Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 7/26

MEET STATS: 227 - 640 / $1,269.60 (-$10.40)

BEST BETS: 31 - 63 / $100.30 (-$25.70)

Best Bet: OSTRO HANOVER (6th)

Spot Play: PYRO (12th)

Race 1: $25,000 Claiming Pace

(4) BLUEBIRD RECON has raced well for this barn without a victory to show for it. He's at his best when on or near the lead, which should be possible from this post. (3) CHRISTEN ME N had no realistic chance last week in his first start for new connections but the 13-year-old double millionaire rallied for the fifth-place check. Obviously he'll be put in play tonight with the post relief. (7) LATE MAIL N was taken last out by connections that have had success with the claiming game and he'll be a big price; maybe underneath?

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Race 2: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(4) SOHO LEVIATHAN A was put on the front end last start and looked good wiring a field of salty $50K claimers; he lands in a similar spot tonight and should be a decent price again. (1) JUST PLAIN LOCO has turned out to be a great $25K claim so far by his current connections and he'll be one of the favorites in here. (5) FUNATTHEBEACH N has been sharp since moving to the Jenn Bongiorno barn and he's ambitiously valued at $50K; would he really be a surprise if he won again? Of course not.

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Race 3: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(3) MAJOR CROCKER A has suddenly become a front-end specialist and he put in two good speed tries recently despite getting collared in both; veteran has a post edge on his main rivals here looking to break his seasonal skid. (6) CHANGE STRIDE N was quickly reclaimed by Adamczyk at a premium and that means Holland is back driving; will they be leaving the gate? (4) ROBBIE BURNS N ships in from Pocono and is in for a tag with Bartlett picking up the drive; I wouldn't take a short price on an unproven entity, however.

Race 4: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY gets needed class relief and also a better post to work with; we've seen this gelding have his moments here this season. (5) BRANQUINHO was put on the front end in his last two starts by Buter and the Schnittker trainee responded well both times; he's up in class again looking for a third straight. (1) ORILLIA JOE has speed and an inside post for his "new" trainer; classy veteran can still get it done.

Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(6) WEONA SIZZLER A was supposed to be a really good one when he hit town a couple of years ago but I guess that never panned out; he goes for Gillis now off the claim, picks up Stratton and faces a field full of question marks. (2) OHIO VINTAGE doesn't have a particularly great career record but he wasn't bad last week and now he lands a much better post. (4) SPORTSKEEPER pops up with a big effort once in a while.

Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) OSTRO HANOVER finds his softest spot in some time and he's really supposed to handle these. (1) KEY ADVISOR is speed from the rail; player. (7) MISTER DONALD A has taken three straight since hitting town and he bumps up the class ladder yet again; Bartlett needs to hustle him hard from the gate for his best chance.

Race 7: Open Handicap Pace

(3) LYONS KING hikes up to the top level while in raging form for Team Bongiorno; he gives up a bit in the experience department but should be in line for a great trip, at a competitive price. (8) CATCH THE FIRE makes his way to Yonkers and there's no denying his talent, but how hard will he have to be used to get involved from his eight-hole assignment? (6) RAUKAPUKA RULER N can be part of this if he doesn't have to make two moves.

Race 8: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(5) IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N was claimed by Bongiorno out of his latest third-place effort and he stays at the proper level; he's a candidate to take these wire-to-wire. (2) REAL LUCKY N bumps up in class for Gillis off a couple of sharp wins and he draws well again; big threat. (3) GUMPTION dropped and popped last week at a good price but he's back in with 40's which will probably relegate him to a lesser share.

Race 9: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(1) FOREVER FAV draws best coming off last week's wire-to-wire score and he's another Team Bongiorno pacer on tonight's card ready to make big $$$. (7) EFFRONTE A bumps in class again for the latest super trainer and he can be trouble if he can make the top or tuck close-up. (3) PICARD A is arguably in career form; consider.

Race 10: Preferred Pace

(3) ESCAPETOTHEBEACH has proven over the last couple of months that he belongs with these top-class pacers and he usually offers good value as well; he should be much more involved tonight with the post improvement. (4) SAN DOMINO A was a game uncovered winner in last; Stratton picks up the drive tonight and this guy is versatile and does like to win. (1) ON THE CARDS N was a good second last week with a two-move eight-hole effort; big threat for Burke with the move all the way inside.

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Race 11: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) TIGER BARON was an upset winner four back when last at this NW20000 level and he lands in a more realistic spot tonight after facing good ones from outside posts; 12/1 is interesting. (4) MAJOR BETTS moved to the Jenn Bongiorno barn, qualified in 1:49 4/5 then won first out at Pocono; obvious threat. (3) GRAY DRAGON was third best last out in the age-restricted Open and in theory he gets class relief; not sure what to do with him to be honest.

Race 12: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) PYRO held his own last two starts at the Open level and he draws inside again; as long as he gets away in good order (which doesn't always happen) he will be a big player here. (4) SHOOBEE DOO A will attract a ton of attention arriving from the Meadowlands with those sharp-looking lines and intoxicating final times; he did win on a half three back at Harrington. (3) MAC'S JACKPOT finally got his picture taken last week and he's classy enough to repeat facing tougher.