Yonkers: Analysis for Monday 9/9

2024 MEET STATS: 300 - 975 / $1,621.70 (-$328.30)

BEST BETS: 43 - 84 / $152.60 (-$15.40)

BEST BET: HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR (6^th)

SPOT PLAY: FUNATTHEBEACH N (5^th)

Race 1: NW7626 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) LYRICAL GENIUS A just missed here two back before heading to The Meadowlands and was a good second again; Stratton is back driving this sharp pacer for his brother from a good inside post. (3) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES has been okay since the Bongiorno claim and the post improvement should make a big difference. (4) BLUE HUNT obviously has the talent with over $350K earned midway through his 4YO season and that qualifier indicates he’s ready; just not willing to accept a short price on a shipper into a new barn.

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Race 2: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(4) MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING hasn’t won locally in quite a while but he’s hit the board in his last three and gets a driver change here to Holland. Maybe the fresh set of hands helps. (7) BAD BOY TOO enters yet another new barn via claim and he’s been good for everybody; he’s got the speed to overcome the post. (1) LOUS THE ATTITUDE hasn’t fired at all in his 4YO season for Engblom; drops in for a tag and returns to Bartlett.

Race 3: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) POINTOMYGRANSON put it all back together as soon as I bailed. Probably a mistake coming back on board at 6/5 ML but he’s classy and sharp enough to repeat. (2) SURFSIDE BEACH dropped to this level last week and was outbattled late; lands a good inside post and has a legit chance. (5) DEETZY takes a needed drop and is a candidate to wake up; Holland blast?

Race 4: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE has raced well in the last two at the age-restricted Open level and the drop with the addition of Bartlett can get this 4YO home. (3) ADAM TWELVE also comes out of that race and is in a better spot to show off some early speed. (4) LAYTON HANOVER was a winner in his local return and the step up in class shouldn’t be a problem; Buter picks up the drive.

Race 5: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(7) FUNATTHEBEACH N has just three wins over 25 starts this year but this is the softest field he’s faced in recent memory and the classmaster deserves top billing despite the post. (3) OPTICAL ILLUSION N was claimed two back for $50K and the Alexander trainee was stuck in post eight first out; drops again with major post relief. (5) HECANDANCENCRUISE had the seven and eight hole in his two starts off the long layoff; Bongiorno trainee is worth a look from a spot where he can be more involved.

Race 6: 3-5YO Open Pace

(2) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR has been racing with the best in the land all season and while this field is no pushover the 4YO should be able to handle these. (5) PLEASELETMEKNOW did well to land a piece from the eight hole last start; Kakaley figures to be more involved with the Alexander trainee tonight. (4) VERDON won’t be coasting on the lead in a :57 half this week as he’ll be off the pace for Lachance.

Race 7: Invitational Pace

(2) MY ULTIMATE BYRON A is unproven versus this type as he enters the top level but he always brings a legit effort and has a post edge on his main rivals while picking up leading driver Bartlett. (3) RACING RAMPAGE has won his last four at the age-restricted Open level and though he meets all-age foes that doesn’t figure to slow him down. (4) HEMSWORTH N picked up a check in the Canadian Pacing Derby and was a winner his last Yonkers race.

Race 8: $30,000 Claiming Pace

(1) IM A POWERPLAY A drops in class and lands the rail; gelding beat $40’s three back from a similar spot. (2) J B GRAM has been right there in five of six for top connections and moves back inside. (7) SOUTH POINT finished with good pace to make it close in debut off the DiDomenico claim but has to contend with an outside post tonight; still merits consideration.

Race 9: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(5) BECHERS BROOK A was claimed last week for about the 28^th time this year and back a couple of months ago he had two big efforts for these connections. (1) MICKY GEE N is tough to guess right with more often than not but a similar effort to his latest where he was second after dropping to this level makes him a player again. (2) UCANTTOUCHTHIS had a clean trip first out for Lachance but finished just evenly; gets another crack from an inside post.

Race 10: $40,000 Claiming Pace

(3) MISTER DONALD A has taken three straight for the unlikely combo of Garcia-Herrera and catch driver Steve Smith – they’ve hooked up for numerous wins with a few horses this year. Veteran can strike again from just off the pace. (1) SAN DOMINO A woke up big-time after dropping to $30’s and he now goes for DiDomenico off the claim and kicks back up a notch; one to catch. (6) OZONE BLUE CHIP needs to get off the gate fast or else he’s in trouble; obviously possible with Bartlett.

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Race 11: $50,000 Claiming Pace

I can’t remember ever seeing (4) SHAKESPEARE show speed from the outside but last week he made the front then scored from the pocket at 52/1 – and he was claimed. No standouts in here so maybe he repeats. (3) BIG DREAM FELLA gets Kakaley on the catch drive which helps the price as Bartlett goes to #5. Last few he’s proven he belongs with these. (5) GENTLE GIANT is another oft-claimed horse who now goes to Bako and steps up while very sharp.

Race 12: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) J M MANDAMIN was dead-game in victory last out after facing pressure a long way and the Bongiorno trainee will be on or near the front looking to repeat. (6) THIS IS THE PLAN hasn’t shown much in his last few but he’s back at the level of his last win (though that was from the inside). Dube has been driving the Burke triple-millionaire regularly of late and maybe he can leave harder tonight. (1) CAPTIVATE HANOVER has been off his game for some time now but he’s too classy to stay dull forever.