Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 8/19
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2024 MEET STATS: 274 - 898 / $1,503.40 (-$292.60)
BEST BETS: 40 - 77 / $145.10 (-$8.90)
BEST BET: DESPERATE MAN (9th)
SPOT PLAY: SOUTHWIND PETYR (11th)
Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(5) TWIG was stuck in the eight hole in his first start for new connections and he was quickly reclaimed by his previous trainer. Staying at the $30K level with his proven early speed gives him a legit chance here. (3) SULLIVAN always puts in an honest effort and is always a threat with a good post. (6) THREE GRAND has hit the board in his last three at this level; tough spot but will be a big price.
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Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(6) DANCE ON THE BEACH has the early speed to get involved no matter where he draws so that always gives him a tactical edge. Kakaley drives again and this veteran should offer more value than the other main contenders. (2) BECHERS BROOK A has been claimed in four of five; goes back to DiDomenico where he was a two-move winner back on August 5th. (1) SMOKIN BY N steps up in class for a hot barn and the rail draw gives him a shot for a piece.
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Race 3: NW15176 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) SONNY WEAVER N has been caught up in three consecutive sub-1:52 miles and last week's runner-up finish was his best effort in some time; Cullipher trainee can strike from just off the pace. (1) KOMODO BEACH blew away a NW10000 field and he's won at this level in the past. Speed from the rail for solid connections makes him tough, though that 8/5 morning line is a turnoff. (3) KIMBLE A has been competitive when drawn reasonably and he gets a new pilot tonight in Bongiorno (with Brennan on Burke's horse). Unproven at these levels but in a spot for a share at a price.
Race 4: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(3) BIG DREAM FELLA was pounded down to 2/5 in debut off the Dilloian Jr. claim but he couldn't overcome the tough trip. Should be smoother sailing tonight. (2) JUST ENUFF STUFF gets major post relief in his second try off the DiDomenico claim and he'll be more involved. (1) PEACE OUT POSSE drops in for a tag in his third start after the long layoff; not sure what to make of him.
Race 5: NW12151 in last 5 starts Pace - $10K GTD PICK 5
(1) CAPTIVATE HANOVER was second best to a strong winner last week and this veteran seems way overdue for a win. From the rail I figure Siegelman to be aggressive. (5) POINTOMYGRANSON drops in class again and he's another that's sitting on a win; must use. (4) BIG GULP is beginning to earn a reputation as camera shy but that was a fast mile he (and #5) were chasing last start. Bartlett drives again for Engblom.
Race 6: 3-5YO Open Pace
(4) VENTURESOME ARDEN N returned to the win column last week with a hard-earned uncovered score. Bucci trainee is more than proven with these as he's got eight wins on the year against tough competition. (2) PLEASELETMEKNOW returned locally after a couple of stakes engagements and was stuck outside, so he didn't get involved. Move inside makes him an obvious contender (and possible favorite). (8) ITS A ME MARIO is tough to completely toss even from the worst post. 4YO will probably be double-digit odds and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Bartlett maneuver him into the number.
Race 7: NW32701 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) AMERICAN DEALER N returns to Yonkers for Linda Toscano and he's had plenty of success here in the past. Bartlett chooses him over a Tritton trainee that he's done well with, and four races back they teamed up to just miss. (3) MY ULTIMATE BYRON A missed a nose to Hellabalou last week and his good early speed has been setting him up nicely. Could be value stepping up. (1) HIMSELF N returns from Plainridge where he was second by a head in their Open and overall he's been razor-sharp.
Race 8: 3-5YO Open Pace
(4) DUNKIN' took a road trip to Indiana and ho-hum he won the Dan Patch. Clegg's 4YO now sits at over $350K for the season and $600K lifetime...amazing. Just hold your breath before the start because he likes to misbehave. (1) BIRTHDAY dropped and popped last week but I think he's more than talented enough to compete with these, and the rail assignment sure helps. (8) RACING RAMPAGE just missed in the Charna at Northfield and he had won two straight prior at this level, but navigating the eight hole may prove too tough.
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Race 9: Invitational Pace
(5) DESPERATE MAN has missed a couple of weeks but he's the best of these and figures to convert at odds-on. (4) WHATS STANLEY GOT A picks up Bartlett and while he's probably best a level or two down he's got early speed to utilize which could set him up nicely, (6) ROCKNROLL RUNA A blew up the board in the McKee at The Meadowlands, then went to Hoosier and stunk in the Dan Patch. Stalbaum trainee faces an uncertain trip.
Race 10: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
Overflow field of five here to kick off the late double. I have no real opinion and I'll probably be tapped out anyway, but I'll offer up (2) MAXIMUS RED A as he's dropping from $40K claimers after not earning a penny in two starts for his current connections. (1) HUNTERS HERO paced a tough back half last week, now goes back to Kakaley. (4) OCEAN RIDGE N also drops from claimers but it's been a while since he's done anything of note.
Race 11: NW20321 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SOUTHWIND PETYR blitzed a cheaper field two back in 1:51 4/5 then had little to offer on the rim last week. He moves in a couple of posts and is reunited with Joe Bongiorno, who had plenty of success driving this gelding back when his sister trained him. (1) POUND FOR POUND has controlling speed from the rail. (5) FUNATTHEBEACH N has too much class to ignore and he can still get it done at the age of 10. Stratton leaves with him occasionally as well so maybe there's a seat close up he can find.