Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 8/21

2023 MEET STATS: 314 - 903 / $1,564.60 (-$241.40)

BEST BETS: 49 - 84 / $158.60 (-$9.40)

BEST BET: STELLAR YANKEE (5th)

SPOT PLAY: BALLARAT BOOMERANG (1st)

Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(5) BALLARAT BOOMERANG put in a really nice run last week as he and the leader drew clear of the rest of the field, and he battled all the way to the wire. Maybe he gets there tonight. (3) ROCKIN JUKEBOX was the one who beat the top choice with a form reversal first out for Bongiorno. (2) ONTO EL DORADO N has been a model of consistency lately for multiple barns; now goes for Lorentzon.

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Race 2: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) STRIKING IMPACT was away last in a rated pace and never got close as the lukewarm favorite. Tonight he plunges in class, moves inside and returns to Kakaley. Lots to like. (5) SOUTHWIND PETYR embarrassed a weaker field last week and doesn't have to move up (I'm guessing eligible at time of entry). (1) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N broke out of nowhere last week, ignore that I guess.

Race 3: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) CERTIFIABLE was held off by a tough, streaking rival last week in Greg The Leg. Shift in conditions could help. (3) QUALITY BUD is going well again and the classy veteran will likely be pointed forward off the gate again by Holland. (6) CAPTIVATE HANOVER gets needed class relief but still finds a tough spot; maybe underneath.

Race 4: NW75000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) DELIGHTFUL TERROR has paced evenly in two starts off the Cory Stratton claim but now he drops from 40K claimers into this softer conditioned event, where he figures to be one of the major players. (4) OSTRO HANOVER resurfaces at Yonkers now in the Blumenfeld barn with Bartlett driving and he's got plenty of back class. (7) TWIG raced pretty well though no match to the top three in his local debut and he can build off that effort; consider at a price underneath.

Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) STELLAR YANKEE is another Stratton trainee who is now eligible to drop into this easier spot, and he draws the rail which makes him a player. Ideal trip would be in the pocket to #4 with late clearance. (6) SHINE A LIGHT drops, returns to Bartlett and only needs to overcome the post. (4) ROCK DIAMONDS N seems to have tailed off a touch after wins came so easily earlier in the season; still a major threat and would be no surprise.

Race 6: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) NANDOLO N is always a horse I try to beat but this just feels like a winning spot for the Shane Tritton-trained veteran. (1) FAMILY RECIPE was used hard in the early stages last week to secure position and had little left late. He can trip out here and land a piece. (2) OZONE BLUE CHIP finished with plenty in his last two and now moves inside, though I'm unsure of the trip with the speed inside of him. Maybe he can find his way into the pocket.

Race 7: 3-5 YO $50,000/$75,000 Claiming Pace

(7) RJ SPORTS IMAGE has missed a little time but assuming he’s good to go Bartlett will be firing hard and if not stung too badly he can go the distance. (1) KOOTENAY SANTANNA was pretty good for second last week after an uncovered trip and despite having the rail again he may end up with a similar trip; he’s capable. (5) IMMA BE has major-league speed like the top choice and that will make things interesting off the gate.

Race 8: Open Pace

(1) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK was away in last and effectively toured the track last week but now moves all the way inside making him a major threat to take these coast to coast, like three back. (5) BACKSTREET SHADOW did much of the heavy lifting in his last and was run over by the sharp rival tracking his cover. Millionaire is overdue for a better trip and is a must-use here regardless. (7) MOONSHINE KISSES was used hard to clear command in last week’s Open and gave way under pressure; he’s right back in to go and is reunited with Brennan, who always handles him well.

Race 9: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(7) JUSTASEC N has been super in every start (except two back when up in class and was cooked to extra crispy) and for multiple trainers as well. Now on to the Berkeley barn he's got the speed to get into plat. (5) MICKY GEE N is tagged tonight for $50K so he doesn't have to face too tough; hoping for two consecutive live efforts. (4) SAN DOMINO A is loaded with back class and deserves respect. Still has some speed at his disposal.

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Race 10: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) EUPHORIA N may not be as accomplished as others in here but he's plenty sharp and in a spot where he can ride a live trip at a price. (3) FEELIN WESTERN has been decent lately and is back locally at a level where he belongs. (1) PRICELESS BEACH is reunited with Kakaley and a better effort certainly can be expected.

Race 11: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) JIMMY CONNOR B was lost at the rear last week but his prior two efforts put him right in the mix with these. (1) THE REGULATOR was in with better last week and did not fire despite following the live cover of Jack's Legend; he should be speeding off the gate. (6) SOHO LENNON A is back in shape and may try to leave, or if not hopefully stay glued to the rail and improve position along the way.