Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 9/18

2023 MEET STATS: 338 - 961 / $1,680.70 (-$241.30)

BEST BETS: 53 - 89 / $172.40 (-$5.60)

BEST BET: DECOY (10^th)

SPOT PLAY: REAL PEACE (2^nd)

Race 1: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(4) DEETZY has been on an extended form spree as he's made his way up the claiming ladder to the $50K level. Veteran won't offer much of a price but he is the most logical winner. (2) POINTOMYGRANSON draws back inside and it will be interesting to see if Brennan is intent on cutting the mile or if he will defer to #4. (1) ALOTBETTOR N steps up to uncharted waters off a nice win at the 40's and can land a share departing from the rail.

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Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(3) REAL PEACE needed a major drop in price to turn things around and that proved to be just what the doctor ordered; Engblom trainee looks to repeat back up in class. (6) BALLERAT BOOMERANG has been solid over the last few months and hopefully he can keep it up for his new connections after being claimed out of his last start; Brennan is back for the drive. (2) CRUNCH HANOVER is in for a tag tonight after being caught up in a fast mile in his local return.

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Race 3: NW10881 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) AMERICAN CLASSIC recently hit town for connections who tend to do well here and he wired a softer field. This will be tougher as he goes for the repeat but he may just be sharp enough. (1) B LIKE CRUISER hasn't won in a while but he's got good speed and finds a very live spot to score first off the DiDomenico claim. (6) WICHITA LINEMAN also exits claimers after just missing last out. Veteran picks up leading driver Bartlett.

Race 4: 3-5YO $30,000 Claiming Pace

(1) CANTSTOPLYING is 0 for 15 on the year but he's looked better recently and he probably finds an easier spot here as he moves to the age-restricted claimer. Drawing the rail and gaining Bartlett may get him over the top. (3) HURRIKANE GEORGIE jogged last start in a classic 'barn-change bonanza' and was reclaimed by his original connections. Maybe he remains sharp. (5) COLD CREEK FELIPE has hit the board in his last six races.

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

(4) HE'S SPECIAL has 14 wins on the season, including last week, and also his last start before being claimed away from the Engblom barn. Tonight he returns to those connections off the reclaim and looks like the one to beat. (2) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER has been solid most of the season and was a winner when last out of the two hole. (6) STRIKING IMPACT is a proven closer who only needs a good setup to make an impact here.

Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) FAMILY RECIPE dropped back to this level for his last start and showed good late energy to make it close for third behind the strong winner. This is a good spot for Holland to revert to aggressive tactics with the gelding. (1) YOROKOBI B sat a trip and just missed last out, and that was after returning from a sick scratch. Import bumps back up in class but could be looking at a similarly live trip. (8) MR IBIZA N and (7) JIMMY CONNOR B are both sharp but may be cancelled out by the bad outside posts. With some luck either could hit the ticket at a price.

Race 7: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) CAPTIVATE HANOVER was tons the best last start and though he faces some stiff competition tonight drawing the rail allows Dube a chance to control the action again. (8) ANOTHRMASTRPIECE N lands the eight hole looking to win another but no doubt Bartlett will be blasting and he's more than capable if not roughed up too much. (4) SPORTY M THREE was a well-rated 1:51 1/5 winner last out for Burke and he looms as another logical contender.

Race 8: Open Handicap 1 assigned, 2-3, 4-7 drawn Pace

(6) AMERICAN MERCURY was a nice pocket-sitting winner once he got clearance in his return to the Open ranks and despite moving outside the Bongiorno trainee has the early speed to be involved from the outset. (4) ROCKNROLL RUNA A has been solid in every local start since arriving on the scene earlier this year. Holland picks up the drive on the Stalbaum import and the midpack post is reasonable. (4) FUNATTHEBEACH N returns from his tour of Canada and he's reunited with Stratton.

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Race 9: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) EUPHORIA N finishes every start with solid late strides and last week he had plenty coming up the rail after a smooth trip. He may need things to go his way but he's definitely worth including at what should be a decent price, (4) I DID IT MYWAY was used hard with that :53 2/5 half upon arrival and gave way under pressure. Alagna-trained 4YO millionaire can obviously rebound here. (1) MOONLIGHT SHADOW was just 'ok' last start but he gets another crack from the rail.

Race 10: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(3) DECOY has gone two tough uncovered trips since being claimed for $30K by the Dicostanzo barn. He drops back down to that level and is overdue for a smoother ride. (6) SHARK PLAY bumps up a notch after really turning things around in his last couple and Bartlett is back driving. (4) ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR debuts for new connections tonight looking for his third straight; hard to know if he remains sharp.