Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 5/3
MEET STATS: 133 - 369 / $692.40 (-$45.60)
BEST BETS: 18 - 37 / $57.90 (-$16.10)
Best Bet: SHERIFF N (6th)
Spot Play: TWIN B TUFFENUFF (7th)
Race 1: $20,000 Claiming Pace
(4) VICTORIAS MAVERICK offered up nothing last week but he was reclaimed by the hot Devita barn and this gelding won for these connections two back. Stratton's back driving, as well. (1) CONTROL TOWER finished well last start after gapping most of the way facing better; he lands the rail again dropping back to the $20K level and will be in the thick of the action. (3) SOLID ASA ROCK A improved about 18 positions staying on the rail and breezed by easily last week; easy trip yes, but he still looked good winning.
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Race 2: $25,000 Claiming Pace
(3) P H KENNY is up in class again after originally being claimed for $12,500 but he's really clicking for these connections and the veteran can take another. (5) KEPT UNDER WRAPS A was claimed again out of his last start and now goes for Team Bongiorno; player. (4) GUMPTION drops in for a tag for Bill Rhoades after being hung the mile; post improvement will help.
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Race 3: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) ROCK THE NITE faces a solid field of $30K claimers but he debuts for the aforementioned Devita barn off the claim, draws best and can work out the winning trip. (4) MISSISSIPPI RABBIT returns locally off a sizzling win at Pocono and he raced well here earlier in the season. (2) RECORD YEAR faces tougher tonight but he's been razor-sharp and goes for four straight overall.
Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(6) ROCK LIGHTS weakened chasing the sharp winner last out but he closed strongly in his prior two efforts and this field of $40K claimers didn't come up particularly strong; perhaps the Jenn Bongiorno trainee can be motoring late with a live trip. (3) ROCK ON LINE is another Devita trainee that's been very sharp; he was claimed for $12,500 six starts back and is being mentioned as a contender going for $40K. (2) LETS HAVE ANOTHER ships up from Delaware and joins the Pete Tritton barn, something we haven't seen all that much of. He's definitely got plenty of early speed and lures Stratton.
Race 5: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) WARDAN EXPRESS A beat a soft field on the engine two back, then closed crisply last out. Recent versatility may signal that he's rounding into top form and is worth a try here. (5) ON THE VIRG dropped and popped last week; he bumps back up a notch and should be competitive here. (1) HOT DEUCE has missed almost a month of action but he can wire these if ready.
Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SHERIFF N almost beat Western Joe and Rockapelo three back and picked up a small check in the Borgata consolation. Peter Tritton trainee is supposed to beat these. (4) SOHO LENNON A drops back to a more comfortable level and gets post relief. (1) MOHAWK WARRIOR hasn't done much in his last couple but he lands the innermost post and will be close to the action.
Race 7: Open Handicap Pace
(6) TWIN B TUFFENUFF had good pace from the pocket chasing Rollwithpapajoe but he shook free a bit too late. Burke trainee can fire from the gate and that may give him the tactical edge. (7) LYONS STEEL had a good showing throughout the Borgata series and banked almost $78K in the process. He hasn't shown a ton of early speed, however, and the outside post could present a problem. (5) RAUKAPUKA RULER N also exits the Borgata and should fit nicely with these.
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Race 8: Preferred Pace
(1) OSTRO HANOVER had some excuses in the Borgata but he did pick up a check in every start; he's deemed eligible for this "Preferred" event and lands inside with the open draw. Deserving favorite. (4) BETTOR MEMORIES returns locally off an even effort at Pocono and he should be forwardly placed from this spot. (3) HERRICKROOSEVELT N has grinded his way to the upper classes and while unproven facing this type he seems sharp enough to contend.
Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) KEYSTONE PHOENIX usually does his best work a level or two below this but he's been looking good recently and wouldn't be the biggest surprise ever with a well-timed drive by Dube. (2) MICKY GEE N was clearly a bit short last week coming off the bench and he promises to take plenty of action again; I can't fault anyone for playing him, and I won't argue with anyone tossing him. (1) MIGHTY SANTANA N has been a steady performer of late and the move back inside will help his cause.
Race 10: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) CAN B PERFECT never entered contention last week but he closed well in all prior efforts and the Stafford trainee should benefit greatly from the move inside. (5) SHADOW CAT obviously got along well with Bartlett as he blasted down the road to demolish cheaper in 1:51 3/5; sharp sort can handle better. (4) QUALITY BUD returns to Yonkers and he's looked much better since moving to the Cano barn.