Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 7/1

2024 MEET STATS: 210 - 710 / $1,160.00 (-$260.00)

BEST BETS: 30 - 61 / $110.60 (-$11.40)

BEST BET: VENTURESOME ARDEN N (2^nd)

SPOT PLAY: THAT DOG WILL HUN (6^th)

Race 1: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(2) CENTURY ENDEAVOR has creeped his way up the class ladder and though the wins haven’t been flowing like previously he’s certainly been competitive. Inside draw makes him a player at an honest price. (1) JIMMY CONNOR B moved back to $50K claimers last week, finished close from the pocket; very logical. (4) OPTICAL ILLUSION N finished well for third from a similar spot last out; Dube gets the drive again for the Burke Brigade.

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Race 2: 3-5YO Open Pace

(2) VENTURESOME ARDEN N made it interesting for his backers last week but ultimately got there; he’s clearly a solid fit with this type and looks primed to repeat from his good post. (5) BIRTHDAY is loaded with talent as evidenced by his initial Yonkers appearance; Burke trainee figures to be more of a factor than his last start. (4) IT’S A ME MARIO gives his all every week and last week’s fifth place finish was the first time he was beaten by more than a length in months.

Race 3: NW16461 in last 5 starts

(6) MIKITEEN stepped up to this level under the NW lifetime condition and certainly didn’t disgrace himself. Early speed can get him to the front or in a prime stalking spot. (3) GINGRAS BEACH gets Kakaley back in the bike and he’s won the last two times he drove this veteran. (4) VICI was a well-rated winner in this class last week but that was from the rail and it may be tougher tonight.

Race 4: 3-5YO Open Pace

(1) PLEASELETMEKNOW served notice in the Borgata that he’s a top-tier talent and he’s found a profitable home at this $35K class level with short fields every week. Last week he was run over at the wire after a hard bid but tonight the trip figures to be easier. (4) CAPTAINCOUNTRYSTAR has been on a monster roll at Harrington for Pat Berry and he goes for six straight. (5) DUNKIN’ made another break before the start and lost all chance last out; that sporadic problem is the only weakness in his game.

Race 5: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(2) IM A POWERPLAY A stepped up to this $30K level for his last start and had an excuse with traffic after getting away great from the eight hole. He meets a field here without a ton of form and draws well. (1) MAJOR DESIRE has been the sharpest in here and is a deserving favorite. (7) NOWHERE CREEK A beat $40’s two back and now is back down a level; tough post but price will be fair.

Race 6: 3-5YO $30,000 Claiming Pace

(7) THAT DOG WILL HUNT has been a rent-a-horse for a couple of months now and has performed well for multiple barns. Now back with Stratton (Victoria was listed and won three back) and he’s shown the early speed to get into play from the outside. (2) TWO FACED debuts for Bako off the claim, keeps Bartlett, draws well. (5) LOOTABLE moves to the Alexander barn off two good races at Monti, gets tested for class.

Race 7: NW30000 in last five starts Pace

I’m usually against selecting (1) NANDOLO N because he rarely offers any value when he wins but he’s back to Bartlett here and should be able to stay close enough to the pace to get by. (6) NONE BETTOR A has the early speed to overcome the outside post of new driver Zeron chooses and he may be ignored a bit in the wagering. (2) SOMOMENTSOMWHERE A steps back up a bit off a win but he’s been banging heads with better practically all year.

Race 8: NW6021 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) BROOKDALE MIKI is still winless on the year but he likely needed his last start after missing some time after arriving from Canada and joining a new barn. He picks up Zeron now and seems capable of taking a big step forward. (6) BIG SIR is reunited with Bartlett and has the back class to be competitive at this level. (4) HUNTING ZONE makes sense but not necessarily at his 7/5 on the morning line.

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Race 9: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) RACING RAMPAGE rolled in barn debut after arriving from Ohio and the step up in class shouldn’t derail him. (2) LOUS THE ATTITUDE is back after a freshening and a big drop in class; major threat if ready to go. (4) CYRUS N drops a bit and gets major post relief after three consecutive eight holes.

Race 10: NW20201 in last 5 starts Pace

It was a long time coming but (7) LEONIDAS A finally picked up his first win of the season. Despite facing better maybe he can string a couple together and this time at a price. (4) WHATS STANLEY GOT A and (1) FORTIFY are the other clear players here and both figure to be forwardly placed, with (5) LOU’S SWEETREVENGE always in with a chance if he picks up a live trip.