Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 7/17

2023 MEET STATS: 257 - 733 / $1,221.20 (-$244.80)

BEST BETS: 42 - 69 / $133.40 (-$4.60)

BEST BET: JUSTASEC N (10^th)

SPOT PLAY: IGNATUS A (12th)

Race 1: 3-5YO $50,000 Claiming Pace

(6) IMMA BE draws outside in this six-horse affair but it shouldn't matter with his sharp early speed. Berkeley trainee just missed on last week's big price hike. (2) UMBERTO gets an improved post third out off the Bako claim. (4) KING JAMES EXPRESS goes to Laterza and is a big player if he improves his form for new connections.

[DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card]

Race 2: NW7521 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) AMERICAN MERCURY breezed at Philly first out for these connections and he's loaded with back class. (2) KOOTENAY SANTANNA hasn't fired a big shot since being claimed for $50K but he gets to drop into a lower conditioned class tonight. (4) PEDRO HANOVER'S form has gone really sour the last few starts but last week was better.

Race 3: 3-5YO $50,000-$75,000 Claiming Pace

(6) STRIKING IMPACT has whipped his rivals in two straight since returning to this level for the Bako barn; he's entered for a higher tag so he lands outside but that may not derail him. (2) COALITION HANOVER hasn't won or placed since moving to the Laterza barn but he's made money every start; inside helps. (1) SHAKESPEARE has had his moments since arriving locally and he debuts for Berkeley looking for a big share.

Race 4: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) PRICELESS BEACH has been competitive at the Open level and his last start with this type he was a dominating winner; logical. (1) SPEED MAN N came back from a sick scratch and took a softer field down the road; speedy veteran can never be counted out. (2) HICHFROMFRENCHLICK is one of many classy Ray Schnittker-trained veteran pacers over the years who make money consistently; he fits with these but is unlikely to see the lead from this spot.

Race 5: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(8) POINTOMYGRANSON has seen the lead before the quarter in each of his last six starts so the eight hole shouldn't be a major obstacle; Kakaley will be looking to take this guy down the road. (3) NOME HANOVER gave way after rating on the front end last week in his debut at this claiming level; Bongiorno trainee may improve from slightly off the pace tonight. (4) SAILBOAT HANOVER has finished close in his last couple for top connections.

Race 6: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) MOONLIGHT SHADOW changed tactics last week and was sent to the front by Bartlett then finished third after yielding. Versatile sort doesn't lose much by getting Stratton in the bike and will likely revert to an off-the-pace trip. (2) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N faces a bit softer here and the Bako trainee is in a great spot but will likely be overbet. (4) ROCK DIAMONDS N saw his long win streak snapped in the 1 1/4 Popup final when he showed up with a flat effort and now he misses some time; mixed feelings.

Race 7: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) WICHITA LINEMAN had been dull for an extended period of time but last week he was aggressively put in play from the outside post last week and that may signal a turnaround; class drop helps as well. (2) HEISMAN PLAYER has been racing well enough to win recently and is overdue; classy vet should perform well despite the modest bump up. (1) HEEZ OURPERSEUS N showed good energy last start for the first time in ages; Devita trainee can build off that.

Race 8: Open Handicap Pace

(6) MOONSHINE KISSES has not put in a poor effort in recent memory and he gets to face a soft Open grouping tonight; to the front. (4) CAPTIVATE HANOVER goes for three straight and as mentioned a couple of times in the past he's been a heck of a claim for $50K by Garcia-Herrera. (1) GREAT SOMEWHERE has some speed and a driver who likes to use it; expect him to protect early then look for the pocket behind #6.

Race 9: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(5) FLOW WITH JOE had been looking good in the Pop Up series at the different distances then had a forgettable race when dropped in for $40K. Now down a notch in price he stacks up well with these and could be a serious off-the-pace threat. (4) BRACKLEY BEACH missed a head last week and almost amazingly just can’t find the winner’s circle now at 0 for 20; use underneath. (2) KEYSTONE PHOENIX has plenty of back class and last week’s closing effort wasn't bad.

Race 10: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(1) JUSTASEC N was an upset winner two back and finished second in a great eight-hole try last week. Luke Hanners trainee finds a controlling spot with Kakaley. (7) ALOTBETTOR N has quietly amassed a solid record this year but post seven may derail the winning train; insist on a good price. (3) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A gets much-needed post relief and will be more involved.

Race 11: NW10441 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) ALEX TYE worked his way to the basement but has quickly climbed out on the strength of back-to-back wins. Holland drives again and he'll surely be sending this veteran hard off the gate. (2) B LIKE CRUISER is much better than he's showing; maybe the month off helps. (3) THRASHER drops from $50K claimers and has beaten better than these in the past.

Race 12: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(6) IGNATUS A was overdue for a win and scored out at Philly as the heavy chalk; I like Stratton picking up the catch drive. (5) DEEP INFATUATION N failed at odds-on in his second U.S. start and he’ll surely be overbet again. (4) MICKY GEE N fires home every week in :27 and change but usually fails to make an impact. As always, it's hard to leave him out.