Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 8/14

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

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

BEST BET: NEVER SAY NEVER N (12^th)

SPOT PLAY: ROCKIN JUKEBOX (1^st)

Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(2) ROCKIN JUKEBOX hasn't done much recently but the Bongiorno barn dipped in to claim him for $40K. They had success a few months ago taking a horse from the same connections so they go to the well once more. Interesting here at an overstated 20/1 ML. (3) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD finished mildly last out for a board spot and he can threaten here second time after the drop to this level. (7) STATEMENT MADE A goes for Daguet off the claim and stays at the same level. Veteran has early speed to overcome the post.

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Race 2: 3-5YO $50,000/$75,000 Claiming Pace

(5) STRIKING IMPACT narrowed the gap nicely in the late stages in his last two facing similar and he can be a bit closer and reach tonight in this competitive field. (3) CERTIFIABLE hasn't won in a while but his tactical speed usually puts him in live spots. (6) GREG THE LEG has taken two straight in solid fashion yet will still offer a price here due to the outside post.

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Race 3: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(2) JUSTASEC N had taken three straight and four of five before being torched on the rim last week. Veteran drops back to a winning level and should be looking to take these coast to coast. (4) DEETZY steps up again after scoring at odds-on first out for the Camilleri barn. Speed and Bartlett gets him in play. (5) MOTIVE HANOVER rebounded nicely from that break two back and he's another who figures to be in play early.

Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(2) NOME HANOVER takes an important drop from the $50K claiming level to the $40's, and he's had some quality efforts facing some tough rivals. Bongiorno trainee can get it done with a reasonable trip. (3) ONTO EL DORADO N has finished second in his last three and now goes to the dangerous Berkeley barn. (5) ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR was a pocketed second best to #1 last week. They both move up here but Bartlett may face an uncertain trip.

Race 5: NW11751 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) BETTORBUCKLEUP wasn't a serious player in his last couple facing better but he drops down to a more competitive level and he picks up Holland; should be a reasonable price in a race with shaky favorites. (3) JAHAN HANOVER was sent to the front as expected last week but could not last; will likely be forwardly placed again, as will (2) AIR FORCE HANOVER, who has tailed off recently while facing much better.

Race 6: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) SAVE ME A DANCE was in a bit too tough in his last couple at the Open level but was a winner when last in this class. (3) HAZEVILLE is an interesting shipper from Philly. Fanning trained 4YO has plenty of speed and was Stratton's choice. (1) IGNATIUS A has trouble winning at these upper levels but he should be good for a piece underneath.

Race 7: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) THE REGULATOR gets important post relief as he moves to the rail and the Engblom trainee has beaten these in the past with Bartlett driving. Gelding will be on the lead or perhaps the pocket if #7 makes it to the front. (2) C BET HANOVER has been racing well and will be in line for a smooth trip. (7) JACK'S LEGEND N is an Open-quality horse when right and Kakaley won't want to be sitting last.

Race 8: Open Handicap; 1-4, 5-8 drawn Pace

(2) BACKSTREET SHADOW put in a very respectable effort against some of the best pacers in the land last Saturday at The Meadowlands so it's safe to say any troubles are now behind him. He lands inside his main competition tonight and gets the call. (4) HELLABALOU is right there week after week but hasn't won in two months; he'll get back to the winner's circle eventually. (8) MOONSHINE KISSES is having an incredible season with 12 wins and $224K banked. Holland will likely be firing early with him.

Race 9: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

This field came up a bit light for this class so I'm hoping to guess right on (2) MICKY GEE N this week. He is in a spot where he can grind these down. (3) SETH HANOVER steps up the class ladder off a loss but he's been going well and has proven that he can hold his own with these. (4) WINDSUN RICKY picks up the leading driver; can't hurt.

Race 10: 3-5YO $50,000 Claiming Pace

(1) KOOTENAY SANTANNA was an upset winner versus many of these last week and from the rail tonight the Stratton trainee should be away in good order and get a live trip, probably behind #6. (6) IMMA BE is a speed machine but doesn't always hold on; he goes for a new barn tonight off the claim (Adamczyk) and will be a usual big player if he keeps his form. (5) HE'S SPECIAL has Bartlett again second off the Engblom claim looking for a better trip than last week.

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Race 11: NW33061 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) LUCKBEWITHALEX has missed a bit of time but he's come up big in his last two races, beating Backstreet Shadow along the way. Could be fair value on the step up in class. (4) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N has been super for the Bako barn since returning locally and he's back at a winning level. (5) WHATS STANLEY GOT A obviously deserves respect off that win in his local debut.

Race 12: NW7581 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) NEVER SAY NEVER N plunges in class from the high-priced claimers to this much softer spot. Alexander trainee should respond accordingly and be driven like he's best. (2) LOUIE THE LOOPER is another class dropper but he hasn't shown that much over the last few weeks. Hard to use on top with his career record of just 4 for 46 but he should be fast enough to compete here. (7) ROCK THE DEVIL also gets class relief but must contend with the outside post. He has shown early speed in his last few.