has speed from the rail draw. (3) IDEAL BEACH had a form reversal last start at Philly, gets Bartlett for his local return.

Race 9: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(4) DANCE ON THE BEACH could not sustain a two-move effort last start but had hit the board in numerous prior races and does have four wins on the season. Team Bongiorno gelding figures to be on the move early. (2) ARTIST BEST regressed a bit first start for new connections but he's a very consistent sort who is always a player when drawn well. (1) SULLIVAN has speed and the rail; note the two consecutive wins at this level a couple of months back.