Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 7/31

2023 MEET STATS: 280 - 802 / $1,347.50 (-$256.40)

BEST BETS: 45 - 75 / $141.70 (-$8.30)

BEST BET: FEARFUL INTENT (11^th)

SPOT PLAY: SOHO LENNON A (9th)

Race 1: 3-5YO $50,000/$75,000 Claiming Pace

(5) CERTIFIABLE was competitive in the 3-5YO Open class but now he's tagged facing seemingly softer competition. Expect Bartlett to be rolling early with the Engblom trainee. (1) SHAKESPEARE was reclaimed by Berkeley and has done nothing wrong in literally every start since arriving at Yonkers. (3) KING JAMES EXPRESS was also a reclaim, this one by Laterza, and he was second from this barn two back. Another logical contender in here.

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Race 2: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(2) BRACKLEY BEACH has been separated by a total of two lengths in his last five starts after the Berkeley claim. Veteran finds a live spot to double his win total this year. (3) DEETZY dropped in for this claiming price last week and just missed for a rejuvenated barn. Bartlett gets the call again. (1) ARRHYTHMIC SURGE missed a neck last out from a similar spot; lack of early speed may put him at a bit of a disadvantage.

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Race 3: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) SEMI TOUGH had zero chance in the Gerrity last week but raced well; Burke trainee drops back to the level that he dominated three back and he figures to have a tactical edge on main rival (5) NANDOLO N. The latter makes his backers sweat at short prices but when 100% on his game he'll run anyone down. (2) HEMSWORTH N was favored in the Open last week but never made a serious charge. Drop and post improvement makes the Bako trainee a major player.

Race 4: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(2) SAILBOAT HANOVER has been racing much better of late and he now returns to the Berkeley barn via last week's claim. Gelding went on a huge run in this barn towards the end of 2022. (1) NEVER SAY NEVER N was okay in his initial start for this barn and the veteran can have more to offer second time out, and will be handled aggressively from the rail. (5) POINTOMYGRANSON gave way under hard pressure last out and now goes to another new barn; Bartlett drives.

Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) UNDRTHSOUTHRNSUN N was no match for #2 last week but he was coming off an injured scratch and a missed week so in theory he could be tighter and stronger tonight. Bongiorno charge may offer the best value of the contenders. (5) THE REGULATOR didn't really get involved when sent off as the favorite last start but he does have speed at his disposal and could be trouble if he can clear the front. (2) NONE BETTOR A won easily on the drop in class and is more than capable of repeating.

Race 6: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(3) ONTO EL DORADO N is still shut out on the season but after showing dull form he really turned it around in his last couple. Barn seems to fly under the radar sometimes but they get their share of wins. (1) STATEMENT MADE A is a perfect 4 for 4 off the Devita claim and after paying $20K he's worked his way up to $40's; dangerous threat to wire them again. (5) JK STANDINGOVATION drops down a notch and the 4YO seems to fit better here.

Race 7: 3-5YO $50,000 Claiming Pace

(3) HE'S SPECIAL took an ambitious step up to this level last week but rode a nice pocket trip for the upset; no reason he can't win again with a similar trip. (2) IMMA BE was 1/5 in the race the top choice won and he sailed down the road but tired to fourth. Can he be trusted at a short price? (5) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER enters the Devita barn via claim and he's been a model of consistency this year; move back to the age-restricted class may help his cause.

Race 8: Open Pace

(1) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK was a powerful pocket-pulling winner two back so it wasn't a major surprise to see him take an Open field down the road last week; Schnittker trainee lands the rail again in this open draw and while he faces some tough ones in here he may be up to the task. (4) HELLABALOU has come up a touch short in his last few but they were all solid efforts. Borgata champ is best on or near the lead but he can close too. (3) AMERICAN COURAGE is loaded with talent but he makes just his 7th start of the season coming off a qualifier. Could he be a bit short?

Race 9: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(8) SOHO LENNON A has traditionally fared much better from inside posts (don't they all?) but he is far and away the class of this field and I think he still has some life in those 13YO legs. If's he's 15/1 or so I'll take a shot that he can get involved. (3) JAY BRACKEN A faces softer competition here and Bartlett will have him revved up early. (6) MOTIVE HANOVER goes for three straight as he works his way back up the class ladder.

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Race 10: NW31001 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) MOONLIGHT SHADOW paced a strong back half to score last out and being in for a tag means he gets to face similar here; Bartlett is back driving looking to double up. (3) LOU'S SWEETREVENGE took advantage of a drop in class to score gamely in 1:51 4/5 but he has the proven back class to compete with better. (6) ROCK DIAMONDS N is stuck outside again but the Bongiorno trainee remains sharp and does have early speed.

Race 11: NW20301 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) FEARFUL INTENT woke up last week at Pocono with a sharp win facing lesser but the Cullipher trainee was a winner here when last at this level and he reunites with Bartlett. (8) SHINE A LIGHT would be one of the clear favorites here had he drawn inside but he lands the worst post. Makes for a healthy price, however, if Stratton can get him in play. (1) CAVIART SARGENT steps up again off a couple of narrow defeats. Rail draw gives him a chance at another piece.