Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 8/8
MEET STATS: 251 - 759 / $1,281.20 (-$236.80)
BEST BETS: 37 - 70 / $150.20 (+$10.20)
Best Bet: THE WILD CARD (11th)
Spot Play: THE REGULATOR (8th)
Race 1: Italian/American Friendship Pace. NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) BASS PLAYER seems competitive here class-wise, has some versatility and a reasonable post. (3) JESSICAS BEACH BOY returns from Monticello and does have proven speed. He can be forwardly placed by his Italian pilot. (2) VENIER HANOVER has poor current form but he picks up Anthony Verruso, who is one of the better amateurs out there.
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Race 2: $50,000 Claiming Trot
(5) LINDSEY'S PRIDE tends to run hot and cold but his last two races were very live and he appears ready to score. (3) WILD AND CRAZY GUY seems to have "third-itis", maybe he can improve on that. (2) CRAZYCAT drops in for a tag and has been behaving himself recently; veteran has quietly grinded out over $400K in earnings.
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Race 3: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(4) DARK ENERGY N raced decently from this post two back then got stuck in the eight hole last start; Stratton trainee faces a tall order knocking off the two inside ones (Dowse/Bako) but the price should be right. (1) BALLERAT BOOMERANG has been in good form and lands the innermost post with Bartlett; logical. (1) MACINTOSH N has been popular at the claim box despite being deep into his 13YO season. He gets post relief in his second start for Bako.
Race 4: $75,000 Claiming Pace
(2) AIR FORCE HANOVER was made available last start for $75K and Gillis snatched him up. He draws well with Stratton taking the lines and he makes for a very interesting proposition here. (3) BARBADOS has been solid in all recent races; he looks like a must-use. (5) ROLLING WITH SAM has also been sharp since the Alexander claim. Interestingly, Sears is listed with the catch drive as regular driver Kakaley is on the sidelines.
Race 5: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) NONE BETTOR A takes a needed drop from the Open level and the super-classy veteran should respond accordingly. His best game is speed but note a few starts back he was a sharp off-the-pace winner. (4) DEAN B HANOVER was bet down to the chalk last week but never made an impact; that shouldn't be the case tonight. (6) LOU'S SWEETREVENGE scored in his second try off the Bako claim and now bumps back up and also lands outside his main competition; need a price to use on top.
Race 6: $75,000 Claiming Trot
(1) SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN has been consistent in all recent starts but has just been unable to find the winner's circle; classy vet should get lucky one of these weeks. (3) IN MY DREAMS was claimed by Dowse for $50K after a long run in the Laterza barn; Bartlett now drives and he will obviously attract plenty of attention. (4) STONEBRIDGE GAMBLE was better last week for a struggling barn.
Race 7: $75,000 Claiming Pace
(4) OZONE BLUE CHIP has been solid in two starts for Bako and while he steps up to face $75K claimers and loses Bartlett to the Dowse trainee I'll give him top call. (2) EXPLOIT didn't threaten in debut for Dowse from a tough spot but he'll be very live tonight. (7) DELIGHTFUL TERROR can go with these but needs everything to go his way from this tough outer post; price option underneath.
Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) THE REGULATOR was caught uncovered from similar spots the last two times Bartlett drove so maybe he gets more aggressive early and tries for the front; everything from this barn has to be respected. (2) PERFECTLY CLOSE went a Northfield-type effort two back spending overtime on the rim from the eight hole and last week he was fourth best in a quick mile at Philly; veteran can be a player here from just off the pace. (6) VELOCITY KOMODO was treated rudely last week and didn't tire all that badly. Unfortunately he lands another outer post.
Race 9: Open Handicap Pace
Strong Open tonight...(6) FUNATTHEBEACH N was uncovered into a well-rated pace last week as the top two had it easy and he can be excused for finishing third. From this spot Stratton may look to float out to keep his outside rivals from looping him and then hopefully ride a live cover trip. (8) TATTOO ARTIST is back from Saratoga where he won the Gerrity with a strong late surge. Tough spot here, as it's hard to make a strong case because of the eight hole, but also hard to dismiss him. (4) AMERICAN DEALER N makes his way back to the top level and the post advantage should work in his favor.
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Race 10: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) BUDDY HILL was going nowhere last week at Pocono as the eight hole in a 1:47 4/5 mile with the elder Kakaley in the bike sealed his fate. Alexander trainee could be live in his local return with Sears in the bike. (3) PRICELESS BEACH goes third-time Lasix and takes a needed drop from the Open level. (2) PEACE OUT POSSE lands a much more desirable post here for the Bongiorno outfit.
Race 11: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) THE WILD CARD woke up in a huge way with that 1:51 3/5 blowout versus lesser last start. Bump in class shouldn't be an issue. (5) VANILLA MALTED is an interesting shipper for Cory Stratton and may offer some value. (3) SAULSBROOK HERO has been a solid check-earner at this level for the Forte barn; Siegelman drives again.