Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 9/20

MEET STATS: 318 - 903 / $1,705.00 (-$101.00)

BEST BETS: 43 - 85 / $135.20 (-$34.80)

Best Bet: LEONIDAS A (8th)

Spot Play: TITO ROCKS (9th)

Race 1: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(5) HASH TAG SWAG was sent to the front from the seven hole last week and fended off all comers except the pocket-sitting Marty Monkhouser; Bongiorno charge will undoubtedly be firing out again and can last the duration this time. (3) ALOTBETTOR N moves to a more advantageous post and he does have some early speed in his arsenal; as long as he doesn't get cooked disputing the early pace he can grab a nice share. (2) JOJO’S PLACE drew three consecutive eight-holes off the Jake Huff claim and never got involved; needless to say this is a better spot.

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Race 2: $75,000 Claiming Pace

(1) I'M SOME GRADUATE has had a down season by his standards but his last start should serve as a good tightener for tonight's race; Brennan can work out a winning trip from the pole position with the Burke trainee. (4) KEYSTONE PHOENIX has done little in two starts off the Adamczyk claim and technically he's up in class but there are no standouts in here; Kakaley gets the drive tonight and maybe he can wake this guy up. (6) SOHO LEVIATHAN A was reclaimed by Devita and he's performed well for that barn this season.

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Race 3: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(2) DESIRE'S CAPTAIN saw his five-race win streak snapped last week as he was inhaled in the stretch; Team Bongiorno success story is back down in class, drew well and is clearly the one to beat. (3) MAROMA BEACH finished decently last week after escaping traffic and he can complete the exacta with a smooth trip. (4) BETTOR NOTBITTER A didn’t fire at all when sent to the rim in his last start; he was a winner at this level three back.

Race 4: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) ROCK LIGHTS returns from the Maritimes now in the Daguet barn and he draws the rail in this pretty soft field; veteran can take this field down the road. (4) ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR gets class relief, draws a decent post and can be much more involved here. (8) J B MAUNEY N returns from Saratoga off an okay effort with Lasix added; import clearly has ability and should be considered, despite post eight.

Race 5: $50,000 Claiming Pace

(3) UPTOWN FUNK has been rock-solid in his last three starts facing similar and is an obvious top contender in here. (2) FOREVER FAV has raced very gamely for Team Bongiorno but has just come up a touch short in his last few tries; he'll be right there at the wire. (1) SPORTSKEEPER bumps up to face 50's after a solid try first out off the Devita claim.

Race 6: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) MACH DORO A was far off the gate in his local return then put in one of the most insane qualifiers you will ever see down at Philly, winning by the length of the stretch in 1:49 4/5. Tough to predict what happens here, but I'll give him a stab in a race where I'm not thrilled with anyone else. (5) OURMAJORDAN A went a solid effort in defeat last week but overall it's been a highly disappointing season for this veteran import. (2) SANTAFE'S COACH drops a notch, draws well and should be counted on for a share.

Race 7: Open Handicap Pace

(7) DRAGON SAID took a week off after yet another Open win and though he's outside again he's got more than enough speed to compensate. If he makes the lead he'll be very difficult to pass. (3) NANDOLO N was well-meant last out but was held at bay by the top one; he ends up with a pretty cozy starting spot again and should be a big player. (6) BELMONT MAJOR N has done nothing wrong in all recent races, both here and at Pocono.

Race 8: NW31100 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) LEONIDAS A had a solid local return and would have been second best if not pinned in the pocket; he faces softer tonight and with his newfound early speed should be extremely difficult to defeat. (3) TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER gets needed post relief and the Lachance trainee is proven with these; he should never be 20/1 on the morning line. (4) SHADOW CAT was very game in defeat last week where he wore down the leader but was run over by the closing Funknwaffles (#2 in here). He faces some good ones but is sharp enough to garner a share.

Race 9: NW20250 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) TITO ROCKS raced in this class two back and had a tough go of it from post eight; this is a much more realistic spot for the four-year-old-gelding. (5) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A has just been racing evenly of late but he does get to drop here and could show more. (6) ROCKAPELO has failed to get involved in all his recent races, while taking tote action along the way. Does he burn more money tonight?

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Race 10: $100,000 Claiming Pace

Yes, that's correct, these horses are entered for $100K! (5) WEONA SIZZLER A has really found his stride since the Gillis claim and last week's race is pretty much a toss as he was in a no-chance spot. He shouldn't be too far back here and can finish fastest. (1) TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY was jammed in the pocket last week and never got free while appearing to have plenty of pace; don’t discount his chances. (2) LYONS KING is back from a start in Ohio where was pressed hard and gave way; he's been right in the action in all prior local starts for Jenn and Joe B.

Race 11: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

I can't help myself when I keep gravitating back to (3) RAUKAPUKA RULER N. Tritton import drops to a new low, finally lands a good post and has zero excuses tonight. (4) BETTOR MEMORIES can still bring a serious effort occasionally and considering he hasn't been used that hard recently, this may be a good spot for a top try. (1) SOMEWHERE FANCY has missed some time since his disappointing effort in the Cup & Saucer final, but he does draw the rail and can work out a live trip.